Black Canyon National Park Is A Great Place To Visit In Winter
The Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park, compared to other national parks of Colorado, is often overlooked because of its remote location and difficult access. Its beauty and stunning landscape are not to be missed. The Gunnison River is one of Colorado’s most beautiful scenes. It features dramatic cliffs and deep canyons.
There are many reasons to visit this national park in winter, even though the summer is the most popular season. Find out why you should put a winter trip to the Black Canyon of Gunnison on your Colorado bucket-list.
Colorado’s Least Visited Park
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison , located on Colorado’s Western Slope was created by the Gunnison River over millions of years. The canyon’s walls are so steep and narrow, that sunlight is unable to penetrate the canyon core.
It is smaller than other national parks at 30,750 acres. However, it has a lot to offer, above and below the rim.
The Painted Wall is Colorado’s largest cliff. Or, you can stand and watch as the Gunnison river roars through the canyon. Black Canyon has similar features to the Grand Canyon but on a smaller scale.
Comparatively, the Gunnison River falls an average of 43 feet every mile. This is almost six times faster than the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
The park has two entry points. South Rim is accessible from the west, near Montrose, and North Rim is accessible from the east, near Crawford. No bridges or entrance points exist to connect the two sides of the canyon. To get to the opposite side, you must drive around the canyon. It can take several hours to drive, but it is possible to do in one day.
Wintertime in Black Canyon of Gunnison
The North Rim is closed during the winter months, and the South Rim becomes the only entry point. North Rim usually closes from late November to mid-April. You will need to hike a lot if you want to enter the park from the North Rim.
The first major snowfall usually occurs in November and signals the end of the North Rim. The temperature can drop below zero during the night. It has been known to fall as low as 30F.
Enjoy the entire place to yourself
The Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park receives approximately 430,000 visitors per year. However, the number of visitors drops even more during the winter. The north entrance is closed, and the park’s lack of driveability means that access and people are limited. You may see a few visitors, but there won’t likely be a line or a fight for parking.
It’s FREE!
Winter months are free to enter the park! During the summer, a normal park fee is $25 for all vehicles with a seven-day pass. What else can we tell you? Winter is a great time to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Beautiful Scenery
The Black Canyon is a stunning place to visit at any time of the year. In the winter the snow adds an extra layer to the beauty. After a light snowfall, the steep walls and jagged cliffs are covered with white flakes that highlight the canyon’s rugged walls.
The river is lined with snow-covered boulders, which makes the water rushing against the adjacent cliff walls stand out dramatically. The only sound you can hear is the rushing water of the river as it continues its journey down the canyon. It is truly magical.
Nordic skiing or Snowshoeing
Snowfall can vary significantly from one year to the next at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Conditions are ideal for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing from late December through March. In the winter the South Rim Drive will be plowed, but only to the South Rim Visitor Center in Gunnison Point.
Visitors can park at the visitor centre and drive as far as possible beyond the road closure. This includes High Point. The road is 6 miles long one-way, so the trip out and back totals 12 miles. This wide, gentle route is ideal for beginners. The road has been groomed to accommodate both classic and skate cross-country skiers.
The Oak Flat Loop, Rimrock Trail, and Uplands Trail all make excellent routes for beginners and experts. Combine them to make a long loop. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the canyons and snowy mountains from several overlooks.
No snowshoes available? There is a limited supply of snowshoes available at the visitor center. They are free for anyone to use.
The Gunnison Nordic Club and National Park Service rangers organize a moonlight skiing event at the Black Canyon in the Gunnison National Park. Check the NPS site for the latest dates and times.
Winter camping is permitted along the South Rim Drive, beyond Pulpit Rock Overlook. No facilities are available, and wood fires are not permitted. You will need a free wilderness permit.
Starry skies are a sight to behold
Winter is the best time to observe the stars in Black Canyon of the Gunnison, which is an International Dark Sky Park. Winter Night Skies is a program that brings together the NP rangers and the Black Canyon Astronomical Society to organize events for viewing the night sky. Visitors can use telescopes to enjoy a starry night while looking down at the canyon.
Come prepared to dress warmly. Call the South Rim Visitor Center at 970-641-2337 for the exact time of the event. It depends on the weather and snow conditions.
Montrose has many other things to do
Montrose, the nearest town, offers many amenities including restaurants and lodging.
Where to Stay
Montrose has several hotels that provide overnight and extended stay accommodations. The Black Canyon Motel and the Country Lodge are both good choices. Book your stay at the cozy Canyon Creek Bed and Breakfast for a homey feel. Cedar Creek RV Park offers RV parking or tiny homes along the creek.
Things To Do
Visit one of the many museums in the town to escape from the cold. The Ute Indian Museum, Montrose Historical Museum and the outdoor historical exhibits of the Museum of the Mountain West are all great museums to visit. Take a stroll through the historic Montrose downtown. Discover unique shops and galleries, restaurants, as well as beautifully restored Victorian-era buildings.
Where can I eat and drink
Visit the Horsefly Brewing Company, or 2 Rascals Brewing. Storm King Distilling Company has some local spirits if beer isn’t for you.
Backstreet Bagel Company offers great sandwiches and coffee to-go. The Colorado Boy Pizzeria and brewery is a great place to grab a beer and some pizza after a day of snowshoeing. Other specialty food options include the Double Barrel Taco Company or the Himalayan Pun Hill Kitchen.
Winter is the perfect time to explore Colorado and the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park.
