Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is better known as the “Grand Canyon” of Colorado, but with striking differences. This dark abyss is deep, steep, and narrow. “Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of the Gunnison exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America.” (National Park Service) Feel your heart race as you stare down over 2,000 feet into the heart of Devil’s Lookout. Watch the sunset over Painted Rock. Enjoy the panoramic view at High Point. Black Canyon of the Gunnison has two sides just under 2 hours apart – the North Rim and the South Rim. If you could only choose one, the South Rim is more maintained and has safer measures in place, though both are beautiful. Either way, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is well worth a visit!
Map of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park:
Top Photography Locations and Sights at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park:
As photographers, we know that many of you will only have one chance in a lifetime to visit the National Parks. To make your life easier, we have compiled a list of our top photography locations and sights at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park! While this is not comprehensive, and there are many more amazing sights to see, it should give you a good feel for the park.
North Rim
The North Rim has unpaved roads and is less maintained than the South Rim at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. If you have a chance to visit, here are the top photography locations along the North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park:
South Rim
The South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is better maintained and more populated than the North Rim. You will reach the Visitor’s Center shortly after entering the park. From there you can drive to the different lookouts. Here is a list of the top photography locations along the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Wildlife Photography:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is filled with wildlife and biodiversity. If you like wildlife photography, you will love what this park has to offer!
Want to learn more about Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map
- The Essential Guide To Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park (Jewels of the Rockies)
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison, The (Images of America)
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Featured National Park Photographers:
- Vezzani Photography: Chasm View Overlook, Chasm View Nature Trail Overlook, Devil’s Lookout Overlook, Dragon Point Overlook, Rock Point Overlook, The Narrows View Overlook
- iStock / Boogich: East Portal Road
- iStock / David Madison: Tomichi Point Overlook
- iStock / Kelly vanDellen: High Point Overlook
- iStock / miralex: Cedar Point Overlook
- iStock / scgerding: Cross Fissures View Overlook, Gunnison Point Overlook, Pulpit Rock Overlook
- iStock / SL_Photography: Sunset Point Overlook
- iStock / Starcevic: Painted Wall View Overlook
- iStock / thamerpic: Warner Point Nature Trail Overlook
- NPS: Island Peaks View Overlook, Mountain Lion, River Otters
- NPS / Jeremy Stringfield: Black Bear, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Rams, Short-tailed Weasel, Spotted Towhee
- NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg: Oak Flat Loop Trail
- Shutterstock / Don Paulson: Big Island View Overlook
- Shutterstock / Jeffrey B Ross: Balanced Rock View Overlook
- Shutterstock / Stephen Moehle: Exclamation Point Overlook, Kneeling Camel View Overlook
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