2019 Montrose, Colorado Visitor Guide - 17

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WARNER POINT NATURE TRAIL
Moderate - 1.5 miles round trip
You can pick up a trail guide at the High Point Overlook
or the South Rim Visitor Center. Along this trail, you will
find shady benches that allow you to rest among mountain
mahogany, serviceberry, piñyon pine, and juniper.
Looking south you can see the San Juan Mountain Range,
Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. To the northeast,
look for the West Elk Mountains, and, at the end of the
trail, enjoy the views of the Gunnison River and the Black
Canyon. Pets are not allowed.

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CLIMB (IF YOU DARE)
The Black Canyon (affectionately known to climbers as "The
Black") is extremely deep and narrow and is a full-on adventure
climbing area that is best attempted by expert climbers. Peak
climbing season is mid-April to mid-June and late August to
early November. Ratings for the Black Canyon's 145 known
climbs start at 5.9 and go up to 5.13 (29 climbs are rated 5.8
and 5.9). Climbing permits may be obtained at the North Rim
Ranger Station or South Rim Visitor Center.

FEEL FREE AS A BIRD!
Bird watching at the canyon is spectacular in the spring and
early summer. Grab your binoculars and settle in to spot the
dusky grouse in the sagebrush. Gaze into the open air of the
canyon to see Cooper's hawks, red-tailed hawks, and golden
eagles soar. In the mornings at Rock Point in the inner canyon,
the canyon wren sings, and in the spring and early-summer
near the Painted Wall, try and catch the Peregrine falcon, the
fastest bird in the world. Before you visit, make sure to check
VISITMONTROSE.COM/BIRDING to download a bird list to
track your sightings.
GET WILD!
The canyon is alive with an abundance of all things wild.
Spot wildlife such as mule deer, elk, yellow-bellied marmots,
golden-mantled ground and rock squirrels, ermine (weasels),
chipmunks, cotton-tailed rabbits, and maybe even a Rocky
Mountain bighorn sheep. If you are lucky (or maybe not), you
may just spot an elusive mountain lion in the early morning or
evening or even a black bear or bobcat.
WORLD-CLASS FISHING
Winding through the beautiful Black Canyon National Park,
the Gunnison River offers some of the finest trout fishing
available. These Gold Medal waters have been designated by
the Colorado Wildlife Commission as providing ideal spots to
catch large trout. (Only 168 miles of Colorado's 9,000 miles
of trout streams carry the Gold Medal signature). Salmon fly
hatch happens early in June.
@charlow4

CRUISE THE CANYON ON THE MORROW POINT BOAT
TOUR
Experience the canyon from a whole new angle as you glide
along Morrow Point Reservoir in a 42-passenger pontoon boat.
Each 1.5-hour tour is led by a park ranger or volunteer who will
guide you through the stories behind the beautiful scenery.
Tours run from Memorial Day to Labor Day; reservations
required. The 232 steps along the .75-mile trail to the boat
dock can make for a moderately strenuous, but rewarding, hike.
VISITMONTROSE.COM/MORROW-POINT
PLAY IN THE SNOW WHILE TAKING IN THE
BREATHTAKING VIEWS
Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and camping are
wonderful activities to accessorize a wintertime adventure at
the Black Canyon. The trails are open 24 hours and Loop A
at the South Rim campground is available for camping under
the magnificent blanket of stars (water and electricity are not
available). VISITMONTROSE.COM/BCNPWinter

EXPLORE TRAILS ON THE NORTH RIM

The remote and less-traveled North Rim entrance to the
canyon is located in Delta County, approximately 65 miles from
Montrose (1 hour 35 min). The only facility on the North Rim is
a small ranger station with attached living quarters. Within the
station expect to find only essential park information, with no
park-related souvenirs or supplies for sale, so come prepared
for minimal services. There are six North Rim viewpoints
accessible by vehicle compared to the 12 viewpoints on the
South Rim, and as you look south across the canyon you can
wave to the visitors on the other side. On the North Rim, fewer
visitors make for a more intimate and peaceful experience. The
distant roar of the river and bountiful bird life fill the air as you
look into the awe-inspiring depths of the canyon. There is no
bridge to cross the canyon, so base your travels accordingly.
Day use is based on the honor system.
CHASM VIEW NATURE TRAIL MODERATE
1/3 mile round trip
This trail is located at the end of the one-way campground
loop. After a short distance, the trail breaks out of the
piñyon/juniper forest at the North Chasm View, some
1,800 feet above the river. Continuing near the rim, the trail
reaches a second overlook with excellent views of Painted
Wall and Serpent Point. Keep a lookout for swifts, swallows,
and raptors frequently seen from this overlook. The people
you can see on the far side, at the South Rim's Chasm View
overlook are only 1,100 feet away.

@reelrock_europe

VISITMONTROSE.COM

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http://www.VISITMONTROSE.COM/MORROW-POINT http://www.VISITMONTROSE.COM/BCNPWinter http://www.VISITMONTROSE.COM/BIRDING http://www.VISITMONTROSE.COM
2019 Montrose, Colorado Visitor Guide

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2019 Montrose, Colorado Visitor Guide
