History & Culture

Black Canyon is a geologic wonder. The difficult and rugged nature of it has challenged and limited human influence from prehistoric to present day. Only the canyon rims, never the inner canyon, show evidence of human occupation. The known sites at Black Canyon of the Gunnison suggest human use for the past 9,000 years.

Over time, different groups have visited and traveled through the area. Some came in search of a railroad route; others for water and ways to use it outside the canyon. Expeditions and subsequent engineering of the Gunnison Tunnel show the challenges and successes of development.

Local support rallied for Black Canyon to become a place of recreation and conservation. Black Canyon of the Gunnison became a national monument in 1933 and was renamed as a national park in 1999. Park staff, aided by Civilian Conservation Corps workers, built trails, roads, campgrounds, and NPS buildings. Mission 66 projects completed during the 1960s also brought new life to the roads, scenic overlooks, and campgrounds.

Learn about the people, places, and stories that have shaped Black Canyon's history, influence its present, and inform park managers of how to move into the future.