Black Canyon Winter Operations 2025/2026

Date:
September 18, 2025

MONTROSE, Colo. - As summer comes to an end, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will transition to winter operations. Check the park websites for operational hours, closures, and current conditions before your trip.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

• Starting October 1, 2025, the South Rim Visitor Center hours will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily with a closure for lunch from 12:00 to 12:30 pm. The visitor center will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
• The South Rim Road will remain open until the first significant snowfall, then close. In winter, South Rim Road is open to vehicles only to the visitor center. When the South Rim Road is in winter road status, pedestrians, leashed pets, and bicycles are permitted until the road is put into winter trail status. Once in winter trail status, the road is groomed for skiing and it will be closed to pets and bicycles, allowing for winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Water at Black Canyon is trucked to the park during the summertime. Water is not available from October to April on either the North or South Rim. In winter, visitors are responsible for bringing their own water.
• North Rim Road will remain open to vehicles until the first significant snowfall.
• The South Rim Campground, the East Portal Road, and several trails and wilderness routes remain closed until further notice due to the South Rim Fire.
• When snowfall is abundant, usually in January, staff will offer free guided snowshoe walks, and the South Rim Road will be groomed for skiing.

Winter is a peaceful time to visit Black Canyon. Visitors can enjoy hiking, stargazing, and snow sports when conditions allow. Your safety is your responsibility. Check weather and terrain conditions before recreating. Check the National Weather Service forecast at www.weather.gov and Colorado Department of Transportation road cameras and conditions at www.cotrip.org . Learn more about Black Canyon at www.nps.gov/blca .

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