3 days in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park & Curecanti National Recreation Area

Steep Black Canyon cliffs at sunset with a partly cloudy sky.

Experience the dramatic landscapes of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and water-based adventures at Curecanti National Recreation Area on this three day family-friendly adventure. Enjoy scenic drives and hikes along the canyon rim and paddling on the beautiful blue reservoirs.

Duration
3 days
Perfect for
Families and nature enthusiasts.
Highlights
Scenic overlooks, watersports, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
Day 1

Exploring the Black Canyon of the Gunnison's South Rim

Person in ranger attire talking to a man and child outside a log building.
NPS

Get oriented

Begin your adventure at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Visitor Center. Learn about the canyon’s formation, geology, and wildlife through interactive exhibits. Pick up a Junior Ranger activity booklet for the kids so they can earn their badge—be sure to stop back by the visitor center once complete!

Steep canyon cliffs under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
NPS/Kat Connelly

Scenic drive and canyon views

Drive the 7-mile South Rim Road, stopping at scenic overlooks with breathtaking views of the canyon’s steep cliffs. Walk the Cedar Point Nature Trail (0.5 miles roundtrip) or the Rim Rock Trail (1 mile) for more views of the canyon. Return to Montrose or camp at the South Rim Campground.

Day 2

Water adventures in Curecanti National Recreation Area

Girl with a braid in a blue life jacket on a boat, looking at distant cliffs on a lake.
NPS

Paddling Blue Mesa Reservoir

Start the day at Elk Creek Marina on Blue Mesa Reservoir at Curecanti. Rent a pontoon boat, kayak, or paddleboard for a fun family adventure on the water. Visit Dry Creek or Bay of Chickens, two excellent swimming areas with shallow waters perfect for kids.

Trail along a scenic river with people walking and green hills around.
NPS/C. Roundtree

Enjoy the Gunnison River

Explore the Neversink Trail (1 mile out-and-back), an easy walk along the beautiful Gunnison River.

Day 3

Black Canyon's North Rim

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Scenic drives, overlooks, and chasm views

Take a scenic drive to the lesser-visited North Rim of Black Canyon for stunning views of the dramatic cliffsides. Walk the Chasm View Nature Trail (0.6 miles roundtrip) for breathtaking views and minimal crowds. Keep an eye out for eagles, bighorn sheep, and marmots before heading back to Montrose.

Starry night sky over a rocky canyon landscape at Black Canyon of the Gunnison..
Optional add-on

Enjoy dark skies

The dark skies in this remote area of Colorado are some of the best in the country. Enjoy an evening ranger program to learn more about the stars above, or visit during the park's annual AstroFest for a fun and educational festival entirely devoted to stargazing and astronomy.

Visit Smart

Two children in life vests admire a scenic river canyon.
NPS

Be aware

Supervise children around water and near steep dropoffs.

Young man with a red cap uses binoculars in a sunlit forest.
Shutterstock/Sophon Nawit

Gear up

Bring layers and sun protection to make the most of this Colorado adventure. Binoculars are great for spotting wildlife or looking more closely at the canyons.

Man snowshoeing on a snowy trail near a canyon, surrounded by trees.

Watch for weather

Check nps.gov for road closures due to snow or hazardous weather. Speak with park staff to get updated conditions. 

Curecanti

Leave no trace

Respect the environment, pick up all trash and waste, and plan ahead.

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