Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Established as a national monument in 1933 under President Herbert Hoover, then re-designated as a national park in October of 1999, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison preserves 14 miles of a spectacular gorge that is really 48 miles long.

Some of the geologically oldest Precambrian rocks on the American continent are displayed here with all three basic rock types (igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary) visible. Briefly, an area of ancient metamorphic rock was uplifted to form the “Gunnison Uplift” which was then covered by volcanic material, followed by the more recent cutting of the gorge by the Gunnison River. Tectonic plate movements allowed igneous intrusions that left their unmistakable mark on the canyon walls.  What is now on display is a canyon with sheer walls, incredibly steep cliffs and an array of craggy spires that warn visitors away from its depths. At its deepest point, the river is 2,722 feet below the canyon rim and at its narrowest point, it is only 40 feet wide. One area in the canyon receives a maximum of 33 minutes of direct sunlight thus contributing the name “Black Canyon.” Total acreage is 30,750, mostly “wilderness.” The “Painted Wall” is an outstanding example of the intrusive igneous rocks that weave through the metamorphic rock like veins.
The park roads on both rims are open on a seasonal basis as well as the campground, but cross-country skiing is a superb way to still see the canyon in winter months.  In the 1930’s. the Civilian Conservation Corps helped build the main road and construct many of the overlooks. In the late 1800’s, there was a plan to build a railroad through the canyon but exploration deemed the feat “impossible.”