The National Park We Almost Overlooked

Before this trip, Black Canyon of the Gunnison wasn't a national park we knew much about. It rarely gets mentioned alongside places like Yellowstone, Glacier, or Arches, so we weren't quite sure what to expect. We planned to spend a day exploring the South Rim before heading on to our next adventure.

Looking back, I'm so glad we made the stop.

Sometimes the parks you know the least about end up leaving the biggest impression.

Our first stop was Tomichi Point, just outside the park entrance. Standing there for the first time, we got our first glimpse into the canyon. The walls seemed to disappear almost straight down, and it was hard to wrap our minds around just how deep and narrow it really was. It was the perfect introduction to a place unlike any canyon we had seen before.

Our First Look Into the Canyon

Once inside the park, we stopped at the South Rim Visitor Center so the kids could pick up their Junior Ranger books before we started exploring. Before we even looked around inside, we found ourselves drawn to the windows overlooking the canyon. We stood there for a few minutes pointing out cliffs, trying to trace the river far below, and talking about all the overlooks we hoped to visit that day.

Just behind the visitor center is Gunnison Point, and it didn't take long for us to realize this park was going to surprise us.

Looking down from the rim, the canyon feels impossibly steep, with dark rock walls plunging toward the Gunnison River far below. We spent several minutes just standing quietly, taking it all in and trying to spot the river winding through the bottom of the canyon. The farther we looked, the more we appreciated just how massive the canyon really is.

Taking Our Time Along the South Rim

One of my favorite parts of visiting Black Canyon wasn't a single overlook.

It was the drive between them.

Unlike some national parks where you feel rushed to get to the next big attraction, Black Canyon invited us to slow down. We found ourselves stopping at nearly every overlook, and somehow each one offered a completely different perspective of the canyon.

Pulpit Rock quickly became one of our favorite photo stops. The short walk led us out to a viewpoint where the canyon seemed to stretch endlessly in both directions. It was one of those places where we all naturally stopped talking for a few minutes.

A little farther down the road, we stopped at Cross Fissures. The short trail led us to enormous fractures carved into the canyon rim, giving us another completely different perspective of the rugged landscape surrounding us.

Then something unexpected happened.

As we continued driving toward Devils Lookout, we rounded a corner and spotted a herd of bighorn sheep grazing peacefully alongside the road. The kids were so excited, and we immediately pulled over to watch them. It wasn't something we had planned, but it ended up being one of everyone's favorite memories from the day. National parks always seem to have a way of reminding us that some of the best moments are the ones you never expect.

Devils Lookout was another favorite stop. The trail was slightly longer than many of the overlooks we'd visited earlier, making it feel a little more adventurous while still being easy enough for the whole family. Every overlook somehow made the canyon look completely different, and by this point we had stopped trying to compare them and simply enjoyed each unique view.

A Picnic With a View

By lunchtime, we found a quiet place to enjoy a picnic before continuing farther south. After a busy week of traveling, it felt nice to slow down, eat together, and simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings before setting off again.

Our final hike of the afternoon took us to Warner Point at the very end of the South Rim Drive. The trail wandered through pinyon pines before opening up to another incredible view of the canyon. It felt quieter than many of the earlier overlooks, and ending our drive here felt like the perfect way to experience the southern end of the park.

One Last Look

As we made our way back toward the park entrance, we stopped one last time at Chasm View. By this point, we thought we had seen every angle the canyon had to offer, but once again Black Canyon surprised us.

From Chasm View, the canyon narrows dramatically, making the sheer depth feel even more impressive. Standing on the rim and looking into one of the steepest, narrowest sections of the canyon was something we'll never forget.

Before leaving the park, we made one final stop to admire the Painted Wall. Rising nearly 2,300 feet above the Gunnison River, it's the tallest cliff in Colorado. The light-colored bands running through the dark rock almost looked like someone had painted them onto the canyon walls, making it easy to understand how this incredible landmark got its name.

It felt like the perfect place to end our day. One last reminder that every stop along the South Rim had offered a completely different perspective, and each one left us just as amazed as the last.

Looking Back

When I think about Black Canyon of the Gunnison, I don't immediately remember the names of each overlook.

I remember standing at Tomichi Point and wondering if the canyon could really be that deep.

Watching the kids search for the tiny Gunnison River far below.

Finding bighorn sheep when we least expected it.

Enjoying a quiet picnic together between overlooks.

And realizing that one of the least talked-about national parks had quietly become one of the biggest surprises of our trip.

Black Canyon reminded us that you don't need long hikes or a packed itinerary to create lasting memories. Sometimes all it takes is slowing down, stopping at one more overlook, and letting a place surprise you.

-Kayla