Fly & Drive guide
Fly into MTJ, drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Your route
MTJ
Montrose Regional Airport
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
About 45 min · 22 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to MTJ
Compare fares into Montrose Regional Airport.
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02Car at MTJ
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Compare rental companies in one search.
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03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
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04 · First night near Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
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04Cabins & homes near Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
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Before you land
Reservations
Inner Canyon Permits and Rim Campground Bookings
General entry does not currently require a timed permit, but all inner-canyon hiking requires a wilderness permit obtained on-site. South Rim campsites require reservations; North Rim campsites are first-come, first-served, with payment through Recreation.gov Scan & Pay. Systems are subject to change, so verify current status on the official NPS site before arrival.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
May – October
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from MTJ to Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Roughly 45 min (about 22 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
General entry does not currently require a timed permit, but all inner-canyon hiking requires a wilderness permit obtained on-site. South Rim campsites require reservations; North Rim campsites are first-come, first-served, with payment through Recreation.gov Scan & Pay. Systems are subject to change, so verify current status on the official NPS site before arrival.
