Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Our arrival in the Uncompahgre Valley coincided with the 4th July long weekend and not having made any reservations we found the only campground with a vacancy at Montrose where we promptly baked away in the hot searing sun for two days. Once the weekend ended we made our way up to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP. At around 8,300 feet we hoped for some respite from the heat and were happy to find our campsite full of groves of Gambel Oak and service berry bushes. Chatting to the host we learnt that a bear frequents the area but had taken leave during the busy long weekend....(smart bear) and to keep a watch out for him.

We decided to ride our bikes the 12 miles out to High Point and back again....we had been sitting around with the air conditioning on for the last two days and needed some activity. So we left early to avoid the hottest part of the day. The terrain was really interesting and we saw lots of birds and lizards. Resting up after our arduous bike ride we happened to look out the front windscreen to see the resident bear lumbering along the road in front of Dude...we thought how lucky were we to see him in a near vacant campsite and our second bear sighting for this trip. Then in a flash he was gone.

Chasm view overlooking the Gunnison River

View of the Painted Wall and Gunnison River 2000 feet below

Collared Lizard

While at the Visitors Centre we overheard a family talking about their hike down to the Gunnison River and our ears pricked up. One mile and 2000 feet down a drainage route with 80 feet of chain to assist you getting down and back up the washed away sections….now that we knew about it we’ve got to do it.

After learning about the different routes down to the river.....with trail names such as S.O.B Draw and Slide Draw we decided on the Gunnison Route. So with hats, sunscreen, water, lunch and gloves and lots of anticipation, it was time to set off. At first the trail was in amongst the Aspen trees as we descended the switchbacks (the only part of the trail that was a trail). After that we were clinging onto tree roots and rocks as the terrain fell away. Then we reached the washed out sections where they had the chains to hold onto as you kind of like abseiled down,  then side stepping on the cascading scree rocks we reached the boulders with a view of the canyon wall on the other side and the river below. Two local guys from Montrose sailed on by us taking 20 minutes in what took us an hour…they were heading down for a day of catch and release trout fishing. Reaching the river it was lush and cool. We watched the fishermen while we ate our lunch and after walking up and down the river it was time to leave this wonderful cool and peaceful place to make our way back up to the rim.

Covered in dust and sweat this adventure had us grinning from ear to ear

Having fun as we navigated our way down to the river

Making our way over the boulders

We were covered in dirt but had grins from ear to ear as we made our way back up. This really was a hike we were going to remember.