Why We Chose to Help Relaunch Friends of the Black Canyon
Friends of Black Canyon and Curecanti is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area.
We provide resources, funding, and volunteer support to help protect and enhance the parks.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison has some of the deepest canyons and most scenic fishing of all national parks, yet it remains incredibly underutilized in terms of visitation.
In addition to the traditional responsibilities of a Friends group—such as conservation, education, and advocacy—we are also working to integrate the Black Canyon National Park and Curecanti Recreation Area more deeply into our local Western Colorado communities.
Our goal is to boost tourism in a way that not only highlights the park’s natural beauty but also stimulates reliable and lasting economic growth for the region.
By fostering partnerships, increasing awareness, and enhancing visitor experiences, we hope to ensure that these parks remain valued and well-supported by both locals and visitors alike.
Every season, we welcome campers from across the country who are here for one main reason: to experience the dramatic cliffs, star-filled skies, and rugged beauty of Black Canyon. This park isn’t just a stop on their itinerary—it’s the highlight. And we want to make sure that it remains that way for generations to come. When the opportunity arose to help relaunch the Friends of the Black Canyon organization, it felt like a natural extension of what we already love: the outdoors, camping, supporting our national parks, and the community that surrounds them.
Our passion for the outdoors goes hand-in-hand with our desire to give back. Relaunching Friends of the Black Canyon has given us the opportunity to do both. It’s allowed us to connect with our community in meaningful ways—through volunteer projects, educational events, and partnerships that raise awareness and support for the park. We’ve seen firsthand how many people in Montrose care deeply about this place, and we’re proud to help build a group where that passion can grow
Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or someone who just loves our national parks, we invite you to join us. There are so many ways to get involved, and we’re just getting started. Let’s keep the canyon wild, beautiful, and thriving together.
