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Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim – Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado (101351501)📷 Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
Editor's pick

Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim

Montrose, CO

Nature

A sheer, dark gorge so narrow that sunlight barely reaches the river. The South Rim Road has a dozen overlooks, including the Painted Wall, Colorado’s tallest cliff.

Nearest town
Montrose, CO
Category
Nature & parks
GPS
38.5750, -107.7420
Editor's pick
★

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Featured in these trip guides

Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop – Warner Point Trail at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park dyeclan.com - panoramio (3)© The Dye Clan · CC BY-SA 3.0
50
Scenic byways

Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop

133 mi7 stops4 days

Nearby

Ute Indian Museum – Ute Memorial Site© Jeffrey Beall · CC BY 3.0
History

Ute Indian Museum

Montrose, CO
Beams of sunlight from behind a cloud illuminate Blue Mesa Reservoir and its surroundings (0f607f9b-d462-4494-b74b-95dc45871115)© NPS Photo · Public domain
Nature

Blue Mesa Reservoir

Gunnison, CO
Nature

Grand Mesa Visitor Center

Cedaredge, CO
Kebler Pass – woman standing near gray vehiclePhoto by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash
Editor's pick
Views

Kebler Pass

Crested Butte, CO

Campsites nearby

  • North Rim CampgroundCampsite
    2 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim CampgroundCampsite
    4 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToilets
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Cedar Creek RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    9 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim · 45 pitches
    TentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Black Canyon/Montrose KOA KampgroundCampsite
    9 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Riverbend RV ParkCampsite
    11 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersDogs allowed
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • The Campers HubMotorhome stopover
    12 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim
    TentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip

All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim?

Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim is in Montrose, CO, at GPS 38.5750, -107.7420. It is about 12 mi from Crawford.

Can you camp near Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is North Rim Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim?

Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop.

What is there to see near Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim?

Places worth a stop nearby: Ute Indian Museum (11 mi), Blue Mesa Reservoir (32 mi), Grand Mesa Visitor Center (34 mi) and Kebler Pass (39 mi).

When is the best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim?

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)