Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado will see an increase in fees heading into the 2025 visitor season, specifically with permits for South Rim wilderness routes.
According to the National Park Service, fee increases for both Black Canyon of the Gunnison and for group campsite at Curecanti National Recreation Area were proposed this summer, with public comment sought in July. The fees were approved in November and will take effect in January.
Starting in April 2025, reservations through www.recreation.gov will be available for day and overnight use of Black Canyon’s South Rim wilderness routes for trips between May and October, while Red Rock Canyon has already required reservation sin the past. Permit fees will cost $6 plus an additional $4 per person per permit.
Wilderness permits will be issued for maximum group sizes of up to four people, and will last no more than three nights. Between November and April, wilderness routes off of the South Rim and at Red Rock Canyon will be first-come, first-serve at the visitor center or by self-registration outside of the visitor center if it’s closed. No fees will be collected during that period.
In the Curecanti National Recreation Area, group campsites at East Elk Creek (accommodate between 9 and 50 people) will charge a nightly fee of $120. Smaller group sites at Red Creek (accommodate between 9 and 20 people) will charge a nightly fee of $60.