Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was established first as a national monument in 1933, then as a park in 1999. The most notable characteristic of the park are the deep and narrow canyon that runs through it, with walls 2,200 feet high. The Gunnison River travels rapidly through the canyon, dropping around 34 feet per mile, losing more elevation in 48 miles than the Mississippi River does in more than 2,000. At this speed, the river carves out the canyon at the rate of one inch every 100 years.
For the adventurous visitor, wilderness permits can be acquired from the visitor center. These permits allow you to travel down into the canyon, something we did not do. For everyone else, we have some recommendations as to what to do, as well as the order to do it in.
1. Stop at the South Rim Visitor Center
The visitor center is one of the first stops you will make in the park. Not only is the view spectacular (Gunnison Point is located behind the visitor center), but the rangers have gone above and behind what we have experienced thus far at other parks. Aside from maps and guides, which have been at all parks, this park also had ranger programs scheduled and available at the visitor center. Moreover, there was a board of recent wildlife sightings within the park that included locations and dates. The rangers are knowledgeable and more than wiling to answer any questions you have, so feel free to talk to them!
2. Drive on the South Rim Road
This road is the main road that travels along the canyon. There are numerous parking areas that access overlooks and viewpoints along the canyon. The road itself does not provide many views of the canyon. Feel free to stop at the viewpoints on the way up, as most of the parking is going to be on the right side of the road as you go deeper in the park. Depending on the business of the park, you may want to do what we did, and drive to the end of the road first, then stop at the overlooks on the way back.
3. Hike Warner Point
Warner Point is a trail at the end of the south rim road, and is one trail that you do not want to miss. The trail is 1.5 miles, moderate, and provides tremendous views. Upon arrival, we noticed interpretive handouts at the trailhead that provided some backstory on the establishment of the national monument, as well as some fascinating information on the plants and animals in the area. Warner Point is named for one of the most influential people involved in establishing the monument. He was fascinated with the ancient pine and juniper trees that grew in the canyon, some of which are upwards of 800 years old. We were pleasantly surprised that the trail included so much information on the adaptations plants have made to survive in such a harsh environment, be sure to pick up the booklet from the trailhead!