10 Things to do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

This article originally appeared on My Colorado Parks

With its sheer cliffs and striking black colors, some might argue that Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park may be even more impressive than the Grand Canyon. Do you agree? Discover for yourself with our top 10 list.

1. Experience the Views

Black Canyon is named for its sheer black cliffs that plummet 2,000 feet to the river below. Get a peek into the canyon's depths at one of the South Rim's 12 overlooks on the Rim Drive. Our favorites? Chasm View, Painted Wall, Pulpit Rock and Sunset View.

2. Take a Drive through a Time Portal

Drive down into the canyon via the East Portal. This 16% grade road is paved the whole way but is very steep and includes many switchbacks. Leave your RVs at the top and take your personal vehicle down into the canyon. Before you go, grab a brochure on the history of the East Portal from the visitor center to learn about the amazing engineering feat that turned Montrose into fertile farmland.

3. Go Fish

The Gunnison River inside of the Black Canyon is designated as Gold Medal Waters (waters that provide outstanding angling opportunities for large trout). Grab a fishing license in Montrose and try your hand from East Portal. Blue Mesa Reservoir nearby also provides a great lake trout fishing experience, in addition to boat rentals.

4. Camp in the Canyon

For a truly unique camping experience, check out the East Portal campground. Situated right next to the river, you have the opportunity to fish Gold Medal Waters, hike or just enjoy the views.

Looking for a more intense adventure? Hike to the river from the canyon rim. This experience is not for the faint of heart. There are no clearly marked trails, the journey is steep and often quite a scramble and frequent hazards include poison ivy, ticks and stinging nettle. Still interested? Acquire a same-day backcountry permit at the visitor center and start early with plenty of water, as temperatures can be extreme in the summer. The Gunnison Route is recommended for first timers and generally takes two or more hours to hike down and three or more hours to hike back up. Backcountry camping is available once you reach the canyon floor.

5. Boat Down the River

Curecanti National Recreation Center, Black Canyon's sister national park site, usually offers ranger-led boat tours into the canyon every day but Tuesdays throughout the summer. This 1.5-hour tour will allow you to experience the magic of the inner canyon while learning about the geology, wildlife, history and water of the area. Reservations are required and it's strongly encouraged to make them several weeks in advance. Reserve your seat at recreation.gov.

6. See the Skies

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an International Dark Sky Park meaning it's the perfect destination for stargazing. The park offers many opportunities for night-sky viewing and constellation tours, including some with telescopes. Check the visitor center for the most up-to-date schedule. Want to try your hand at night sky photography? Take our online course at www.nationalparktrips.com before you go to sharpen your skills.

7. Visit the North Rim

The North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is much less developed than its southern counterpart. There is not a visitor center and the ranger station is intermittently staffed. However, this side of the canyon sees much less traffic and boasts even more incredible views than the South Rim. The cliffs seem sheerer, there are fewer people and beautiful trails. What's not to love? Allow yourself two hours from the South Rim Visitor Center and note that the last few miles of the road in are dirt.

8. Go Back in Time

Head to the historic town of Cimarron, once a train depot and now a window into the past. Tour the visitor center and the rail yard exhibit to get a taste of what the Black Canyon was like in 1882. You can also view the last remaining truss bridge in the area.

9. Go to a Ranger Program

Attend a free ranger program from Memorial Day through September on topics ranging from geology to nature, night skies to history. Stop by the visitor center for the most up-to-date schedule.

10. Sample the Umcompahgre Valley

Thanks to the East Portal Tunnel, the Uncompahgre Valley is full of fertile farmland. Visit the town of Olathe, between the South and North Rim entrances in August each year for the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival (olathesweetcornfest.com) to celebrate the town's famous crop.

Did you know Colorado's 300-plus days of sunshine each year and cool nights make for ideal grape growing conditions? Sample Colorado wine on the Olathe Wine Trail (coloradowine.com), curated by Colorado Wine. You'll drive from Delta to Olathe and sample wines at Mountain View Winery, Cottonwood Cellars/The Olathe Winery and Garrett Estates Cellars.

Wondering where to head next?

Mesa Verde National Park is just four hours from Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Download an official Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park map for basic road and attraction locations. Want a detailed topographical map of trails in the park and beyond? Buy the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park at REI.com. The map notates trails, trailheads, points of interest, campgrounds, river access and much more printed on waterproof, tear-resistant material. Coverage also includes Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, Blue Mesa Reservoir, parts of Gunnison National Forest and West Elk Wilderness, Montrose, Paonia and Hotchkiss.

For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today.