San Miguel County, Colorado

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 skiin...

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of Colorado's four national parks. Though not as well known as Rocky Mountain or Mesa Verde, Black Canyon has no lack of views, hiking opportunities, and other must-experience natural features. The Canyon's expanse is far too large to explore in a day, but the...

The Black Canyon of Gunnison is know for 2000 foot cliffs and a beautiful raging river below. The south side of the canyon is the most popular and the easiest to get to. The visitor center is also on the south side making it convenient for information and getting souvenirs. The scenic drive also ...

The drive from Durango to Ouray via Colorado 550 (The San Juan Skyway) is one of the most gorgeous roads in the country. The drive itself is worth your time, but if you have time be sure to make stops along the way at the many waterfalls, hiking trails, and lakes along the road. This drive passes...

Immediately upon arriving, secure a permit to scramble down 1,800ft in one mile to the Gunnison River. There are no hiking trails below the rim of the canyon, and because of its relentless steepness and rock exposure, the only existing routes are incredibly steep and loose. To protect the delicat...

This easy trail is located along the north rim of the canyon and can be completed as either a short loop hike or a shorter out and back to the first overlook. You’ll find the trailhead at the North Rim Campground. The views of the canyon along this trail are fantastic, some of the best in the par...

This trail is located within Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park. The parking lot also serves as the parking lot for the amphitheater, so it's pretty huge - unless there's a program going on you shouldn't have to worry about finding a spot.  The trail starts out nice and level, facin...

The Animas Mountain Trail is a 6 mile loop trail, easily accessible from town, and best used from March until October. In the early spring and late fall, it is advised to bring YakTrax or similar in case there are icy patches on the trail. This trail is located in the San Juan National Forest nea...

The Knife Edge Trail leaves from a small parking lot located in Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park. It's definitely an easy trail, but it is perfect for the entire family. It offers an unhindered view westward, so it is a prime place to catch the sunset in the park, especially if yo...