3Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
You’ll find this national park near Gunnison and Montrose. It is named for the darkness of its sheer gorge walls that rise more than 2,703 feet above the floor of the canyon. Over 430,000 travelers come here annually.
They come to witness the results of millions of years of erosion by the rushing Gunnison River and learn of prehistoric life via the multiple layers of sediment and rock. They also come here to see indigenous plants, elks, moose, and mountain lions.
More athletic visitors hike the rim of the canyon. The unmarked hiking trails are rightfully reserved for expert hikers. Be sure to see the Painted Wall. It’s named for the detailed white-pink markings on the near-famous 2,300-foot-tall cliff. Visit in the summer!
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