Images of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Midwestern Colorado, June 2016.

Deep, narrow and steep best describe the experience of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. At one point the canyon is as little as 1,300 feet from the north to the south rim at the top but only 40 feet at the bottom! The deepest point in the canyon, at Warner Point, is 2,772 feet but it is the sheer rock faces of the walls throughout the gorge that are mind numbing. As you travel from outlook to outlook each has a spot where all you have to do is stand next to the railing to look straight down to the canyon floor and the Gunnison River. It was not uncommon to see fellow travelers observing the canyon from the end of the trail rather than the railing of the viewing area. Me, I wanted to be on that railing looking straight down into the abyss…it is an awesome view from each and every overlook!

The main section of the park is located on the south rim and this is the most visited area, but the views from the less visited north rim are equally as stunning…just harder to get to as it is a two and a half hour ride around the canyon to access this area.

Common throughout the park were the flowers in full bloom and although this area is not known for an abundance of large wildlife I managed to find my fair share of birds and reptiles; and even a fish while watching fishermen along the Gunnison River.