The Gunnison river drops an average of 95 feet a mile through the national park. At the steepest point it drops 480 feet in a span of two miles. This would compare to the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon where the river drops an average of 7.5 feet per mile.
The enviroment of the Black Canyon can be very harsh. Some of the pictures that follow will show how the constant wind distorts trees as it whips throught the park.
Top left image is of the Painted Wall. This is the highest sheer cliff in Colorado some 2000 plus feet above the Gunnison River. The top right image is of a narrow path leading to a scenic overlook. The bottom left image is of two of many side canyon within the National Park. The bottom right image is looking toward Montrose as sunset approaches.
