Black Canyon of the Gunnison

This canyon was so different then all the other places we visited out west. The rock  cropping's were a black color.

Our first look

 

The Gunnison River far below

 

A nice cool picnic area.

The Gunnison River Far below

Twisted in time

Painted wall. 2300 ft. high cliffs more then 1 million years old.

16 % grade down to the Crystal Dam There are three dams along the river supplying water to the Uncompahgue Valley. Check out these clouds.

Where did the road get to?

One of several grouse we saw. We were told it is a blue grouse. Not sure.

The Mill creek trail which was a nice  hike,W e did not do the entire hike. There is a nice picnic  area at the trailhead.

This is just a sampling of the many many photo's we took of the area. Below/including the 3 dams in the Curecanti National recreation Area. There are 7 different campgrounds. Services range from primitive to full hook up. For more information search   www.nps.gov/cure and For Gunnison  www.nps.gov/blca  This was one of our favorite places on our trip