This park is just another breathtaking canyon with a rim road around it to make viewing possible–you know, like the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Colorado National Monument, Crater Lake and possibly countless others we have yet to visit.  Geologist Wallace Hansen says, “...no other canyon in North America combines the depth, narrowness, sheerness and somber countenance of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.”  And I say, “Well said.” 

The Gunnison River and millions of years created these steep canyon walls and continues to do so at the rate of one inch per century.  The river drops an average of 96 feet per mile in the 48 mile park.  In one two mile stretch it drops 480 feet.  What spectacular sights the rim drive provides.