Black Canyon Inspiration

The wonder of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park never disappoints! The views are incredible but challenging to photograph.

The Black Canyon is a very steep, narrow canyon in which the Gunnison River flows. Some of the deepest sections of the canyon receive only 33 minutes of sunlight a day, hence the name. In Duane Vandenbusche’s book, Images of America: The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the author states, “Several canyons of the American West are longer and some are deeper, but none combines the depth, sheerness, narrowness, darkness, and dread of the Black Canyon.” This and other conditions such as weather and time of day make the canyon itself such a challenge to photograph.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is only 30 minutes from my home, yet I don’t go there as much as I should. I am usually photo hunting in the nearby mountains instead. I have since decided to try and explore the area and look beyond the obvious more often. It is so close and such a wonderful park that it is a shame not to.

I find the Black Canyon a truly inspiring place, the grandeur and solitude makes this place so special. When I go there for sunrise or sunset I am always surprised to find the area to myself or with only one other person. It is truly a photographers paradise. I always leave with the thought that I am very fortunate to have this in my “backyard”.

What’s in your backyard?

Black-Canyon-of-the-Gunnison-Sunset_WEB

Sunset at Painted Wall Overlook

Sunstar-Juniper-Tree_DSC7169-as-Smart-Object-3_WEB

Juniper Star

Flattened_Juniper-Tree-at-Sunset_WEB

Twisted Sunset

WEB-Dragon's-Tongue_DSC7718-Edit

Dragon’s Tongue

Black-Canyon-Sunset_DSC7989_WEB

Sunset Point

Sunburst-Black-Canyon-Cedar-Point_DSC0094_WEB

Cedar Point

Moonlight-At-the-Visitors-Center-BC_DSC8826_WEB

By The Light of the Moon and Stars – Vistors Center
Night Photography – I painted the path by using the red light on my headlamp.

12 thoughts on “Black Canyon Inspiration”

Wow! Those are really awesome pictures! Beautiful and right by you.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply ↓

Angela Moyer on September 6, 2018 at 2:38 am said:

Thanks! So blessed to live in such a beautiful and diverse part of the country. Beauty is everywhere, sometimes it’s a little harder to see!

LikeLike

Reply ↓

Wow! Your photographs are stunning. I totally agree that Black Canyon of the Gunnison is extremely difficult to photograph. Last time I visited, I drove down to the river which gave me a whole new vision. I love the western slope. My brother lives in Grand Junction and we’ve camped at Ridgway State Park a bunch of times. Beautiful country and great place to call home.

LikeLike

Reply ↓

Angela Moyer on September 6, 2018 at 1:34 pm said:

Thanks, Ingrid, I appreciate your comments! Anytime you are in the area, let me know!

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply ↓