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!
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:
- Exclamation Point (2.9 mile out and back)
- Chasm View Trail (.6 mile loop)
- The Narrows View
- Balanced Rock View
- Big Island View
- Island Peaks View
- Kneeling Camel View
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:
- Tomichi Point
- Gunnison Point (.2 mile out and back)
- Pulpit Rock (.1 mile out and back)
- Cross Fissures View (.2 mile out and back)
- Rock Point (.4 mile out and back)
- Devil’s Lookout (.5 mile out and back)
- Chasm View (.6 mile out and back)
- Painted Wall View (.2 mile out and back)
- Cedar Point (.17 mile out and back)
- Dragon Point (.4 mile out and back)
- Sunset View
- High Point (.3 mile out and back)
- Warner Point (1.5 miles out and back)
Map of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park:
References:
- Featured Photo Credit: Sunset over the Painted Wall at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Juventa Vezzani
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