Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness is one of the most popular hiking and camping destinations in Colorado. The wilderness area is home to a variety of terrain, including forests, meadows, rivers, and canyons. There are numerous trails to explore, and the area is also popular for fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. In addition, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is nearby, and the town of Montrose is just a short drive away.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness is a prime example of Colorado’s rich and varied history. The area was first inhabited by the Ute Indians, who named the canyon “Tava,” meaning black. The first European settlers arrived in the late 19th century, drawn by the promise of gold and silver mining. However, the miners quickly realized that there was no gold to be found in the canyon, and they moved on. In 1933, the area was designated as a national monument, and in 1999 it was designated as a wilderness area.

The best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness is from mid-June to mid-October. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the trails are open.

1. Plan ahead and get a map of the area. This will help you to navigate the various trails and avoid getting lost.
2. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for wildlife. Black bears are common in the area, so make sure to keep your food safe and out of reach.
3. Leave rocks and plants where you find them- taking home souvenirs is not allowed in wilderness areas.
4. Allow extra time for your hike, as the rugged terrain can make progress slow going at times.
5. There are no facilities in the wilderness area, so visitors should come prepared with all the supplies they need, including food, water, and shelter.
6. Visitors should stay on designated trails and camp only in designated areas.

1.  The Black Canyon of the Gunnison was first explored by Spanish explorers in the 1700s. 
2. The steepness of the canyon walls and the narrowness of the canyon floor create a unique microclimate within the canyon, with temperatures that can be up to 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding area. 
3. The average depth of the canyon is 2,000 feet, with a maximum depth of 2,700 feet.
4. The Black Canyon is one of the darkest places in North America, with very little light reaching the bottom of the canyon even during the daytime. 
5. Even though the canyon is located in a semi-arid region, there are several waterfalls present within it. 
6. There are no roads that lead into the park – visitors must either hike in or take a boat ride to reach it. 
7. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness is an amazing place to explore and experience nature at its finest."

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness in Montrose County, Colorado, can take anywhere from 1-4 days to explore. The length of time will depend on how strenuous of hikes you want to take and how long you want to spend admiring the views.

Though the canyon is only accessible by foot or boat, the journey is well worth the effort. The best way to reach the canyon is to take the South Rim Road from Montrose County. The road winds through sagebrush plains and aspen groves before reaching a series of switchbacks that descend into the canyon. From there, visitors can take a scenic hike along the trail that runs along the river or go for a swim in one of its clear pools.

There is a small entrance fee of $ 5 to enter this canyon. 

The wilderness area is open year-round and be aware of the seasons.