On our first entrance into Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, we drove down to the bottom of the canyon. That was fun and offered amazing views of the canyon looking up. On our second visit we drove the South Rim and enjoyed the views looking down. The park has a North Rim and a South Rim. We only visited the South Rim and the canyon floor.
our morning view on the twenty minute drive out to the park
It was a warm, sunny day in Montrose. It was cool to still see snow covered mountains in the distance considering how hot it was that day.
Day two of visiting this beautiful national park.
The flag at the Welcome Center.
We stopped there to purchase a patch and a pin.
map of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The drive along the rim is seven miles long. There are twelve scenic overlooks along the way. We stopped at all twelve. Some had longer walks to get to than others, but all of them offered beautiful views of the canyon.
Our first stop was Tomichi Point.
Cruz in the distance
David in the distance
view of the Gunnison River down below
It was hard to imagine that we were down there the day before. We loved seeing the views from both angles.
my guys admiring the canyon
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
me and my boys
family photo on top of the canyon
Ben at Cross Fissures overlook
the trail to Rock Point Overlook
me and Ben at Rock Point Overlook
Rock Point Overlook
Chasm View Overlook
Chasm View Overlook
Chasm View Overlook
Painted Wall Overlook
Painted Wall Overlook
Painted Wall is the tallest vertical cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet and is among the highest in the United States.
Painted Wall Overlook
The trail to Cedar Point Overlook
Cedar Point Overlook
me at Cedar Point Overlook
off to Dragon Point Overlook
Dragon Point Overlook
Dragon Point Overlook
The wildflowers were in bloom and a lovely sight to see. The colors just popped so vividly.
big horn sheep near the Dragon Point Overlook
High Point Overlook
Before visiting the last overlook we stopped for a picnic lunch. It was our first picnic lunch to have outside so far on the trip. All the others were in the car because it was too cold and windy to eat outside. We thoroughly enjoyed getting to sit out in the sunshine and eat our lunch!
picnic lunch at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
After eating we set out on the Warner Point Trail. It was the last overlook to see on the seven mile drive.
hiking the Warner Point Trail
view from the Warner Point Trail
view from the Warner Point Trail
Warner Point Trail
Warner Point Trail
taking a break on the Warner Point Trail
It was really hot that day!
Warner Point Trail
The lookout was just on top of that hill.
view from Warner Point Lookout
our family at Warner Point Lookout in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Warner Point Lookout
Warner Point Lookout
our return hike on the Warner Point Trail
a beautiful national park that we thoroughly enjoyed
a video of our time exploring the South Rim
That evening back in Montrose we had supper at Crash Burger. It is a hamburger restaurant that is inside an old gas station. It was really cute! They mostly do pick up and go orders, but they did have a small dining area where you could eat on site. The burgers were delicious and a favorite meal on our trip. We also loved the onion rings. A highlight was $1.00 ice cream cups they offered. We were expecting small servings but instead they were quite large. We could not believe how much ice cream you got for $1.00. We are still talking about our meal there and wishing we could go back and eat there again. The boys say they would return for the ice cream alone. If you are ever in Montrose, you must try this place. I hope you will love it as much as we did! You'll be surprised to know that I did not take a single photo of the restaurant or our meal. I used this photo I found online because I couldn't end this post without mentioning this great place.
The next day we left Montrose and drove about three hours to the city of Cortez. Along the way we drove the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton. It was the most beautiful scenic drive of the whole trip. I'll share those photos next.
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