Smith Fork Ranch Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

In 1933, President Herbert Hoover proclaimed the Black Canyon of the Gunnison a national monument, and in 1999 President Clinton signed an act of congress that designated the Black Canyon of the Gunnison this country's newest national park. Wallace Hansen, a prominent geologist, once wrote, "Several western canyons exceed the Black Canyon in overall size. Some are longer, some are deeper, some are narrower, and a few have walls as steep. But no other canyon in North America combines the depth, narrowness, sheerness, and somber countenance of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison." Anyone venturing to this area of Colorado should not miss this stunningly beautiful and un-crowded national treasure.

As a part of your stay at the Ranch, we would be happy to arrange a leisurely hiking or driving trip along the North Rim of the National Park.

Anyone interested in an inner canyon trip must be in top physical condition and an experienced hiker, as the trip in and out of the canyon is extremely long and strenuous, with many potential hazards. If you are interested in Black Canyon trips, please contact us well in advance of your stay so that we have time to take care of all the logistics involved.