Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the second National Park we visited last week while on our five park tour. It is called the Black Canyon because the high steep cliff walls produce shadows that make the canyon appear black. This National Park is known for its views along its scenic route. We drove the scenic rim around the canyon rim and hiked to the lookouts. My favorite lookout was the “Painted Wall View”. This cliff wall is magnificent. Because of the layers of rock that are revealed in the cliff wall it appears that this cliff wall is painted.

 

At this park the lookouts had railings. However, the lookouts were mostly sheer cliff drop offs. Justin and I decided to take turns hiking to the lookouts, so we could keep the twins safe in the car. We went out as a family on the final lookout hike to see the Painted Wall. For this hike we put the twins in the toddler backpacks I purchased for the trip. I never thought I would be carry a toddler over 30 lbs.. on my back for a hike, but it was far better option that letting them run around the edge of sheer cliff walls.

When we arrived at the park and stopped into the visitor’s center I heard someone call my name. I turned around and instantly recognized my friend from high school- Jessica. What a coincidence! We were good friends in high school, so much so, that we were supposed to room at the University of Minnesota together and our paperwork had already been submitted. I ended up visiting Liberty University in June, as I had a scholarship there and decided at the last minute to attend Liberty instead. I know she would have been a great college roomie! It was great seeing her on our trip. It was a special added bonus on the trip!