It isn’t the longest, deepest or narrowest canyon in the American West, but Black Canyon of the Gunnison plays second fiddle to none when it comes to natural beauty.

It is America’s newest National Park, having gained official National Park status only 7 years ago on Oct. 21, 1999.

It is home to Painted Wall, Colorado’s highest rock face at 2,250 feet. If the Eiffel Tower was placed on top of the Empire State Building and both set in the bottom of Black Canyon, only the top 63 feet of the Eiffel Tower could be seen over Painted Wall.

It is home to the East Portal of the Gunnison Tunnel, Colorado’s first major water project. Such a distinction earns it important historical points in a state that has grown only with the assistance of its 24 transbasin water moving projects. Under construction from 1901 to 1912, The Gunnison Tunnel was the first major project built by what would become the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

The tunnel, which irrigates the fields and orchards of the Uncompahgre River Valley is an important part of the massive Blue Mesa Reservoir water storage project and Curecanti Recreation Area. Other reservoirs in the system include Taylor Park, Curecanti, Crystal and Ridgeway. Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest body of water in Colorado and sits at the upper end of Black Canyon.

For hikers, photographers, anglers and nature lovers, Black Canyon is breathtaking, both in scenery and in a literal sense for those hiking up and down its steep flanks.

The canyon is 48 rugged miles long, 14 of which are in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It’s greatest depth is 2,722 feet at Warner Point. Other popular lookouts are Chasm View (1,820 feet deep) and Gunnison Point (1,840 feet deep).

The narrowest point of the canyon from the rim is at Chasm View where only 1,100 feet separate the north and south rim. At river level, the solid rock walls squeeze to a mere 40 feet at one point.

The park played host to 175,406 visitors in 2004, the latest figures available. The South Rim is the most accessible by automobile where a number of scenic points are found.

To reach the South Rim, it’s a short drive east on U.S. 50 from the town of Montrose. Montrose boasts many hotels, restaurants and other amenities for the traveler.

The North Rim is also accessible by car by driving to the lower end of Blue Mesa Reservoir and taking the Scenic Highway south toward Paonia, Colo. The North Rim has fewer visitors, but the views are no less dramatic.

Hiking trails descend the canyon in many places. While most of the trails are very well maintained, all hikers should keep in mind the obvious fact that the trails can be very steep. Hiking down the canyon will be easy. Hiking out will double or triple hiking time.

At the bottom, anglers will find some of the best fishing in Colorado.

Camping also is available in the park with appropriate permits.