Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

A PRIORITY TOUR IN 2024

By Marcella S. Meeks

This past year, in July 2023 to be exact, I drove from Albuquerque, New Mexico through Durango, and drove through Silverton and Ouray, making our way to Lake City. My grandson Kendray hadn’t been to Ouray since he was three or four and he turned twelve in July, and I wanted him to experience the Million Dollar Highway ride over to Ouray now that he was older. He whined and fell asleep a couple of times so we stopped at Molas Pass between Durango and Silverton and several other scenic spots along the way to arouse him awake. We finally got close to Ouray and pulled off at the scenic Gorge on the Million Dollar Highway (I can’t remember everything I read about the gorge but if I’m not mistaking, the The Uncompahgre River ran under the highway at that point).

After we left Ouray, we drove to Montrose and by this time, it was getting late and we needed to get to Lake City before nightfall. I didn’t get the chance to stop at any of the scenic recreation areas and overlooks between Montrose and Gunnison. I wanted to stop at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park but we were out of time so I decided we’d do that tour in June 2024.

Next year, we’ll have to leave Lake City pretty early in the morning in order to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. I’ll be sure to pack a cooler with plenty of water and food for the picnic. Note to self: don’t forget the trail mix!

The most popular is the SOUTH RIM whereas the North Rim is a little more remote and much quieter. I think we may stick with the South Rim when we do go. The South Rim Road is 7 miles long with 12 scenic overlooks and 5 hiking trails. One of the scenic overlooks that is easily accessible and close to the entrance is the GUNNISON POINT OPERLOOK. I am definitely stopping here.

Then, there’s the OAK FLAT TRAILS (2 miles long); CROSS FISSURES VIEW (a 15 minute hike); PAINTED WALL OVERLOOK (about 200 yards); CEDAR POINT NATURE TRAIL which takes about 10 minutes to complete; and the EAST PORTAL ROAD which can be accessible from the South Rim. There are plenty of parking spaces and picnic tables here. I think this will make a perfect spot for an afternoon picnic with the kids.

NORTH RIM: There are 5 overlooks that we will try to see while we’re at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: NORTH VISTA RAIL, a 1.5 mile hike; EXCLAMATION POINT OVERLOOK, NORTH RIM CAMPGROUND (picnic tables are available – we’ll have a snack while we’re here. CHASM VIEW OVERLOOK TRAIL; and the NORTH RIM SCENIC DRIVE.

There are dispersed campsites in and around the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for those who wish to camp. Since we are already booked at the Texan Resort in Lake City, we’ll leave ‘The Gunnison’ and make our way back to Lake City by way of Highway 50 – it’s roughly about a 2 hour drive, give or take.

We are looking forward to our trip next year and have a lot of things planned. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is going to be a priority next year. And yes, I am looking forward to a day of hiking and exploring. Come join us on our family outing!