Black Canyon of the Gunnison is Colorado’s least-visited National Park, but it’s also one of the most dog-friendly!
Black Canyon was one of my favorite stops on our 2018 funemployment road trip and also one of my first “viral” TikToks:
@bonjourbecky have you been here yet? #coloradocheck #coloradohikes #hikingadventures #hiking #obsessedwithit #fyp #adventure #coloradobaby #coloradogirl #colorado
♬ In The End – Mellen Gi Remix – Tommee Profitt
Are dogs allowed in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed in Black Canyon! They’re allowed on roads, in campgrounds, at overlooks, and on the following trails:
– Cedar Point Nature Trail
– North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail
– Rim Rock Trail
Dogs are not allowed on any other trails in the park or below the canyon rim. Pets are also not allowed on ranger-led geology walks or evening programs in the campground amphitheater.
Dog-friendly hiking trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
I recommend driving with your dog along the full South Rim of the Black Canyon, stopping at each of the overlooks along the way. Some overlooks are right off the road, while others require a short walk.
You can also hike with your dog on the Cedar Point Nature Trail, a .2 mile mostly flat trail, and the Rim Rock Trail, a 1-mile flat trail, both along the South Rim.
Since both dog-friendly trails are easy and flat, you could easily do both on your tour of the South Rim. Juno and I hiked both of the dog-friendly trails and stopped at all the overlooks on the South Rim, which took about 3 hours total including plenty of photo and snack breaks.
Here’s the Rim Rock Trail route:
If you’re visiting the more remote North Rim, you can hike with your dog on the North Rim Chasm View Trail.
Where to board your dog near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
If you plan to do a non-dog-friendly hike in Black Canyon, you can board your dog in nearby Montrose, Colorado, just 15 minutes from the main South Rim entrance.
The Iron Will Dog Lodge in Montrose gets excellent reviews. I kept Juno with me the whole time on my visit, but when I visit again to hike below the rim I’ll plan to board her there.
There are several more dog boarding options in Montrose, Gunnison, and, if you’re visiting the less-busy North Rim instead, you can also find options in Crawford.
You can also find well-reviewed petsitters on Rover or Wag.
Camping with your dog in Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Dogs are allowed in the South Rim Campground, where I took the photos of Juno with the picnic table and hammock.
The sites are quite close together, so don’t expect much privacy! Each site includes a bear bin, a campfire ring, and a picnic table.
Sites fill up fast in the summer, so get there as early as possible and have a back-up plan if you can’t find a spot.
The campground is open year-round, but water is not available in the winter. If you do visit in the winter, you’ll be able to look into the Black Canyon (weather permitting) but the rest of the road will usually be closed for snow. Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you go!
An important note from NPS re: the South Rim Campground in summer:
From approximately June 1 to August 15, dogs are allowed in campsites, but may not be taken on walks (even on leash), and may not be carried around the South Rim Campground or on the Rim Rock Trail due to potentially aggressive deer protecting their fawns.
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