Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim
Montrose, CO
A sheer, dark gorge so narrow that sunlight barely reaches the river. The South Rim Road has a dozen overlooks, including the Painted Wall, Colorado’s tallest cliff.
The South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the southern side of the national park of the same name near Montrose in western Colorado, about 15 miles (24 km) east of town via US 50 and CO 347. Lonely Planet describes the canyon as so sheer, deep and narrow that sunlight reaches the bottom only when the sun is directly overhead.
The South Rim Road has overlooks such as Gunnison Point, Chasm View and Cedar Point, which looks onto the Painted Wall: at 2,250 feet (about 686 m) it is Colorado's tallest cliff. Below Gunnison Point the canyon is roughly 1,800 feet (548 m) deep. According to Wikivoyage, the south side offers the better views of the Painted Wall, the north side of the narrowest section (about 12 m wide). Short rim trails such as the Rim Rock Nature Trail (about 1.6 km round trip) follow the cliff edges.
Important for campers: in winter the South Rim Road is closed to vehicles beyond Gunnison Point and usually reopens in mid-April. The South Rim Campground can be reserved through recreation.gov; check opening and vehicle length limits in advance. Do your fuel and grocery shopping in the towns outside the park.
- Nearest town
- Montrose, CO
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 38.5750, -107.7420
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- North Rim CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South RimTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South RimTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToilets
- Cedar Creek RV ParkMotorhome stopover9 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim · 45 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Black Canyon/Montrose KOA KampgroundCampsite9 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim
- Riverbend RV ParkCampsite11 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South RimTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersDogs allowed
- The Campers HubMotorhome stopover12 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South RimTentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim is in Montrose, CO, at GPS 38.5750, -107.7420. It is about 4 mi from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Can you camp near Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is North Rim Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop.
What is there to see near Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim?
Places worth a stop nearby: Ute Indian Museum (11 mi), Blue Mesa Reservoir (32 mi), Grand Mesa Visitor Center (34 mi) and Kebler Pass (39 mi).
When is the best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)