Seniors Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located in southwest Colorado is big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Black Canyon of the Gunni as many call it, invites senior visitors to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America.

With two million years to work, the Gunnison River, along with the forces of weathering, has sculpted this vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky. This beautiful and fascinating area was first protected as Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument in 1933.

It’s just been since 1999 that the dramatic landscape of Black Canyon of the Gunnison has held national park status, but the Gunnison River’s carving of the canyon began millions of years ago. The Black Canyon is so named because the walls are often shrouded in shadows making them appear black.

Seniors Enjoy The South Rim

Read what National Geographic has to say about The Gunni. The Gunnison National Park is best known for the narrow gorge called the Black Canyon. With a depth that reaches 2,700 feet (820 meters), the canyon was carved by years of erosion by the Gunnison River.

Scenic overlooks along the 6-mile (10 km) South Rim Road offer views of the canyon. The Cedar Point Nature Trail off South Rim is an easy-to-navigate hiking trail that includes signs about the area’s plants. It leads to a great view of the 2,250 foot (7,380) high Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in the state.

South Rim Road is a highly popular 7-mile scenic drive through the park. Pulpit Rock Overlook is a scenic point that offers dramatic views of the surrounding area and it’s is where tons of photos are taken.

Tomichi Point is the first, and impressive, scenic overlook as you enter the park and Gunnison Point is the high altitude point from which to view the canyon.

 

Seniors Find Spectacular Site

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a spectacular site to see. This is the only canyon that is in North America that is able to combine the opening which is narrow and has walls which are sheer and the depths within is startling, to say the least, but that also makes it fun and exciting.

And senior hikers, you will enjoy the Black Canyon because it has many opportunities and great trails. Summer is the most popular time to visit. Be prepared to perspire if you hike at midday on exposed trails, and bring along a good supply of water.

North Rim has more hiking options than the more popular South Rim. The longest trail to the top of Green Mountain is a little over 7 miles long. The best views are from Exclamation Point (3 mile round trip) and once you get there you understand why this spot was named the Exclamation Point.

Here senior travelers will find critical information, insider tips and photos.  Enjoy the Gunni.  jeb