Black Canyon, North Rim. Independence Day 2019 trip, part 10

We crossed the Kebler Pass (click here to look at the road - Kebler Pass Road. Independence Day 2019 trip, part 9) and soon after reached the point of no return, where we had to decide if we were going straight to a hotel or another adventure was waiting for us. And, it shouldn't come as a surprise to you, we turned left and moved forward to see one more place.

 

You remember that the previous day we ended up at the South Rim of the Black Canyon where we said goodbye to the sun (click here if you'd like to refresh the memory :) - Sunset in the Black Canyon of Gunnison. Independence Day 2019 trip, part 4). Similar to the Grand Canyon, the Black Canyon of Gunnison also has two rims, and the South rim is also much more popular than the North rim. It appears that only 10% of the guests of either canyon visit the North rim. So we decided we would like to get into that 10% and find out if the view is different from the North rim.

 

Since the North rim is not so popular and is off the beaten path, the road to reach the viewpoints is not paved and dusty (very ;) ). But the adventure seekers, who make it here, are rewarded with solitude and stunning views from the wilder side of the canyon. 

Here you can stand closer to the edge and see the bottom of the canyon right under your feet... So, it is different!

The canyon walls here are just vertical and everything looks more untamed by human beings. This is a different experience and we had no regrets of driving extra hour through all this dust.

Watch this short video to get slightly better idea of this narrow, deep and dark canyon:

Similarly to the Grand Canyon, the North Rim of the Black Canyon is tougher and offers more solitude. It is less touristy, not crowded at all and you feel much closer to the harsh nature here. I am glad we made that turn and visited this side despite being tired that day...

Let's look back and rewind to see where we've been and what places we 've visited. We started in Montrose, continued in Gunnison, hiked two flower trails near Crested Butte (yeap, I remember I skipped the second hike, but I'll make it up for you, promise!), drove Kebler Pass Road and enjoyed the wild views of North rim of Black Canyon of Gunnison. We spent the night in Cedaredge and planned to return back to Denver the next day... Here is the route on Google Maps - Day two route.

And... I know it is hard to compare these two, but click here to see Cañón de grandioso - Grand canyon

Click here if you want to travel in time and see more wildflowers in Crested Butte - Another wildflowers trail in Crested Butte. Independence Day 2019 trip, part 11.

Pictures were taken on July 05, 2019.