When Was Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Established?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has a two-part establishment history:
Initial Establishment as a National Monument
Black Canyon of the Gunnison was first established as a national monument on March 2, 1933 by proclamation of President Herbert Hoover. This initial designation provided federal protection for this remarkable natural landmark.
Redesignation as a National Park
The area was later redesignated as a national park on October 21, 1999. This change in status elevated the protection and recognition of the area and incorporated an additional 4,000 acres of land that had been owned by the Bureau of Land Management. The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area was created at the same time.
About Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado and features one of the steepest, most dramatic canyons in North America. The park contains approximately 12 miles of the 48-mile-long Gunnison River. The canyon is named “Black” because its steepness limits the amount of sunlight that reaches its depths, with some parts receiving only 33 minutes of direct sunlight per day.
The Gunnison River drops an average of 34 feet per mile through the canyon, making it the 5th steepest mountain descent in North America. At its narrowest point, the canyon is only 40 feet wide at the river level, while the canyon walls rise dramatically to heights of over 2,000 feet.
Today, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park encompasses 30,750 acres and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually who come to experience its dramatic scenery and recreational opportunities.
