Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Park Regulations & Safety

Pets In the Park

In Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, pets on leash may be walked on roads, in campgrounds, to the overlooks, and are allowed on the Rim Rock Trail, Cedar Point Nature Trail, and North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail. Pets are not allowed on any other hiking trails, inner canyon routes or in the wilderness area.

Owners are responsible for their pet's behavior and may receive fines if their animal creates problems with wildlife and/or other visitors.

Do not leave your pet unattended in a vehicle or campsite. Interior temperatures of vehicles rise within minutes and pets can quickly overheat and die, even with the windows cracked.

Boarding services in the area include:

Montrose:
Bestfriends Critter Sitter, 11775 Bostwick Park Rd., (970) 240-8859
Double Diamond Kennels, 23661 Horsefly Rd., (970) 249-3067
Redclyffe Kennels, 16793 Chipeta Rd., (970) 249-6395

Delta:
Deleff Kennels, 19541 B50 Rd., (970) 874-4058

Gunnison:
Critter Sitters and Outfitters, 98 County Road 17, (970) 641-0460
Tomichi Pet Care Center, 106 S. 11th St., (970) 641-2460

Wilderness Use Permits

A free permit is required for all backcountry and wilderness use (both day use and overnight) including hiking the innercanyon or off established trails, rock climbing and all river use. Permits are available at the South Rim Visitor Center, North Rim Ranger Station and East Portal registration board (located west of the campground). Permits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If these facilities are closed, there are self registration stations with instructions at each location.

Permits help us monitor use of the wilderness, and to keep tabs on this great resource. They also help us identify potential emergencies by letting us know your expected itinerary.

Please be sure to thoroughly complete the permit with accurate and legible information. While in the backcountry, keep this permit with you at all times. When you have finished your trip, check out with a ranger, or if the building is closed, place your permit in the self registration box.

Permits are not required for any of the following:

  • Established hiking trails including Rim Rock Nature Trail, Oak Flat Loop Trail, Cedar Point Nature Trail, Warner Point Nature Trail, Uplands Trail, Chasm View Nature Trail, North Vista Trail, Deadhorse Trail, Green Mountain Trails
  • Day use anglers and hikers entering the national park from East Portal (all boaters and overnight backpackers do require a permit)

Climbing Safety In The Black

Climbing routes in the park are very deceiving. Often times you will find extremely clean cracks and excellent lines. However, in an instant the choss appears or you get off route and quickly go from a fun climb to a very dangerous situation. Loose rock is extreme in the Black. Be sure of your holds before you commit. Climbing under other parties brings with it the danger of being in the firing line of falling rock and gear. Always wear a helmet!

 Do not be afraid to back off if you get in over your head. If you have to bail, the climb will be there next week or next year. Know your own abilities and your partners.

Rescue in the Black is very involved. Lowering off to an awaiting ambulance is not an option. Rescues here take time and are extremely technical in nature. Be prepared for self-rescue! The National Park Service does not guarantee rescue, so don't rely on someone else to help you out of a situation.

There are several things you can do to minimize risk while climbing, including carrying enough gear to stay out overnight if needed, and climbing within your ability level, especially if you are new to climbing in the Black Canyon.

Kayaking

The rapids within the national park are considered Class V and some sections are unrunnable. This is a very technical paddle and includes numerous long, difficult and dangerous portages. Poison ivy is nearly impossible to avoid, and can be found growing 5 feet tall along the river.

Kayakers run the river at their own risk. The Gunnison River through the National Park has claimed the lives of even the most experienced, respected kayakers. The river's hydraulics can make self-rescue or rescue by others impossible.

The following are general water flow ratings*:
750-950 cfs = minimal hydraulics
1200-1500 cfs = River is "pushy" with major hydraulics.
1500-3000 cfs = River is very "pushy" with extreme hydraulics.
above 3000 cfs = Kayaking should not be attempted even by experts, portages disappear, death is probable.

*These are general water flow guidelines. Local kayak experts suggest the unique hydraulics of the Gunnison River through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park make kayaking even more difficult than the above ratings.

Water temperatures are cold year-round, usually around 50 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Swimming or wading is not recommended.

WILDERNESS USE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR KAYAKING.

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
Boaters traveling through the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness need to register and pay Gorge user fees. Gorge takeouts include Chukar and Gunnison Forks. Boaters exiting at Chukar must sign the river register, haul their boats up the 1 mile trail and pay user fees at the trailhead. Boaters exiting at Gunnison Forks must stop at Chukar, sign the register and pay the applicable user fees.

Contact the Bureau of Land Management for information on the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area:

BLM, Montrose District Office
2465 South Townsend Avenue
Montrose, CO 81404
(970) 240-5400