The North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will reopen to the public on July 30 following temporary closure due to wildfire activity, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
Visitors will again have access to trails, and the North Rim Campground, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground has 13 sites and is limited to vehicles under 22 feet in length.
According to an article published by 9News on July 26, the North Rim Fire began July 10 and was fully extinguished by July 11.
Despite the reopening, the South Rim of the park remains closed.
The North Rim Campground at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers 13 remote campsites nestled among pinyon and juniper trees. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Access to the campground involves traveling the final 5.6 miles on an unpaved road, and services are minimal.
The maximum combined length for RVs, cars, and trailers is limited to 22 feet. Black Canyon features three campgrounds: one on the North Rim, one on the South Rim, and East Portal Campground at the canyon’s base.
East Portal, although accessed through the national park, lies within Curecanti National Recreation Area.
In addition to established campgrounds, backcountry camping is permitted within the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness for hikers and kayakers with a valid Wilderness Use Permit, subject to specific restrictions.
The South Rim Campground also is located one mile from the South Rim Visitor Center and is open year-round by reservation only through Recreation.gov.
Campsites are situated close together and partially shaded by Gambel oak and serviceberry shrubs. Only Loop B offers 20- and 30-amp electric hookups.