Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado is set to undergo road improvement projects starting in 2024 and extending into 2025, according to a National Park Service (NPS) press release. These projects, crucial for enhancing the park’s infrastructure, are expected to impact visitor park access.
During this period, guests should anticipate delays of up to 30 minutes and a notable reduction in available parking spaces.
The initial phase of the improvement will begin on the South Rim by late March 2024, focusing on road rehabilitation from the park boundary along Highway 347 to the visitor center. This stretch, covering approximately 1.8 miles (2.8 km), will see approximately seven months of construction work.
The following year (2025) will undergo further road rehabilitation extending from the visitor center to the end of South Rim Drive. Additionally, a pavement preservation project will commence, impacting access to overlooks along the South Rim Drive and the availability of the South Rim campground.
Funding for this year’s project is sourced from the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP), while the subsequent year’s efforts will be supported by the Federal Highways Administration’s Pavement Preservation Program. After the summer of 2025, all paved roads on the South Rim are expected to be treated with preservation techniques, including crack sealing, patching, and chip seal or micro seal applications. The project will enhance road conditions for national park visitors.
The National Park Service advises visitors to exercise caution and patience when navigating park roads, especially amidst construction activities. It recommends allocating additional time for park visits during the roadwork period. Construction crews will operate Monday through Friday during daylight hours, with traffic management including alternating one-way flow.
At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the array of recreational activities available to visitors caters to a wide range of interests. Among the most captivating experiences is exploring the park’s unique and rugged landscape, which offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.
The park’s trails range from easy walks along the rim with breathtaking views of the canyon’s depths to more challenging hikes that descend into the inner canyon, providing a closer look at the Gunnison River and the sheer rock walls. For the adventurous, rock climbing in the Black Canyon is renowned for its demanding routes and exposure, offering some of the most challenging and rewarding climbs.
For more information about the park’s announcement, click here.