Black Canyonwildflowers
Early season for wildflowers and flowering shrubs (April–June), per the National Park Service. This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in Black Canyon · September
- South Rim Road open · Apr–Nov
- North Rim Road open · May–Nov
- Late-season wildflowers, July–September · Jul–Sep
184days to the next wildflowers seasonearly season (April–June), local timing
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park through the year
- Ranger snowshoe walksJan–Mar
- South Rim Road openNowApr–Nov
- Early-season wildflowers and flowering shrubs, April–JuneApr–Jun
- North Rim Road openNowMay–Nov
- Mid-season wildflowers, June–JulyJun–Jul
- Late-season wildflowers, July–SeptemberNowJul–Sep
- No drinking water in the park, late fall through mid-springNov–Apr
Best spots around Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Oak Flat Loop TrailA 2-mile loop, rated difficult, from near the South Rim Visitor Center through the Gambel oak shrubland, where wildflowers, grasses and serviceberry grow among the oaks
- Uplands Trail0.9 mile one way, moderate, through Gambel oak, Utah serviceberry, sagebrush and wildflowers; links the Rim Rock Trail near the campground to the upper Oak Flat Loop, with parking at the South Rim Visitor Center or campground
Black Canyon in pictures
How we know
National Park Service, Hike Uplands Trail - South Rim (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Park Service, Black Canyon hiking trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Park Service, Black Canyon life zones (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Park Service, Black Canyon wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Black Canyon park brochure (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Black Canyon hours and seasons (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Black Canyon winter activities (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in 2027?
Early season for wildflowers and flowering shrubs (April–June), per the National Park Service: early season (April–June). That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it blooming in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 184 days (early season (April–June), local timing).
Can I bring my dog on the flower trails?
Not on the Uplands Trail: pets aren't allowed there.Source: National Park Service, Hike Uplands Trail - South Rim ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there drinking water in the park in spring?
Not early in the season: from late fall through mid-spring, the park has no drinking water, so bring your own.Source: National Park Service, Black Canyon hiking trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is the Uplands Trail wheelchair accessible?
No. It's an unpaved, narrow trail and isn't wheelchair accessible.Source: National Park Service, Hike Uplands Trail - South Rim ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Anything to know about bears?
Yes: black bears forage in the oak shrubland these trails cross, and bears here go after hikers' snacks. Keep your backpack within arm's reach at all times.Sources: National Park Service, Black Canyon life zones ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Black Canyon hiking trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What colors will I see?
White flowers are the most common at Black Canyon, followed by yellow and blue or purple.Source: National Park Service, Black Canyon wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Oak Flat Loop Trail: a 2-mile loop, rated difficult, from near the South Rim Visitor Center through the Gambel oak shrubland, where wildflowers, grasses and serviceberry grow among the oaks; Uplands Trail: 0.9 mile one way, moderate, through Gambel oak, Utah serviceberry, sagebrush and wildflowers; links the Rim Rock Trail near the campground to the upper Oak Flat Loop, with parking at the South Rim Visitor Center or campground.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
No drinking water in the park, late fall through mid-spring (Nov–Apr).
What is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park like through the year?
South Rim Road open (Apr–Nov), North Rim Road open (May–Nov), Ranger snowshoe walks (Jan–Mar), Early-season wildflowers and flowering shrubs, April–June (Apr–Jun), Mid-season wildflowers, June–July (Jun–Jul), Late-season wildflowers, July–September (Jul–Sep) and No drinking water in the park, late fall through mid-spring (Nov–Apr).