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Photo Essay: South Rim at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

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As a geologist, I’ve always wanted to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The rugged canyon was formed over the course of millions of years. Around 60 million years ago land uplifted rock that dates back to 1.8 billion years ago, and formed the Gunnison Lift.  Skyblue Overland has already published an Adventurer’s Guide to the Black Canyon National Park, but I’m always eager to enhance article and the photography.

I spent the night at the South Rim Campground on June 18, 2021, which offers some of the most impressive views within the National Park. Its located near the 2,250-foot Painted Wall, which happens to be the highest cliff in the entire state of Colorado. The largest attraction to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the scenic drive along the top of the rim.  There are several overlooks, each with short trails with amazing views of the canyon.