Colorado winters can be cold and harsh. At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, services are limited and East Portal Road, North Rim Road, and South Rim Drive past the visitor center are all closed. That doesn’t mean you can’t still visit the park and engage in some winter outdoor activities, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, ranger-led or on your own.

Winter at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park / NPS - J. Stringfield

So, just what is open in the winter? Tomichi Point and Gunnison Point Overlooks, the South Rim Visitor Center, South Rim Campground (Loop B only), and hiking trails (although these may be icy or snow-covered). That’s still plenty for some snowy fun.

Snowshoeing in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park / NPS file

Between mid-January and early March, 90-minute, 1-mile (1.61 km) ranger-led snowshoe hikes are offered and open to all skill levels. The hikes may or may not follow a trail, and snowshoes are provided free of charge. Reservations are not required but are encouraged due to limited equipment supplies.  Please contact the park by email; reservations open a week prior. For groups of 6 or more and school groups, please contact the park at least two weeks prior to see if the park can accommodate your group.

Whether you decide to showshoe with a ranger or would rather strike out on your own, remember to wear appropriate clothing such as water-resistant hiking boots or snow boots (required for the ranger-led hikes), a base layer, and water/wind resistant outer layers, hats, and gloves. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.

Park at the South Rim Visitor Center and meet at the start of the South Rim Ski and Snowshoe Trail 15 minutes before the program. Park entrance fees apply.

For those of you who would rather snowshoe on your own, there are various locations depending on snow conditions and experience level:

• South Rim Ski and Snowshoe Trail (beginner level)
• The upper part of the Oak Flat Loop Trail (intermediate level)
• Rim Rock Trail (best with more snow; exposed rocks can damage snowshoes)

Please be courteous to other trail users by not snowshoeing or walking in the ski tracks or the flat area groomed for skate skiing along the South Rim Drive. Dogs are not permitted along the South Rim Drive when the road is groomed as a ski trail.

Snowshoes are only available for loan on guided ranger tours. Visitors should bring their own or rent from local communities. Montrose, Colorado, offers snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals from The Great Outdoors Company, and  970 Sports Rewind.

Having fun cross-country skiing on the groomed trail at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park / NPS file

Speaking of snowshoeing (and skiing), in winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond Gunnison Point and rangers groom the remainder of the road for cross-country skiing (skate and classic) and snowshoeing (as staffing and conditions allow). The road becomes the South Rim Ski and Snowshoe Trail. It is 6 miles (4 km) one-way, and allows access to more overlooks. Parking is available at the South Rim Visitor Center. Rentals are not available in the park. Before you go, you will want to check the current conditions page for snow and grooming updates.

FYI, sleds are not allowed.