웨스트 엘크 산맥‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪14‬개의 천연기념물

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

Blue Mesa Reservoir is a beautiful spot along U.S. Hwy. 50, nestled between Montrose and Gunnison. This vast, shimmering lake is where the Gunnison River rests before flowing through the rugged walls of Black Canyon.

Needle Rock is a 7,797-foot tall rock formation in the Needle Rock Study Area just outside of Crawford, Colorado. The trail leading up the feature dead ends near the cliff walls, giving you an up close and personal feel of the outcrop. There is no safe climbing route that you can utilize, and the trail leading up to here to already steep enough.

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.

Not much of a hike but definitely a great place to stop when driving past. It's a short walk to the viewing point and once you are there you are presented with the best view of the Painted Wall in the entire National Park. The Painted Wall is the tallest wall in Colorado and the third tallest in The Lower 48 after El Cap and Notch Peak.

When hiking the North Vista Trail I recommend hiking this very short spur trail to this point. There are some beautiful canyon views to be enjoyed!

Exclamation Point is an incredible viewing point just off the North Vista Trail. This is the final destination for some hikers, but it is possible to continue toward Green Mountain to find a view from higher up.

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.