Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP - South Rim

We went back to the South Rim of the Black Canyon to really explore and understand the place.  The first thing we did was drive down the 16% grade road, really really steep, no guardrails, but the good thing was the road was wide enough for someone to pass.  This steep road lead down to East Portal which is where in 1905 through 1909 a tunnel was dug 11 feet X 12 feet for six miles through the cliffs of the Black Canyon, underground, this tunnel was to divert water from the Gunnison River to the Uncompahgre Valley west of the Canyon.

Rut-roh

Stopped half way down to rest engine and brakes 

Could not get closer to Crystal Dam

Looking up to the North Rim from East Portal 

Fishing by the banks, water is flowing very quickly

The valley was arid, had little water to support farming and ranching and every day life, but after the water was diverted, the Uncompahgre Valley (where Montrose is) is now very fertile.  Oh course, the downside is that a good portion of the water which had flowed through the Canyon and joined with the Colorado River downstream, is now diverted elsewhere.

Still waters run deep

Right near the diversion tunnel, man fishing and wading in water

I would love to see this

Tunnel is 6 miles long

Under building on right is the Diversion Dam tunnel

Town built to support the crew and staff - 1909

What it looked like in 1909

And today, it's all gone, now a campground, diversion dam is lower left building

Once we got to the bottom, we drove to the end of the road where the Crystal Dam is located.  Couldn't get close.  This is one of 3 dams:  Blue Mesa Reservoir Dam, the Morrow Point Dam, and the Crystal Dam.  There is a 6 mile reservoir that is created by the Crystal Dam, would have loved to see it. Drove along the river, had a picnic lunch, looked at interpretive signs, then hauled back up the steep road.

Views from the South Rim

Did the 'tourist' thing which was stop along all the lookouts to view the Canyon from the southern vantage point.  People, lots.  Have to say the North Rim was more interesting and had much better views of the Gunnison River below.  Still amazing that you could hear the roar of the river from below, it is that wild and raw.

Painted Wall

This is from Cedar Point viewpoint, no - no rides here (Ohio folks would
understand this comment)

No amusement park rides here, just amazing views 

Looking out towards the Uncompahgre Valley