The canyon ranges from 1700-2700 feet deep. The river that runs down the canyon has a steep change in altitude because the river drops an average of 96 feet in a mile.
This hard rock was uplifted then cut through by fast-moving water.
The gorge does not show evidence of human occupation by the Ute Indians living in the area. No early Spanish explorers to the Southwest reported seeing the canyon The first written record was from 1873-74. It is so deep, so sheer and so narrow that very little sunlight can penetrate it.
The rock formations are spectacular!
The Gunnison river first carved through soft volcanic rock. Then it cut down to harder, older crystalline rock. It kept cutting through this hard core for two million years. The river now carves its Black Canyon more slowly because dams upstream lessened seasonal flooding.
Purple flowers were found throughout the rim.
I really loved this part of the canyon wall!
If you are traveling in western Colorado, this is near Montrose, It is really worth the trip!
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