The chance to ski atop one of Colorado’s most picturesque canyons only comes around every so often. Now might be the time. 

Finally, amid a record dry spell, grooming has started along South Rim Road at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The park’s website indicates tracks were laid around the turn of this month, when enough snow had packed along the scenic road touring the top of the canyon past the South Rim Visitor Center. 

The latest status report ,posted ahead of anticipated snow in southwest Colorado, added: “Base is still thin. Anticipate poles hitting pavement. There are a few bare spots.”

Motorists popularly drive South Rim Road in the summer, stopping at some of its dozen overlooks of the vertical canyon’s walls above the Gunnison River. In the winter, the road is closed to cars and becomes “a peaceful paradise groomed specifically for skiers and snowshoers,” according to the national park’s description. Park brochures have also described the “Song of the Gunnison” — the wind and water rushing through the canyon far below, a melody perhaps best enjoyed in motorless winters. 

From the South Rim Visitor Center, the road-turned-trail runs 6 miles over the canyon top. It ends at Warner Point Trail, which boasts more views for another mile. 

Warner Point is among other side trails listed on a park webpage detailing conditions. Beside the visitor center is Oak Flat Trail, about a 1 1/2-mile loop popular for snowshoeing. The nearly mile-long Rim Rock Trail is listed as “best with more snow,” as “exposed rocks can damage snowshoes.” 

Along South Rim, snowshoers are asked to stay on the side of the tracks groomed for classic and skate skiing. Dogs are not allowed on the trail. And visitors are told to be aware of “irregular weather” atop the canyon, where “unpreparedness can turn a park visit into a hazardous or risky situation.” 

Rangers have typically led snowshoe walks through mid-March. At last check, those had not been scheduled yet “due to a lack of snow,” according to a park webpage, which encourages to “check back for updates.” 

One can also check back for the latest trail conditions at nps.gov/blca.