Itinerary · 2 days · Colorado
2 Days in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: May–Sep. Closest major airport: Montrose (MTJ), about 20 minutes.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Look down from Painted Wall View. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Walk the Warner Point Nature Trail.
- Evening: Drive down to East Portal at the river.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Peer over at Chasm View.
- Afternoon: Stargaze from the South Rim.
Most visitors only see the South Rim. The North Rim is a long, partly gravel drive, but it has even more dramatic overlooks.
When to go
The best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is May–September.
Best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: look down from painted wall view and walk the warner point nature trail on day one, then peer over at chasm view on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Black Canyon of the Gunnison itinerary?
Go in May–Sep, when the park is rated at its best. May offers the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Black Canyon of the Gunnison in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss peer over at chasm view. Two days is the sweet spot.