Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
One of our favorite things we did at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison was to drive to the bottom of the canyon. This is a beautiful drive that provides an excellent and new perpective on the canyon.
Looking for more resources to help plan your visit? Check out our Guide to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Why Drive to the Bottom of the Black Canyon on the Gunnison
The drive to the bottom of the canyon offers a completely different persepective on the canyon and river. In addition to the fun of driving the route to the base, the views of the river below are lovely and peaceful. There are few activities at the bottom and not many people make the drive to the base compared to the people who visit the rim. I took a short walk along the trail right near the campground and enjoyed seeing many people fishing.
Is Driving to the Bottom of the Black Canyon on the Gunnison Dangerous?
Entrance: The main road to the bottom of the canyon is the East Portal Road, which begins at the park’s East Entrance. Note that this road is open seasonally, typically from late May to mid-October, depending on weather conditions.
Vehicle Requirements: The road is narrow, steep, and unpaved, with sharp switchbacks and drop-offs. It’s suitable for high-clearance, 4WD vehicles (although most cars will be perfectly fine!). Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, and check the current road conditions before heading out.
We found the drive generally easy with less dropoffs compared to make other roads in the US, that said use common caution.
Switchbacks: Be prepared for tight switchbacks and steep grades. Drive slowly and cautiously, as there are limited pull-offs and limited space for oncoming traffic.
What will you see at the Bottom of the Black Canyon on the Gunnison
At the bottom, you’ll reach the Gunnison River and can access areas for fishing, picnicking, and some hiking. There are also a few primitive campsites available. You don’t need to spend a lot of time at the base unless you have a planned acitivity. We spent a few minutes wandering the shoreline and walking along the river.
What to Know About Driving to the Bottom of the Black Canyon on the Gunnison
Here are a few things to know about driving to the base of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison:
Getting to the Start:
The start of the drive to the base of the canyon is right inside the entrance to the South Rim.
Fee: The road is inside the park boundaries meaning that you will need to pay the park entrance fee to get onto the road. You can see more about fees at the National Park Service.
Road Conditions:
Here’s a list of essential things to know about driving to the bottom of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison:
Seasonal Access: The road is typically open from late May to mid-October. Check current road conditions before your trip, as weather can affect accessibible. The road features tight switchbacks and steep inclines. Drive slowly and cautiously, especially on curves and descents.
Photographic Opportunities: Several overlooks along the road offer spectacular views of the canyon. Plan to stop at these points for photos and to enjoy the scenery.
Respect the Environment: Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the natural beauty of the area.
