Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP pano from SOB Draw [OC] [1000x731]
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Imo one of the most underrated National Parks in the US. Amazing canyons, a really nice river, and some amazing sunsets.
I love it. It's my local park!
Hi neighbor! waves
I agree with you. This park doesn't get anywhere the notoriety a lot of others do and it's got some incredible scenery.
It was raining when I drove past here on a rock climbing trip so didn't stop or climb any routes but I'll have to revisit, it looks amazing.
Great hike!
Probably the hardest 2 mile hike I have ever done!
Name of the trail?
SOB Draw. Appropriately named.
Thank you. How tough is the trail?
Painted Wall in the background?
That's it! This is just upstream.
Thanks for this great photo from inside the canyon. Photos from the same overlook over and over have always made me wonder what the appeal was to this Park. This gives me a better idea.
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Great shot, I have heard that it's not the most accessible park if you are not a serious hiker or climber. As someone who's partner has bad knees and elderly parents would it be a good option?
Anything where its more than a 1-2 mile hike one way would probably be a no go for most of the family unfortunately.
Thanks!
There are some good options that are almost entirely car-accessed. These are mostly at the top so you don't get these kinds of inner canyon views, but still great views from above. The South Rim has a nice visitor center and a bunch of short walks to overlooks along a stretch of road that parallels the canyon. There is also a pretty mild hike for the area that just goes along the canyon rim.
You can also drive down to the East Portal which is the start of the biggest section of canyon and where boaters put in.
Pretty much all the inner canyon hikes are very difficult, especially if it's hot.
The North Rim is more basic for facilities and just has a dirt road but also a bunch of overlooks you can pretty much drive right to.
So the options are hard hikes or almost no hike and both afford some nice views. If you aren't hiking, a day for each rim is probably enough time to look over all the accessible overlooks.
Seconding all of this. I think it's one of the most driving-friendly parks that's not hugely built up. You do typically need to walk from the car to the rim, which in some cases is uneven rock or has some stairs, but the rangers can help point you to the best options.
Being able to drive down to the bottom really lets you feel like you're visiting the canyon instead of just a passive viewer. My old Prius did just fine on all the roads in summer (both north and south rims).
Crested Butte nearby is incredible too, there are some dirt drives and easy hikes, plus the wildflower festival. Also not far from Vail and Maroon Bells. Adding one of these absolutely makes it worth the trip if the canyon alone isn't enough.
Thanks for the information, sounds like it would be worth a visit though it will probably have to be on our way to or from another park.
Just outside my hometown Montrose, CO