Travel Buddies: Pete & Joan

Living the Dream, One Trip at a Time

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

An aerial view of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, showcasing its steep walls and deep gorge carved by the Gunnison River. The dramatic rock formations display intricate patterns and a range of colors, illuminated by the soft light of sunrise or sunset.

Some places humble you the moment you arrive. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of them!  This park is said to be one of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes in the American West, a geological marvel. Over millions of years, the Gunnison River has carved a narrow, steep-walled gorge through ancient rock, revealing some of the oldest exposed rock in North America (Precambrian metamorphic rock over 1.7 billion years old!).

What sets Black Canyon apart is its depth, steepness, and darkness. The canyon plunges over 2,700 feet at its deepest point; in some areas, the rim is only 40 feet wide. The name “Black Canyon” comes from the fact that sunlight reaches the canyon floor for only a few minutes each day. This makes the walls appear almost black.

A panoramic view of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, showcasing steep, rugged rock formations and the Gunnison River below, under a clear blue sky.

The photos below are from Gunnison Point, located just behind the visitor center.  It was our first glimpse of the canyon—and it left me speechless!

A panoramic view of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, showcasing steep, rugged cliffs and the Gunnison River at the canyon's base, surrounded by greenery and distant mountains.
Two individuals posing together at the edge of a viewpoint, with the steep cliffs of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in the background. Lush green foliage and rocky terrain are visible under a clear blue sky.
Three men stand at the edge of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, with steep canyon walls and a lush green landscape in the background under a blue sky.

In 1901, a six-man team spent 37 days mapping just 33 miles of the river due to the terrain’s difficulty.  Early explorers declared the inner canyon “inaccessible by humans” — and they weren’t far off!  We took the easy way and explored only the southern rim of the canyon because of its easy access and more popular viewpoints.

A panoramic view of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, showcasing its steep, rocky walls and the Gunnison River flowing through the bottom.

This is not the longest or widest canyon in the U.S., but one of the steepest and most abrupt. The placard below puts into perspective the depth of the canyon walls….

A sign displaying the heights of various landmarks compared to the Painted Wall, the tallest vertical cliff in Colorado, with silhouettes of the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building, Taipei 101, and Burj Khalifa.

It was a hot day, and we had travel partners who were not up for seeing all the scenic spots.  But what we did see was just amazing! So… we took a break and sat down to eat the picnic lunch we brought!

A group of friends enjoying a picnic at a shaded picnic table in a natural setting, surrounded by trees.

This area wasn’t just about rocks…..

A weathered tree with a twisted trunk stands in front of a cloudy sky, representing resilience and the passage of time, accompanied by a sign describing its age and endurance.

Even from above, you can sense the power of the Gunnison River, still carving its way through 2-billion-year-old rock.

Panoramic view of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, showcasing steep rock walls and a deep gorge under a clear blue sky, with lush greenery in the foreground.

Other pretty sights along the way!

A close-up view of a cactus in bloom with yellow flowers and surrounding desert flora.

I so agree with this…..

A quote by Wallace Stegner displayed on a blue background, emphasizing the importance of preserving wilderness and nature as a vital part of human sanity and hope.

June, 2025: Traveling in Colorado with Chris and Bonnie Baird & Conrad and Jane Paul