BLUE MESA RESERVOIR - BLACK CANYON OF GUNNISON

GUNNISON, COLORADO – BLUE MESA RESERVOIR
What a beautiful location and great camping locations within the Blue Mesa Reservoir and Gunnison areas.

The Gunnison Black Canyon area is nationally known for its geology and topography – and for the historical lore surrounding that area. Local legends say that pioneers and trailsmen would enter the canyon to avoid passage over the rocks. Trapped in the canyon with no way out, many perished. It is said that you can hear their cries of sorrow and pain during calm weather periods within the canyon.

Our journey to Gunnison took about two hours longer than we anticipated, due to the steep grade over Monarch Pass through the southern Colorado Mountains. Some portions topped an 8% grade, and pulling the Cirrus Trailer, even with the Dodge 2500 Diesel, proved quite the climb. When we make that climb again, we will plan to not fill our water tanks ahead of the trip. The fresh water tanks add too much weight.

BLACK CANYON OF GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK
The canyon has been a mighty barrier to humans. Only its rims, never the gorge, show evidence of human occupation – not even by Ute Indians living in the area since written history began. The Black Canyon stretches far beyond the 14 miles within the national park. Including the canyon within Curecanti National Recreation Area and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, the total length is 53 miles.

Climate
Weather can vary greatly between the canyon rim and canyon floor. Summer daytime temperatures range between 60 to 100F (15 to 38C), nights 30 to 50F (-1 to 10C) Winter daytime temperatures range between 20 to 40F (-6 to 4C), nights -10 to 20F (-23 to -6C). Precipitation is minimal, brief afternoon thunderstorms occur during the summer.