Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Montrose, USA)
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the newest National Park in the United States, being formed in 1999. The park encompasses 14 miles of the Black Canyon and is unique for is sheer walls and narrow distance between the canyon walls. At its narrowest point it is only about 350 m. The walls can be nearly .8 km in height. The Gunnison River, as it flows through the Black Canyon offers, some of the most challenging rapids in the world. Parts of the river are considered non traversable. It is also home to some of the best fishing in the state of Colorado. There are several routes to the inner canyon. There are, however, plenty of dangers. Visit the web site for more specific information and warnings. There is air service via airports in Montrose, Gunnison, and Grand Junction. The nearest major international airport is in Denver, about 402 km northeast of Montrose. The north rim is 24 km from Montrose while the south rim is 18 km from Crawford. Both the north and south rims can be visited, however to get from one side to the other takes about 2 hours as there is no bridge. The visitor center is open all year with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years day. Hours: Fall, Winter, Spring: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm ; Summer: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm.Cost is about £7.65 per carload. The park is open every day of the year. However, the north side visitor center is only open a few times during the year. The total length of the south rim road is open only in summer. From about mid April to late November. The road is used for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing starting at Gunnison Point.
Contact
102 Elk Creek, 81230, Telephone: +1(970)6412337 | Fax: +1(970)6413127 | Official site