Danger
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect
Until further notice, the following are PROHIBITED in all park areas: (1) Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires or pellet grills, or any other open burning. Properly shielded, self-contained propane or liquid-fueled camp stoves and grills, lanterns, or other heated devices with on/off switches are permitted. (2) All smoking, except within a personally-owned enclosed vehicle. (3) Discharging or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices.
More infoInformation
Cashless Operations
Black Canyon's operations are now cashless. South Rim Campground is by reservation only via Recreation.gov. East Portal & North Rim campground sites are first-come first-served and accept payment using Scan & Pay through Recreation.gov's mobile app.
More infoBlack Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
CO · Montrose
Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Forces of nature and the Gunnison River sculpted this canyon over two million years. The result is a vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.
Riding guide
Highlights
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado is known for its incredibly steep canyon walls…
Riding
Rideable terrain here is noted as 5 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. Horseback riding is permitted on the Deadhorse Trail, a scenic out-and-back route that follows the canyon rim through high desert terrain. Riders travel across open meadows and pinyon-juniper woodlands before reaching sweeping views of the canyon’s sheer cliffs and deep river gorge. The trail is generally considered easy to moderate and provides a peaceful ride with minimal crowds compared to many national parks.
Rideable terrain
5 miles
Trailer parking
Trailer Parking – Kneeling Camel Overlook (North Rim) Primary equestrian parking for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This small overlook lot at the east end of North Rim Road serves as the trailhead for the Deadhorse Trail, the park’s only horse-accessible route. Space is limited but typically adequate for horse trailers. No horse facilities, water, or hitching posts are available, so riders should come fully prepared. Quiet, remote setting with direct access to the canyon rim trail.
Horse regulations
Horse Use Regulations Horseback riding at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is allowed in a very limited area and is carefully managed to protect the fragile canyon environment. Equestrian use is restricted to a single designated trail on the park’s quieter North Rim. Riders should review park rules before visiting and come prepared, as there are no horse facilities available. However, several core regulations and best practices apply for riders in the park. Riding Is Only Allowed on the Deadhorse Trail Horses and pack animals are permitted only on the Deadhorse Trail on the North Rim of the park. Riding on any other trails, overlooks, or inner canyon routes is prohibited. Riders must remain on the established trail at all times. Trailer Access and Staging Horses must be brought in by trailer and staged at the Deadhorse Trailhead near Kneeling Camel Overlook on the North Rim Road. Riders should plan accordingly, as parking areas are limited and there are no dedicated horse facilities. No Grazing or Stock Facilities Grazing is not permitted anywhere within the park. There are no corrals, hitch rails, or watering facilities, and horses may not be tied to trees, signs, or other natural or cultural features. Feed and Invasive Species Control To help protect native ecosystems, riders must bring: Certified weed-free hay or feed Clean trailers, tack, and hooves before entering riding areas These measures help prevent the spread of invasive plant species on public lands. Stock Control and Trail Courtesy Riders are expected to: Maintain control of horses at all times Yield appropriately to hikers and other trail users Ride carefully along narrow trail sections and canyon rim areas Avoid damaging vegetation or creating new trails Camping With Horses Overnight camping with horses is not supported within the park, as there are no stock facilities or designated horse camps. Riders planning longer trips should look to nearby public lands outside the park where horse camping may be available.
Getting here
Use 9800 Highway 347, Montrose, Colorado as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Trailer Parking – Kneeling Camel Overlook (North Rim) Primary equestrian parking for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This small overlook lot at the east end of North Rim Road serves as the trailhead for the Deadhorse Trail, the park’s only horse-accessible route. Space is limited but typically adequate for horse trailers. No horse facilities, water, or hitching posts are available, so riders should come fully prepared. Quiet, remote setting with direct access to the canyon rim trail.
Planning your visit
Extremely Limited Horse Access Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers very limited equestrian access. Horses are permitted only on the Deadhorse Trail on the North Rim, making this more of a short scenic ride rather than a full trail network. Deadhorse Trail Distance The Deadhorse Trail is approximately 5 Miles round trip (2.5 Miles each way) and follows an old service road across a sagebrush plateau to overlooks along the canyon rim. No Horse Facilities There are no corrals, hitching posts, water sources, or stock facilities anywhere in the park. Riders must bring everything needed for both horse and rider and plan to be fully self-sufficient. Trailer Parking Location Horse trailers must stage at the Deadhorse Trailhead near Kneeling Camel Overlook on the North Rim Road. Parking space is limited, especially during peak visitation. High Elevation Riding The North Rim sits at roughly 8,000 feet in elevation, which can affect both horses and riders who are not acclimated. Weather can change quickly and temperatures are often cooler than surrounding valleys. Remote North Rim Access The North Rim is more remote and less developed than the South Rim. Services such as gas, food, and supplies are limited nearby, so riders should prepare before arriving. Bring Weed-Free Feed All hay or feed brought into the park must be certified weed-free, which is standard for most public lands in the western United States. Nearby Riding Opportunities While equestrian access within the national park is limited, the surrounding region contains extensive riding opportunities on Bureau of Land Management lands and nearby wilderness areas, making this park a scenic stop within a larger riding trip.
Where to stay
South Rim Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry reads best as a bring-your-own-horse destination rather than a horse-rental stop, and amenities should be confirmed directly before travel. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Montrose before heading deeper into federal-land access points.
Entrance fees & passes
- $30.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
7-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
- $25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
- $15.00
Entrance - Per Person
7-Day Individual Pass (pedestrian or bicycle)
- $25.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 1-6 persons. Fee is $25.00 per vehicle plus $7.00 per passenger.
- $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.
- $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 7-25. Fee is $40.00 per vehicle.
- $100.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Commercial tour fee for vehicle/bus with seating capacity of 26 or more. Fee is $100.00 per vehicle.
- $30.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 15 or fewer: $30.00 per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers.
- $15.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 16 or greater: $15.00 per passenger (including driver). Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per-person rate. Pass and photo ID must be presented upon entry.
- $55.00
Annual Entrance - Park
An annual pass to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is available for $55.00 at the South Rim entrance station from early April to late October, and at Recreation.gov. This pass admits the permit holder and all accompanying passengers in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle to the park. It is valid for 12 months from date of purchase and covers entrance fees only.
Park map
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
East Portal Campground
15 sites
East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon National Park ($30 entrance fee). This small campground is located at the bottom of the canyon along the Gunnison River, shaded by box elder trees. The campground is closed in winter. East Portal Road is closed to vehicles in winter but open to pedestrians and cyclists. The Bureau of Reclamation determines when East Portal Road closes. Elevation: 6526 feet (1989 m).
North Rim Campground
13 sites
The North Rim Campground is remote and has 13 sites dispersed among pinyon and juniper trees. Sites are first-come first-served; all payment is via Scan & Pay on the Recreation.gov app. The last 5.6 miles of the road to the campground are unpaved. Services are very limited. To protect sensitive vegetation, please use designated tent pads and do not tie, hang, or attach anything to trees. Maximum combined length of RV, car and/or trailer is 22 feet. Generators are prohibited. Elevation: 7767 ft (2367 m).
South Rim Campground
88 sites
The South Rim Campground is located one mile (1.6 km) from the South Rim Visitor Center. All campsites are by reservation only through Recreation.gov. Sites are fairly close together, partially shaded by tall shrubs. Only Loop B offers 20 and 30 amp electric hookups. During the warm season, drinking water is available, but there are no showers, dish cleaning stations, or water for RV tanks. Elevation: 8400 ft (2560 m). NOTE: due to wildfire damage, limited sites (non-electric only) are available in 2026.
Reserve a site
Points of interest
Balanced Rock Overlook
POIBig Island Overlook
POICedar Point Overlook
POIChasm View Overlook
POICross Fissures Overlook
POIDevil's Lookout Overlook
POIDragon Point Overlook
POIGunnison Point Overlook
POIHigh Point Overlook
POIIsland Peaks Overlook
POIKneeling Camel Overlook
POINarrows Overlook
POINorth Rim Ranger Station
POIPainted Wall Overlook
POIPulpit Rock Overlook
POIRock Point Overlook
POISunset View Overlook at Black Canyon
POITomichi Overlook
POI
Things to do
Cross-country Skiing at Black Canyon
In winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond the visitor center at Gunnison Point. As staffing and snow conditions allow, rangers groom the remainder of the road for cross-country skiing (skate and classic) and snowshoeing.
Drive East Portal Road
East Portal Road is a windy, steep scenic road down to the Gunnison River. East Portal is within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but only accessible from within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited on the East Portal Road.
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Hike Cedar Point Nature Trail - South Rim
This short, moderately sloped trail offers visitors a chance to brush up on local flora with guideposts describing the various plants along the way.
Hike Chasm View Nature Trail - North Rim
This short loop trail breaks out of the pinyon/juniper forest at the North Chasm View to provide excellent views of Painted Wall and Serpent Point.
Hike Deadhorse Trail - North Rim
Deadhorse Trail takes hikers into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area. It offers good views of Deadhorse Gulch and East Portal on the Gunnison River, as well as good birding.
Hike North Vista Trail - North Rim
Constructed by the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the North Vista Trail offers some of the best scenic views and birding in the park. Difficulty varies from moderate to strenuous based on distance.
Hike Oak Flat Trail - South Rim
This 1.6 mi (2.6 km) trail offers variety to the hiker who would like to explore below the rim without going all the way to the river. The trail is narrow in places and traverses some steep slopes.
Hike Rim Rock Trail - South Rim
This 1-mile (1.6 km) trail, which meanders along the canyon rim, connects the South Rim Visitor Center to the South Rim Campground.
Hike Uplands Trail - South Rim
This .9-mile (1.4 km) trail links the Rim Rock Trail (near the campground) to the upper Oak Flat Loop Trail near the South Rim Visitor Center.
Hike Warner Point Trail - South Rim
Warner Point Trail provides views of various mountain ranges, the Black Canyon, and the Gunnison River. Nature trail guides are available at High Point Overlook or the South Rim Visitor Center.
Join a Ranger Program
Ranger program offerings vary throughout the year. Stop by the South Rim Visitor Center for current offerings and times.
Duration: 20-60 Minutes
Snowshoeing at Black Canyon
Although services and access are limited during winter, the park provides recreation opportunities for winter enthusiasts.
Stargazing at Black Canyon
Black Canyon has exceptional opportunities to view the night skies. Choose overlooks far from the road for optimal stargazing and astrophotography or join one of the park's telescope viewing programs during summer.
Tour the North Rim Road
The North Rim is reached by taking a gravel road from the east end of Crawford State Park. The North Rim Road provides access to 6 overlooks. The canyon walls on the North Rim are almost vertical, offering impressive views.
Duration: 2-3 Hours
Tour the South Rim Drive
The South Rim Drive is a scenic paved road that follows the canyon rim for 7 miles from Tomichi Point to High Point and features 12 overlooks.
Duration: 2-3 Hours
Tour the South Rim Visitor Center
The South Rim Visitor Center is a great first-stop during your visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Stop here to get recommendations from park rangers, tour the interactive exhibits, watch the park movie, shop the park bookstore, and grab maps and brochures to inform your adventure.
Visitor centers
North Rim Ranger Station
The North Rim Ranger Station is open intermittently in summer and closed in winter. In the summer, maps and information are available on the ranger station porch. A self-registration kiosk for wilderness permits is located outside.
Get directionsSouth Rim Visitor Center
This visitor center has exhibits, information, book and map sales, water (available seasonally), vault toilets, and hiking trailheads. It is open year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Get directions
Webcams
Grizzly Ridge
Currently unavailable.
Grizzly Ridge
Currently unavailable.
Gunnison Point
Currently unavailable.
South Rim Entrance Station
Currently unavailable.
Hours of operation
South Rim
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day.
Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day
North Rim
The park is open 24 hours a day, but the North Rim Road and ranger station are closed in winter and early spring. The road typically closes mid-November and reopens early May.
Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day
Activities
Weather
Today's Weather: http://www.weather.com/weather/today/l/NPBLCA:13:US CLIMATE Weather can vary greatly throughout the day. Summer daytime temperatures range between 55 to 90F (13 to 32C), nights 45 to 60F (7 to 16C). Winter daytime temperatures range between 15 to 40F (-9 to 4C), nights 10 to 20F (-12 to -6C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer. Snow accumulation varies greatly year to year. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended.
Contact
Photos
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
List your propertyDirections
South Rim: 7 miles north on CO Highway 347 from the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 east of Montrose. Physical/GPS address is: 9800 Highway 347, Montrose, CO 81401 North Rim: 11 miles southwest of Crawford, Colorado. From CO Highway 92, turn west on Black Canyon Road approximately 3 miles south of Crawford. Follow the road signs to the park.
Source: nps.gov