Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Big enough to be overwhelming, yet intimate...that is a good description of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.  This was one of the places we considered NOT going on our Colorado trip, but it was impressive and we were enchanted by it's beauty.  This National Park has some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock and craggiest spires in the US. It is called "black" because the steep, narrow walls allow very little sunlight to penetrate it.  The visitor center has an excellent orientation of the park, but it is hard to get away from the views along the rim trails.

View into the canyon

My family all enjoyed getting as close to the canyon edge as possible, hence scaring me to death.  I would not look when I saw them wander over to ledge. At one point Randy actually laid down to look down into the gorge.

Aaron taking the perfect picture from a rock on the edge

Loving siblings and a moose kiss

The canyon is 48 miles in length, has 2000 foot cliffs and the narrowest width on the rim is 1100 feet.  You can drive the canyon rim road, and enjoy short hikes to incredible views.  With a permit you can hike down to the Colorado River.  You can also enjoy a guided boat trip down the river. Our trip didn't allow for exploring the river, but my brother and sister-in-law did the boat trip and loved it.  For those who are experienced you can go canyoneering.  For me, I'll take the conservative view from behind the fences!

Painted Walls, the tallest cliffs in the Canyon