Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The Black canyon of the Gunnison National Park contains 2,000 foot narrow canyon walls, which drop almost vertically to the Gunnison River. Two camp-grounds are located in the park – one on the south rim and one on the north rim. The visitor’s canter is located on South Rim Drive and provides a video theater with two orientation programs.
Located in the southwest section of Colorado, some of the park’s more popular recreational activities are camping, backpacking, bird, and wildlife viewing, fishing, and rafting. In the winter months, visitors enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park is open year round, but access to the south rim is limited in the winter.
Park Service Information Office:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Park Headquarters
102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230-8397
E-mail: Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Great Sand Dunes National Park Preserve
One of the nation’s newest nation's parks, Great San Dunes was upgraded from a national monument and preserve in the year 2000. Located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, the dunes appear to stretch to infinity. The dunes cover approximately 39 square miles and are the tallest in North America – over 170 feet. The park is open all year, 24 hours a day.
Park Service Information Office:
Great San Dunes National Park
Park Headquarters
11999 Highway 150
Mosca, CO 81146
E-mail: Great Sand Dunes