Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

September 4-6

Two days of driving from Frazier Park brought me to Montrose, Colorado and the Black Canyon. I arrived on Friday (the beginning of the Labor Day weekend) and found the campground at the Black Canyon wasn't too full. The steep drive (at least 10% grade) may have deterred some drivers of large rigs. I was in first gear all the way up! Even though my friend Nancy arrived before me and was able to "save" me a space, there was still plenty of dry camping available for late arrivals. "Dry" is an operative word here. Water has to be trucked in from 14 miles away so this is camping in the true meaning of the word. There are three loops to the camp ground and one loop does have electrical hook ups but no water or sewer and at twice the cost. One other odd thing about this park is that generators are not allowed at any time and there is a substantial fine if you turn your generator on and get caught. How I do enjoy my solar panels!

View of North and South Rim in the morning

This is a fairly new National Park. It had been a National Monument until 1999 when the Clinton Administration designated it a National Park. What makes this canyon unique is the type of rock that the Gunnison River cuts through. The canyon is made of much harder rock then say the Grand Canyon or Zion. The canyon is deep and narrow, thus the name Black Canyon because light does not always reach the bottom. One section of the canyon is 2772 feet deep. While the river has lots of white water and would seem a kayaker's dream, the national park river section is extremely hazardous and not navigable.

Treacherous white water in the park

Black Canyon near the deepest part of the park

In the early 1900's a tunnel was dug to divert water to the nearby landowners so they could grow crops. This was quite and engineering accomplishment and the tunnel is still used today. We participated in a short tour and talk provided by Ranger Paul how the settlement was established while the tunnel was being dug.

Near the diversion tunnel

While staying at the Black Canyon we took a side trip towards Ridgeway on a dirt road near the Dallas Divide area. Our objective was to hike 8 plus miles with a 2000 plus elevation gain up to Lower Blue Lake and continued on to the Middle Blue Lake and Upper Blue Lake and perhaps reach the pass. The hike was a very challenging, mostly due to the high altitudes and steep rocky terrain. Our plans to reach the pass were squelched due to the high altitude (approximately 12,000ft) and rain. However, our efforts in reaching the lakes were worth it. The first lake was breath taking. The middle lake and upper lakes were also beautiful, but the terrain surrounding them was much more dramatic than the lakes themselves. The hike back down to the Jeep was fast and easy as we intermittently sought shelter in the trees from the rain.

Heading up the trail to Lower Blue Lake

Dramatic scenery on the way to Blue Lake

Falls along the way

Lower Blue Lake

Sadie dog, Queen of the mountains! (or should I Blue Lake)

Lower Blue lake on the way up to Middle Blue Lake

Middle Blue Lake

Trail on the way to Upper Blue Lake. Note the ominous clouds.

Upper Blue Lake

The Pass. Upper Blue Lake is to the left

Wild flowers still in bloom along the trail

So far South West Colorado has exceeded my expectations. The high Sierras are beautiful, but the southern mountains of Colorado rival them. I'll be heading further south to explore more and travel some of the back country Jeep roads. I'm told this is legendary Jeep country and my Jeep is pining for the rocks and dirt.