Drive the East Portal Road

Want an easier way to get to the bottom of the canyon without the rugged hiking trails? Drive to the bottom via the East Portal Road. Open once the harsh winter breaks, this road switchbacks its way to the bottom at the meeting place of Curecanti National Recreation area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

The road is really steep, with many switchbacks and therefore only vehicles of 22 feet long or less are allowed to travel the road. The road is paved, however many potholes are present.

Once at the bottom, a primitive campground is available and for anglers in your party, a blue ribbon trout fishing paradise is available. The cold waters of the Gunnison River is a premier trout fishery.

Seeing the canyon is a much different experience of the park that the pullouts from the top, and this road allows most visitors a chance to get a glimpse up close of one of the treasures of America's National Park system.