Snowshoe in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Winter is a great time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Covered in snow, the canyon seems even more dramatic and sheer. The park road is plowed up until the visitor center, and there is no entrance fee in the winter. The rest of the park road is groomed for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Snowshoes are also available to borrow in the visitor center. Just ask for them at the front desk and make sure you have them back before closing time! Also, the park rangers will be happy to give you suggestions on where to go snowshoeing.

We went on Martin Luther King Jr. day and enjoyed the trails to ourselves. Most people who were at the park were cross country skiing, meaning that we were the only ones on the Oak Flat Trail, and the only ones at the Tomichi Point overlook. We also walked out on the road for a ways. If you wish to snowshoe on the road, just make sure not to walk on the cross country tracks. You also can explore off of the park road as long as you stay off of the vegetation. This gives you solitude and unique views of the Black Canyon that can't be experienced in any other season.

It is a great experience, and best enjoyed after a good snowfall! There was even hot chocolate available in the visitor center for 50 cents, which was great to help warm us up after a cold day of snowshoeing. The visitor's center closes at 4, so if you borrow snowshoes from the park, make sure to get them back before then. By snowshoeing in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, you will experience an inexpensive and unique visit to this National Park.