Deep, Steep, and NarrowAbout 60 million years ago, a small area of land uplifted and brought 1.8 billion year old metamorphic rock to high elevations. This is called the Gunnison Uplift. About 30 million years ago, large volcanoes erupted on either side of this uplift, burying it in volcanic rock. Then, as early as two million years ago, the Gunnison River began flowing in force. The river and time eroded all of the volcanic rock and cut a deep canyon in the metamorphic rock below. ![]() Building Black Canyon
How long did it take to construct Black Canyon? Learn about the materials and forces that caused it to form. ![]() Canyon Dimensions
Learn about depth and steepness, and how Black Canyon compares to other canyons around the world. ![]() The Geologic Story
Chapters written across time make up the in-depth story of Black Canyon. |
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Last updated: July 15, 2024