Deep, Steep & Wow - Colorado’s Black Canyon
Have you heard of Colorado’s Black Canyon, located 80 miles south of Glenwood Springs and 15 miles east of Montrose? What a jewel we thankfully discovered.
In August 2024, we set out on a 10-day EV road trip to explore the northern reaches of western Colorado, turning south at Glenwood Springs - destination Montrose.
That lucky left turn led to two wonderful discoveries: the welcoming charm of Montrose, Colorado, and a scenic drive through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Add in a peaceful drive along the North Fork of the Gunnison River, and it all came together to create a truly memorable three-day adventure.
Tomichi View Overlook
EV Road Trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: The Challenge
Although we’d driven Interstate 70 several times before, we had never ventured far beyond its well-worn path. An omission we were determined to correct.
Photos of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park had captured our imagination—its dramatic cliffs and deep, shadowy gorges were too compelling to ignore.
The challenge was clear: Spend a full day exploring the park in our electric vehicle.
Challenge accepted. Adventure awaited.
EV Charging at Black Canyon of the Gunnison: How We Pulled It Off
Before leaving Missouri, I followed our normal planning routine and updated our EV road trip atlas by marking charging stations across Colorado.
Visualizing the station placements confirmed there were enough chargers to reach Montrose and enjoy a carefree day of exploring.
Heading South on Colorado Highway 133
An EV road trip along Interstate 70 offers ample charging opportunities, stretching from Kansas City to Denver and continuing west to Grand Junction.
As we left Denver, we found charging stations every 50 miles—or even closer in some areas.
Approaching a 30% charge, which is the lower end of my comfort zone for interstate driving, we turned south at Glenwood Springs and headed to the ChargePoint station in Carbondale. After a pleasant walk while the car charged up to 90%, we rolled south on Colorado Highway 133 toward Hotchkiss.
The scenic route running parallel to the North Fork of the Gunnison River offered a relaxing drive, with dramatic river views and plenty of pull-offs to take it all in.
As the day slipped away, we turned west in Hotchkiss onto Colorado Highway 92 toward Austin, then followed a final southern stretch on U.S. Highway 50, arriving in Montrose about an hour before sunset.
We explored downtown Montrose on foot while topping off the charge to 90% at a centrally located ChargePoint station.
Plan on a few days in Montrose to experience the majestic San Juan Mountains to the south, the expansive Uncompahgre Plateau to the west, and lake-bejeweled Grand Mesa to the north to fully appreciate the town’s slogan “Stay here. Play everywhere.”
We reached our Airbnb just south of town shortly after dark, wrapping up a beautiful and efficient day of EV travel.
Having fully charged the previous evening, we confidently set out the next morning, heading east on U.S. Highway 50 to reach the entrance of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The short drive offered a peaceful start to the day, with anticipation building as the rugged landscape began to hint at the dramatic views that awaited us.
EV Sight Seeing Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Visual Highlights
We entered Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park via the South Rim entrance off U.S. Highway 50, just east of Montrose.
From there, Colorado Highway 347 led us seven miles north to the heart of the park. The road climbed steadily, offering glimpses of the rugged terrain that awaited us.
The South Rim Drive is a paved, 6-mile scenic route stretching from Tomichi Point to High Point (park map here).
It’s dotted with 12 dramatic overlooks, each offering a unique perspective of the canyon’s sheer cliffs and the Gunnison River far below.
Driving an EV here was a quiet, almost meditative experience—no engine noise, just the wind and the quiet chatter of other park visitors.
Our first stop was Tomichi Overlook, just before the visitor center.
It’s a quick walk from the parking area and offers a sweeping view of the canyon’s eastern edge.
From there, we continued to the South Rim Visitor Center, a must-stop for any traveler.
Open year-round, it features exhibits, a park film, and helpful rangers ready to answer questions.
The visitor center provides a short walk to Gunnison Point Overlook, one of the most breathtaking overlooks in the park.
Gunnison Point Overlook
As we continued along the drive, we stopped at several more overlooks—Pulpit Rock, Cross Fissures View, Cedar Point and High Point stood out for their dramatic vistas and geological features.
Some viewpoints were just steps from the car, while others provided various length walks, making it easy to tailor the experience to your energy level and time.
Cross Fissures View Overlook
Driving an EV in the park was smooth and efficient. The paved roads and relatively short distances between stops made range anxiety a non-issue.
However, it’s worth noting that there are no EV chargers within the park itself.
EV Driving around Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Best Practices
While Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers breathtaking beauty and countless trails to explore on foot, it’s equally defined by what it lacks.
Come prepared for self-sufficient exploration.
Cedar Point Overlook
⚡No EV Charging
Sorry, Charley—no EV charging stations inside Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Top off your battery in Montrose (15 miles away) or Gunnison (50 miles) before heading in.
And no, there’s no gas either—not that EV drivers are losing sleep over that.
📵No Wireless Connectivity
Ha! You came for the views, not the Wi-Fi.
There’s no wireless internet, and cell service is spotty to nonexistent.
Let’s see if you can survive a day without checking social media. (We believe in you.)
🧺Grub for Your Pie Hole
No food services in the park.
Solve your hunger issues in Montrose or Gunnison—or better yet, pack your picnic gear and enjoy it at Pulpit Rock Overlook Picnic Area.
And please, don’t be that person—pack out your trash.
🚫Drones
Leave the drone in the car—or better yet, at the hotel.
They’re not allowed in national parks, and trust us, the temptation isn’t worth the fine.
🎒But You Should Bring
Be prepared for your day—on this trip and every EV adventure.
Review our list of items to always carry in your electric vehicle and our advanced list of items to carry on an EV road trip.
Here’s the minimum that we recommend:
🦟 Insect repellent – because bugs love beautiful places too
🌞 Sunscreen – protect your skin and skip the dermatologist later
💧 Water – in an insulated bottle to stay cool and hydrated
🌦️ Weather protection – pop-up storms are real (ask the one that chased us back to Montrose)
Get out there and enjoy yourself!
When you plan ahead, stay hydrated, and dress for the weather, you’re setting yourself up for a safe, scenic, and unforgettable EV road trip.
Birds Eye Review: Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an EV Bucket List
An EV road trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison deserves a spot on every adventurer’s bucket list—whether you’re driving electric or cruising in any kind of powered jalopy (I just happen to prefer the quite hum of an EV).
This park invites you to experience raw, untamed beauty while disconnecting from the noise of everyday life.
So, charge up, hit the road to western Colorado, and let yourself fall into the canyon’s awe-inspiring depths. Figuratively that is, pictures are a better memory.
See you out there—and everywhere.
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