Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park lies in west-central Colorado. Its main feature is a steep, rugged canyon, through which the Gunnison River rushes in a series of churning rapids. Black Canyon’s name comes from the fact that sunlight reaches the floor of the narrow canyon for only about an hour a day.
Scenic drives wind along the canyon’s rims. The park also has hiking trails and campsites. Popular activities for visitors include trout fishing in the Gunnison River and rock climbing on the canyon walls.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison became a national monument in 1933. It was made a national park in 1999.
