Day 17 & 18: The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Montrose, Colorado)

We woke up in the San Juan National Forest and quickly packed up to get on the road for one of the main planned destinations of our trip--the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. 

We were on the road before 8 am with our sights set on getting to the park in time to get a good campsite before all the weekenders got to the park. The winding roads through the San Juan Mountains were both awe-inspiring and gut-wrenching (although the Black Canyon would prove to be a thousand times worse/better). 

This best surprise of the day was the town of Silverton, Colorado. We saw it from the top of a nearby mountain before we actually set foot in it, and we quickly decided to park the truck/Scamp in the shade, put the dogs in the trailer, and set out to explore the town that a popular train stop for tourists. We strolled through the shops and got some lunch at a BBQ shack that has been featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives and were on our way to get one of the funnel cakes we smelled when we first started exploring the town when we were diverted by the sounds of a girl playing ragtime music on a piano in a place known as Grumpy's. We decided to grab a quick drink at the bar where the friendly bartender answered our questions about the establishment. The building was built in 1887 and the bar was original--shipped in three pieces from England in 1903. We felt like we had walked back in time as the music played and the conversation flowed, and I tried to imagine all of the people who have sat in that same spot over all the years. 

After finishing our drinks and then getting our funnel cake at the shop next door, we headed back to the Scamp to continue our journey to the Black Canyon. 

After a few hours on a rather winding road, we finally arrived at the park. We quickly set up our campsite and jumped back into the truck to explore the South Rim of the Canyon. 

Unlike the Grand Canyon which is made of sandstone and was formed via water and wind erosion, the Black Canyon is made of granite carved solely by the power of the Gunnison River. In all of human history, the Gunnison River--considered nearly unnavigable for white water rafting--has only carved 5 feet of the canyon. The rest was done before humans ever appeared on this planet.  The rocks at the bottom of the canyon are 2 billion years old (Precambrian). The canyon is 2700 feet deep. That is double the height of the Empire State Building! I suppose that is why I couldn't get my heart out of my throat at each overlook. What we especially like about this park is that it is very dog friendly. Leashed dogs are allowed on the overlooks--which is a rarity in most parks. 

After a few hours of breathtaking views, we decided to call it a night and headed back to our campsite to make dinner and relax. 

In the morning of our 18th day on the road, we got up and piled into the truck to drive around to the north rim of the canyon. It was a two hour drive to get there, but the views and seclusion were well worth it. We even got stuck in a Cattle Drive of 300 cows being guided to new pastures by real Cowboys. As the herd surrounded our truck all we could do was watch in amusement. 

Once we got to the north side, we explored the rim of the canyon for awhile, saw a few more dams, ate a picnic lunch, and headed back to our "home" to relax and make plans for the final leg of our trip.

I can't believe it has almost been three weeks on the road. We have met some amazing people and have seen some amazing sites. Seeing how much is out there in our world only makes me realize how much there is to see...I know we will never see it all, but it sure is fun trying. As of right now I have only four more states to see before I have seen them all--Oregon, Texas, Vermont, and Hawaii. Kevin has a few more than that to see, but we are certainly getting there! As tonight's neighbors--a group of ladies out for "Ladies' Camping Night"--just exclaimed when they saw our campsite--"Oh my gosh! They're doing it right!" We think so, too, ladies. We think so too. ;)