When we visited the park
We visited the park in mid-June.  I would recommend dressing with layers when you visit.  The morning started off cool, but quickly the temperatures rose.  When you are on top of the canyon, there isn't much protection from the sun, so bringing extra water when hiking, sunhats, and sunscreen are great ideas.  There is plenty of beauty to be found in this canyon, and with the right gear, you can do a lot of back country exploring.  Just make sure to prepare for the elements at this small park. 

​Things to Consider
1. The first thing to know is, this is a park that is divided into parts.  To get between the North Rim and the South Rim, you need to drive about two hours.  
2. There is a lot of remoteness to this park, so plan accordingly.  Bring extra water, hiking gear, sunscreen, a hat, and food.  
3. Most of the time, you are above the canyon looking down.  There are guides to hike into the canyon with the right permit. 
4. Fishing or floating the Gunnison River would be stunning, and requires a guided to do so. 

How to Get There
The South Rim is 7 miles north on CO Highway 347 from the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 east of Montrose. 
The North Rim is 11 miles southwest of Crawford. From CO Highway 92, turn west on Black Canyon Road approximately 3 miles south of Crawford. Follow the road signs to the park. The last 7 miles are unpaved. The North Rim is closed to vehicles in the winter.

There is no bridge across the canyon. Allow 2 to 3 hours to drive from one rim to the other.
Additional Maps Provided by the Park

​Where to Stay
Camping Inside the Park
North Rim
This 13-site campground is located on the North Rim near Chasm View Lookout.  It is available May through October on a first-come basis for $20 a night.  There is limited to no service here, and you are responsible for all water, food, and equipment.  
South Rim
This 88-site campground is located on the South Rim, near the entrance to the park.  It is available May through September for reservations and October through December on a first-come basis.  It costs $20 for a tent sites without electricity and $34 a night for an electric site or RV site.  There is limited to no service available here.  During the peak season, there is drinking water and a camp store available. 
Outside the Park
Montrose
The closest city to the south rim in Montrose.  This town has many lodging options and amenities available.  There is a county airport that would make flying to the park very accessible.  It is less than a thirty minute drive to the South Rim Visitor Center from here.  This is also a central location if you are interested in visiting Moab, UT and Arches or Canyonlands.  
Ouray 
This town is about an hour south of the south rim.  This is a quaint and small mountain town that is an outdoor enthusiasts dream.  There are a variety of lodging options, activities, and sights to be seen.  From fishing, soaking in the hot springs, climbing, hiking, or taking a UTV into the mountains, there is something for everyone.  This is also the beginning of the Million Dollar Highway for those daring enough to drive it. 
Hitching Post Hotel and Farm Store
The closest lodging to the North Rim of the park is about a 25 minute drive to Crawford, CO.  This limited lodging costs between $80-$130 a night depending on the size of the room needed. 
Hotchkiss Inn Motel
The next closest accommodations to the North Rim is about 40 minutes away in Hotchkiss, CO.  This larger lodging accommodation offers standard rooms for $190 a night.  There are more amenities offered in this town, but it is still small.  
Palisade Basecamp 
Have you ever thought about sleeping in a peach orchard?  This RV Park is located in an orchard along the Colorado River.  It is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from the North Rim or South Rim.  There are camping, RV, and cabin rentals available here.  This was on our original plan for lodging, however we had to change our dates and couldn't make it work anymore.  

What We Did
​We spent half a day at the park on the South Rim.  The first thing we did was stop at the South Rim Visitor Center.  This is a central place with a couple of activities, but plan for parking to be limited.  While at the visitor center, we walked out to Gunnison Point Lookout.  Next we took a break from the sun and heat in the Visitor Center, where the kids learned about the canyon and got their Junior Ranger books.  
After the break, we filled out water bottles and got a snack before heading out on the Oak Flat Loop hike.  This 2 mile hike is a great hike for kids, with mild rock scrambling and elevation change.  The hike offers breathtaking views, interesting plant life, and even a glimpse at a waterfall.  Make sure to bring plenty of water with you on this hike, the sun is intense on top of the canyon.  
After the hike, we drove a long the South Rim Scenic Drive.  We didn't make it to the end, where Warner Point Trail is, but if we return, I want to do this hike as well.  We did stop at Pulpit Rock Overlook, Sunset View Overlook, and Chasm View.  It was short trip, but beautiful!