Millions of years of water persistently eroding Proterozoic rock have carved out the uniquely deep and narrow corridors of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. With sheer cliffs rising to over 2000 feet above the rushing river below, the dizzying and narrow canyon offers challenging climbs to expert climbers, breathtaking hikes to the careful adventurer and spectacular vistas along its scenic drives, including the monolithic Painted Wall, rising higher than the Empire State Building.