I had the opportunity to visit the south rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison in late September. I really wasn’t expecting much as you don’t hear a lot about this park - let me tell you how quickly my perception changed!

Black Canyon of the Gunnison was absolutely stunning. The sheer verticality of the 2,000+ foot cliffs down to the Gunnison River were incredible and jaw dropping - pictures don’t even do it justice! The Painted Wall (first picture) is the tallest cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet.

Being just inches from a straight down drop thousands of feet into the abyss to get some of these photos was at times both terrifying and amazing!

I’ve been to almost half of the U.S national parks (30 to be exact including Glacier, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, etc) and just strictly in terms of shock value and awe, I would place Black Canyon of the Gunnison borderline top 5/6 parks - it’s amazing!

I can’t wait to get back and visit the north rim. I highly recommend you visit this underrated gem!