2021 Montrose, Colorado Visitor Guide - 47

Black Canyon National Park

RANGER-LED
PROGRAMS

Free as a Bird

There is no better introduction to a
National Park than through its caretakers
who are passionate about their work.
The Black Canyon offers ranger-led
programs to add a special touch to your
visit, including hikes, walks, talks, and
more. Take a look at the park's calendar
(NPS.gov/BLCA/PlanYourVisit) to discover
what programs are happening during
your visit. Don't forget the Junior Ranger
program for the kids, which can spark
their enthusiasm for this and other
National Park treasures.

Bird watching at the canyon is best
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, catch
a glimpse of the canyon wren. In the
spring and early summer near the
Painted Wall, try to catch a glimpse of
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.

Dive Into The Deep
On East Portal Road
Follow this extremely steep (16% grade)
road (with dizzying hairpin turns) right
to the Gunnison River that carved the
marvelous canyon. Picnic and camping
areas, fishing opportunities, and a
unique perspective of the canyon await
those who make the descent.

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,
cottontail rabbits, and maybe even a
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. If you
are lucky (depending on your definition
of luck), you may just spot an elusive
mountain lion in the early morning or
evening or even a black bear or bobcat.

Marvel at the Sky
You've never seen sunsets quite as
spectacular as those you will see at
Black Canyon National Park. With its
stunning landscape accentuated by
the reddish hues of the setting sun,
it's nearly impossible to go wrong with
an evening visit to the park. Staff pick:
Sunset View (westernmost overlook on
South Rim Road).

World-Class Fishing

@sydneywarner42

Park After Dark
The Black Canyon is an International
Dark Sky Park offering night sky viewing
opportunities throughout the year.
The park is always open to stargaze on
your own (Tomichi Point is a favorite
spot). Rangers and local astronomers
present evening talks from May through
September every Wednesday, Friday, and
Sunday night, weather permitting. A large
astronomy festival takes place each June
with guest speakers and special activities.

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). The annual stonefly
hatch, a prime time for fly fishing on the
river, happens early in June.

@5280angler

@VISITMONTROSE | 47
http://www.NPS.gov/BLCA/PlanYourVisit http://www.VISITMONTROSE.COM/BIRDING http://www.VISITMONTROSE.COM/BIRDING
2021 Montrose, Colorado Visitor Guide

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