Traveling with Ore Communications

Black Canyon, White Winter, Mountains of Fun

Montrose, Colo., is the gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the most unique and beautiful places in the country.  During the winter, the park is incredibly quite and tranquil, giving winter visitors a truly enchanted experience.   

The South Rim Drive is unplowed during the winter, creating a wonderful cross-country ski trail.  The road is six miles long each way, and allows access to the amazing overlooks into the canyon.  Park at the South Rim Visitor Center located at the Gunnison Point Overlook.

You can also take a snowshoeing trek through the park.  The upper part of the Oak Flat Loop and Rim Rock Trail are two of the recommended routes.  Snowshoeing is also encouraged in any part of the canyon’s rim.  However, going into the inner canyon is not recommended.  A tip from the locals: be courteous to other trail users by not snowshoeing or walking in the snow tracks already established along the South Rim Drive.  Also, it’s important to note that in order to protect the area wildlife, man’s best friend is not allowed along the South Rim Drive in the winter. 

If a guided tour is more your style, the rangers at the Black Canyon have just the ticket (and it won’t cost you a thing!). Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Jan. 16 – March 7, take part in a ranger-guided snow-shoeing tour along the rim of the canyon.  No special skills are required to participate, and snowshoes (including kids’ sizes) are available for loan free of charge at the visitor’s center. 

On Sunday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m., fulfill your New Year’s resolution to learn something new by signing up for a two-hour cross-country ski clinic at the park.  The clinic covers the basics of cross country skiing from simple striding and gliding to travelling in variable terrain and snow conditions.   

For a truly delightful experience, join the rangers on Jan. 30 and Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. to cross country ski the South Rim Trail by moonlight.  Please bring your own equipment, including skis, poles, warm clothes, and a portable light.  Afterwards, warm up at The South Rim Visitor Center with hot chocolate, tea and coffee.       

To reserve your spot for one of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park winter programs call 970-249-1914, ex. 423.

About Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (www.nps.gov/blca)

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park is located 250 miles southwest of Denver.  The south Rim is 15 miles east of Montrose and the North Rim is 11 miles south of Crawford.  It was proclaimed a national monument in 1933 and was designated a national park through a congressional bill and a presidential signature in 1999.  The Black Canyon is aptly named – it is so deep, sheer and narrow that very little sunlight reaches the canyon floor.  Activities in Black Canyon National Park include fishing, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, nature walks and camping in the summer, and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and backcountry camping in the winter.

About Montrose (www.visitmontrose.com)

Montrose, located in southwest Colorado, is a uniquely-authentic town that has carved out a place for itself in the landscape and culture of Colorado.  A multi-faceted town, Montrose serves up layer upon layer of discoveries, each more unique than the last.  Whether you are looking for adventure, agritourism, history, culture, shopping, fine dining or anything in between, Montrose has a little something for everyone. 

# # #

Contacts:

Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970.887.2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

Jenni Sopsic, Montrose Visitors and Convention Bureau, 970.708.1182, jenni@visitmontrose.net