South Rim Cross Country Ski Trail

Overview

 


The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, which had been a national monument since 1933, became a national park on October 21, 1999. The canyon was avoided by early American Indians and later Utes and Anglo explorers, who believed that no human could survive a trip to its depths. The entire canyon measures 48 miles long, and the 14 miles that are included in the national park range in depth from 1,730 feet to 2,700 feet. Its width at the narrowest point is only 40 feet.
Most visitors view the canyon from the South Rim Road. Short paths branching off the road lead to splendid viewpoints.

The South Rim Road stays open during the winter time only for a short section and past the visitor center the road is closed. The road is used as a cross country and snow shoe trail. The length of the this trail is 6 miles one way (12 miles round trip). The access is 24 hrs, and you can even nordic ski here at moonlight (pretty popular with locals).
The South Rim Visitor Center is open daily year-round (winter hours 8:30 to 4). You are not required to pay an national park entry fee during the winter time.

Getting There

  

The park is located northeast of Montrose. To reach the south rim, head east on U.S. 50 for 8 miles to the well-marked turnoff for Black Canyon to the entrance, where you will turn north onto Colorado 347 for 6 miles. The road is snow plowed up to the visitor center, and any vehicle can reach it.
Distance from Denver is approximately 250 miles southwest.
Plane: Commercial airline service is available to Montrose, Gunnison, and Grand Junction.

Route Description

The South Rim Drive is not plowed during the winter months, allowing the road to become a ski trail. The road=ski trail is 6 miles (one way), and allows access to the overlooks. Park at the South Rim Visitor Center, located at Gunnison Point.
It is helpful to have a park map with you on this trail. It will help to guide you in your progress, e.g. I once turned around at Sunset Overlook and had no idea how far I went. It was just getting dark and late. I had less than mile to go to the end, and finished my skiing when it was very dark. There are several viewpoints along the road and you can easily access them with your skis on.
Dogs are not permitted on the road. The National Park service has on its website "For the sake of the wildlife surviving this cold season on the canyon rim, dogs are not permitted along the South Rim Drive in winter". I did see a few bunnies, which Duchess would enjoy chasing, and of course deer too.

Please be courteous to other trail users by not walking or snowshoeing in the ski tracks along the South Rim Drive.

Deer along the trail	Skiing along the edge	Skater	View inside the canyon	Endless road
Sun on the cliffs	Painted Wall	Looking inside the canyon	Evening sprint back	Good night, Black
Outing with my son	Skating is hard work	Chasm view Overlook	Hey kid, wait for mama	Gunnison Overlook

Essential Gear

Cross country ski gear - skis, boots, poles.
Consider a thermos bottle with hot drink. Camera for scenic photos. Headlamp if starting late.
Warm clothes.

There are no national park entry fees in the winter, which typically would cost you about 15$ per vehicle to enter inside any national park in the USA. Also, you can bring money with you, the visitor center is open, and they do have a nice gift shop.

External Links

Winter Program schedule at Black canyon
The best coffee place in Montrose = Coffee Trader
My favorite restaurant in town - Guru's authentic Nepalese Ok, this place does not look like much when you enter, and sometimes it is nearly empty, but trust me - they serve a really good food, large portions, and friendly owner from Nepal Bishnu is always smiling.

Images

View South Rim Cross Country Ski Trail Image Gallery - 30 Images