ウェストエルクマウンテンズ周辺のアトラクション＆必見スポット - トップ20

Gunnison Point is a wonderful overlook situated just behind the South Rim Visitor Center. It offers incredible views of the Black Canyon.

The North Rim Ranger Station is opened irregularly in the summertime. During the wintertime, it is closed. It offers a self-pay station for the park entrance fee, a self-registration kiosk for wilderness payments (when the Ranger Station is closed), and there's an offering of maps, information, a picnic shelter, a toilet, and a water fountain.

At 11,396 feet, Mount Lamborn isn't the tallest peak in Gunnison National Forest, but it is one of the best peaks in the foothills to climb. The entire hike up is a pretty steep, sustained grade, but it doesn't take any special maneuvering or alpine experience to nab the summit. From the top, you can see into both the San Juans and the heart of the Elk ranges. Perhaps the toughest part of the hike is getting your car up the rough 4wd road to the upper trailhead; the lower trailhead is down off of L30 Drive and results in a hike of a little over 14 total miles. Be aware that this trail is a local favorite but not the most maintained trail in the National Forest. Be ready for some overgrowth on the trail and creek crossings.

The North Rim Ranger Station is opened irregularly in the summertime. During the wintertime, it is closed. It offers a self-pay station for the park entrance fee, a self-registration kiosk for wilderness payments (when the Ranger Station is closed), and there's an offering of maps, information, a picnic shelter, a toilet, and a water fountain. It is located at the North Vista Trailhead.

A short and fairly easy hiking loop from the visitor center. There is definitely a couple of steep sections, though! This is why I recommend hiking CCW.

Green Mountain is the only 'summit' hike in Black Canyon National Park which gives you a different perspective of the canyon than any other hike in the park. Views of the canyon are not as immersive as when you are up close but it does give you an opportunity to get a view of the entire park and canyon at once. On the way to Green Mountain, you'll pass Exclamation Point, which is a fantastic viewing point of the canyon up close.

The one mile long Rim Rock Nature Trail connects the South Rim Visitor Center with the South Rim Campground. About halfway down the trail, it passes Tomichi Point, and for the Wilderness Permit Holders the Tomichi Route. The trail follows the canyon rim and offers beautiful views of the canyon, the Gunnison River, and the West Elk Mountains. It is considered a pretty easy hike but keep an eye out for loose rocks.

The Visitor Center is open year-round, but be aware that the opening times can vary by season. As with most NPS Visitor Centers, you can expect rangers, exhibits, and a bookstore. The visitor center is located near multiple hiking trails, including Gunnison Route and Tomichi Route that require Wilderness Permits which are available in limited quantities here. There is also a self-registration kiosk for this purpose in case the Visitor Center is closed. Keep in mind that during the summer the parking lot might be full.