MONTROSE, COLORADO — Visitors to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area will see adjusted fees for wilderness permits and group campsites starting January 2025. The National Park Service (NPS) announced the changes after a public comment period and a fee compatibility study, which found the increases necessary to align with similar parks and support park maintenance and improvements.
Changes for Black Canyon Wilderness Permits
At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, new wilderness permit fees will apply to day and overnight use of South Rim wilderness routes, including Warner, Gunnison, and Tomichi routes. Starting in April 2025, permits for trips between May and October will require reservations through Recreation.gov.
- The new permit cost is $6, plus $4 per person per permit.
- Permits will be limited to three nights, with a maximum group size of four people.
- Wilderness routes will have daily hiking quotas to reduce environmental impact and preserve the wilderness experience.
During the off-season (November to April), permits will remain free and available on a first-come, first-served basis at the visitor center or via self-registration.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Curecanti Group Campsite Fee Adjustments
Curecanti National Recreation Area will increase group campsite fees:
- The East Elk Creek site, accommodating 9 to 50 people, will cost $120 per night.
- The smaller Red Creek site, for groups of 9 to 20 people, will cost $60 per night.
These fees reflect recent increases at similar group campgrounds in the region.
Fee Utilization and Park Improvements
Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, 80% of fees collected will remain at Black Canyon and Curecanti to support infrastructure projects, such as trail maintenance, campground upgrades, and system improvements for water, sewer, and waste. The remaining 20% will be distributed agency-wide to fund broader NPS initiatives.
The NPS encourages visitors to plan ahead, especially for wilderness permits, which will now require advanced reservations during peak season. Additional details about the changes can be found at the Black Canyon and Curecanti park websites.
Key Takeaway for Visitors: These fee changes aim to maintain the wilderness integrity and ensure high-quality visitor experiences while supporting vital conservation efforts.
RECENT MOUNTAIN NEWS
