SW COLORADO, BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NAT'L PARK TO CHALK CREEK CANYON

We resupply at Wal-Mart and then visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.  This 2,800 ft deep canyon is very narrow and supports spectacular rock formations and veins of quartzite that run through its walls.  The Gunnison is a class 5 river that runs through the canyon but is considered unnavigable  because it disappears into the boulders at several places.  Technical rock climbing is very popular.

We head east over the continental divide at Monarch Pass (11,312 ft) and stop at Chalk Creek so the dogs can play in the water.  We motor up Chalk Creek Canyon in the San Isabel National Forest.  This is a place where we vacationed when I was a child many, many, many years ago.  The topography is the same but there are more cabins now.  We get lucky and find a vacant campsite at Chalk Lake campground.  We plan to stay 3 days.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

South Rim, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Gunnison River disappearing under the rocks.

Sky wanting to swim in the Gunnison...if only she could figure a way down.

Cliff Swallows nesting under bridge on Chalk Creek

Chalk Creek

Chalk Mountains

Chalk Lake Campground

Morning moon overlooking Chalk mountains

New pine cones on the Pinon pine.