On the road with
Gypsy Louise and Me
Untamed Beauty-Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
I recently took a trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of breathtaking. Imagine standing on the edge of a canyon so deep, narrow, and sheer that parts of it rarely see sunlight. Yeah, it's as dramatic as it sounds.
The Journey Begins
The drive to the park itself was a prelude to the adventure. Winding roads, rolling hills, and that unmistakable Colorado air filled with the scent of pine and adventure. I reached the South Rim entrance, where the views are more accessible and, according to many, more spectacular. After paying the entrance fee and grabbing a map, I felt a surge of excitement. This was going to be epic.
First Impressions
My first stop was the South Rim Visitor Center. If you ever go, make this your first stop. The rangers there are incredibly knowledgeable and can give you tips on the best trails, viewpoints, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Armed with their advice and a sense of curiosity, I headed to my first viewpoint: Gunnison Point.
The moment I stepped out of the car, I was hit by a gust of wind that carried with it the scent of adventure and a hint of pine. Walking to the edge, I got my first glimpse of the canyon. Words can’t do it justice. The canyon walls plunge nearly 2,000 feet down to the Gunnison River, which snakes its way through the dark, jagged cliffs. The rock formations are so raw and powerful; you can almost feel the geological history.
Hiking and Exploring
I’m a sucker for a good hike, so I set off on the Rim Rock Trail, a relatively easy trail that offers stunning views of the canyon. As I walked along the rim, I kept stopping every few minutes to take pictures and just soak in the views. The trail is about 1.5 miles round trip and totally worth it.
After the Rim Rock Trail, and stopping to catch my breathe ever so often, I decided to stick to the overlooks where the walks to the edge weren’t as lengthy or strenuous.
If you are up to a it more challenging, you can give the Oak Flat Loop Trail a try. This trail is a bit more strenuous, with some steep sections, but the views are incredible (I’ve been told). Plus, it's less crowded, so you may feel like you have the canyon to yourself at times. The sound of the wind and the distant rush of the river below made the experience almost meditative.
The Painted Wall
No trip to Black Canyon is complete without seeing the Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet. The wall gets its name from the streaks of pegmatite that look like someone painted them on the rock face. Standing there, staring at this natural masterpiece, I felt a profound sense of awe. It’s one of those places that make you realize just how small you are in the grand scheme of things.
Wildlife Encounters
One of the highlights of my trip was spotting a peregrine falcon. These incredible birds are the fastest animals on the planet, reaching speeds of over 200 mph during their hunting dives. Seeing one soaring above the canyon was a reminder of the wild, untamed nature of this place.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a place of raw beauty and dramatic landscapes. It's a reminder of the power and majesty of nature, and a testament to the incredible forces that have shaped our planet. If you ever get the chance to visit, do it. Stand on the edge, breathe in the fresh air, and let the canyon's untamed beauty take your breath away.
Camping at Black Canyon
One of the best ways to truly experience the park is by camping. The South Rim Campground, which has 88 sites and offers a great mix of amenities and natural beauty. There are three loops in the campground: A, B, and C. All loops are reservable, with some sites limited to first-come first-served. Unfortunately, I was unable to stay at the South Rim Campground – mainly because I didn’t realize there was a campground in the park, and well, I wasn’t up to driving Gypsy Louise up the mountain pulling the jeep at the time of my visit. The campground has sites that accommodate “big rigs”, but there are very few options if your RV is over 32 feet.
Final Thoughts
As the day came to a close, I found a quiet spot to sit and watch the sunset. The way the light played off the canyon walls, casting long shadows and highlighting the rugged beauty, was mesmerizing. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.
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