What a hidden gem! I had never even heard of this park until I drove past it on my way to Telluride. Five hours southwest of Denver and about an hour and a half north of Telluride, the deepest canyon in Colorado is one of the least visited national parks in the US.
What to Do
Take a Scenic Drive
The main activity is driving to different viewpoints of the canyon. From Highway 50 (near Montrose), you’ll take the South Rim Road up to High Point (where the road dead-ends), which features 12 overlooks, most of which can be reached by a short walk from the parking areas.
Plan to spend a couple of hours enjoying all of the overlooks, but if you’re short on time, prioritize Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall, and Sunset View.
North Rim Road off of Highway 92 (near Crawford) gives visitors dramatic views of the almost vertical canyon walls from five viewpoints accessible by car.
If you’d like to visit both rims in the same day, be aware that the drive from point to point takes about two hours, and most of that drive occurs outside of the park.
Hike
There are a few hiking and nature trails in the area, but use caution, as some trails have steep drop-offs and may not be safe for children. Other trails are closed to pets due to wildlife activity in the area.
Check out the NPS’ list of trails for the latest information, and pick up a map at the South Rim Visitor Center (or the North Rim Ranger Station in the summer).
Stargaze
As this park is quite remote and is certified as an International Dark Sky Park, it’s a great place to see constellations and the Milky Way on a clear night.
Specific overlooks shielded from the light of light of oncoming vehicles include Chasm View, Dragon Point, and Sunset View on the South Rim and Chasm View Nature Trail and Kneeling Camel View on the North Rim.
Check the NPS calendar for educational programs like informational sessions with Park Rangers and opportunities to view constellations through a telescope.
When to Visit
Time of Year
The South Rim Road remains open year-round, but the North Rim Road closes in the winter. Check the NPS website for details. If stargazing is on your agenda, you’ll get a better view of the Milky Way in the summer than in the winter.
Time of Day
Your best bet for great photos is sunrise and sunset. Even a couple of hours after sunrise, the intense light and resulting shadows will make it difficult to take great photos and even to fully appreciate the views – I definitely ran into this problem!).
Where to Stay
This park can easily be visited as a day trip from Ouray, Telluride, or Grand Junction. If you plan to spend more than one day at the park, Montrose is your best option for overnight accommodations.
Keep in Mind
- Be sure to fill up your tank and grab snacks and water before arriving at the park, as you won’t find food or fuel inside the park.
- You can venture into the canyon for expert-level hiking and rock climbing, but a permit is required and rescue operations are limited. Visitors are encouraged to use caution and carry food, water, and overnight essentials even if you do not plan to spend the night in the park.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife, including marmots, mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, and coyotes are in the area as well, but spotting them is rare.
