Few places in Colorado remain under-trafficked, especially when they’re gorgeous — but Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one such spot. Perhaps the I-70 hordes are scared off by the canyon’s steep, intimidating walls that (at least until you’re inside) resemble the “Mountains of Shadows” from the Lord of the Rings series more than they do the Grand Canyon. It’s also a good five-hour drive from Denver, making it a bit too far beyond the overnight drive time for most visitors and residents.
Photo: LHBLLC/Shutterstock
7 Top Hotels Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado
But whatever the reason, the lack of Yosemite-level crowds makes Black Canyon OTG, as locals call it, not just worth hitting on a Colorado road trip, but worth staying over for a few days to take it all in. Fortunately, there are a plethora of solid hotels near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
You have a few different options for where to stay near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The closest decent-sized city is Montrose, also home to Montrose Regional Airport, the nearest functional airport to the park. If after visiting Black Canyon you plan to head north to Palisade, Grand Junction, or the parks of Moab; or south to Telluride, Ouray, or Durango (near Mesa Verde National Park), Montrose is the place to be.
Gunnison, a small but lively mountain town, is just over an hour east of the park, and you also have options in the hills between the two towns. The Gunnison/Crested Butte Regional Airport connects to Denver and select other hubs. Western State University’s college-town culture and Gunnison’s proximity to the ski hub of Crested Butte make Gunnison a better option if you want to go out at night, explore the mountains outside of the national park, or are coming from and then returning to Denver.
Ready to book? Here are the best hotels near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
We hope you love these hotels near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Headliner hotel near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Arrowhead Mountain Lodge – Cimmaron, Colorado
For a true Colorado mountain lodge experience just 45 minutes from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, you can’t beat Arrowhead Mountain Lodge. Built on a hillside outside the tiny town of Cimarron, you’re more likely to encounter sheep and deer meandering past the lobby than you are a busload of clueless-but-camera-happy travelers. Despite its remote nature, the hotel has decent WiFi and an excellent restaurant serving mountain fare, as well as a lounge with breakfast and non-alcoholic drinks. This hotel makes a great base for exploring the national park and the ample hiking, boating, and biking opportunities in Curecanti National Recreation Area and the surrounding mountains.
Price: From $145 per night
Montrose hotels near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon Motel
Basic mountain accommodations and easy access to the park are what you’ll get at Black Canyon Motel on the outskirts of Montrose. The pool and hot tub are open during warmer months, allowing for a post-adventure soak session that pairs well with a crowler from the nearby Horsefly Brewing Company. The continental breakfast is proclaimed “deluxe.” If you’re looking to adventure hard, crash out, and then repeat the process again the next day, this is the spot at which to base yourself. It’s a great choice for visitors who plan on long, all-day hikes.
Price: From $110 per night
Red Arrow Inn & Suites
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Step it up a notch with a stay at Red Arrow Inn & Suites. This hotel is ideal for families that want a bit more room to spread out and some rooms even have balconies. Breakfast is served hot in the morning and the hotel’s location on the east end of Montrose puts you about 20 minutes from the park entrance. You’re also a quick hop to downtown Montrose for shopping, dining, breweries, and gear shops and rentals.
Price: From $132 per night
The Blue Bungalow
For a cute, roomy stay, book your family or crew into this cute mountain house in the heart of Montrose. At Blue Bungalow, you get the best hotel comfort and short-term rental convenience and amenities. This includes private bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room for lounging after a full day of exploring the park. Chill on the sun terrace, then walk to downtown Montrose for dinner or shopping. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is about 25 minutes from home. This spot is also perfect for couples who desire privacy along with its convenience.
Price: $129 per night
Taking a national parks road trip through Colorado? Check out Matador’s guides to the best places to stay in Colorado:
- Stay Near Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak at These Colorado Springs Airbnbs
- 10 Airbnb Estes Park area rentals for a beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park stay
- The best Airbnbs in Aspen to vacation like a celebrity without the price tag
- 7 Vail Airbnbs that make you feel like you’re in the heart of Bavaria
- The 12 best Airbnbs in Denver for beer tours, 420, and mountain vibes
Gunnison hotels near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The Gunnison Inn at Dos Rios Golf Course
On the western edge of Gunnison, The Gunnison Inn at Dos Rios Golf Course is a mountain escape trimmed with mountain-chic details. Booking a room ensures comfort, good food, and a gorgeous setting on a golf course just off the Gunnison River (which carved the canyon you’re there to visit). The hotel is excellent for families as the kids will have room to explore while the adults relax on the patio. Dinner in Gunnison is just a few minutes away.
Price: From $170 per night
The Inn at Tomichi Village
With a nice pool and hot tub and extensive amenities like a fireside lounge, on-site breakfast, and quiet rooms, The Inn at Tomichi Village is a step up from the typical roadside mountain hotel and one of the top hotels near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The outdoor fire pit is comfortable and warm on those chilly high-altitude evenings. Biking or driving into town for dinner or a drink is easy, and the hotel’s west Gunnison location puts you directly on the highway towards Black Canyon OTG.
Price: From $189 per night
The Wanderlust Hostel
If you’re looking to dive right into Gunnison’s vibrant mountain culture and it’s surrounding après-adventure scene, check into The Wanderlust Hostel. You’ll find a communal atmosphere with free bike rentals to pedal around town, good WiFi, and a shared kitchen. Meeting people here is easy, as guests tend to hang around over a beer in the yard or in the living room. Choose from bunk or private accommodation, and be ready to get after it in the park and mountains. 
Price: From $58 per night