Green Mountain Summit Hike

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3-4h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
10.9 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
375 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

On your next adventure through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park add the Green Mountain Summit Hike to your agenda. The Green Mountain Summit Hike is a trail through the quintessential Black Canyon terrain. Walk through the dense forest, past numerous lookout points, through brush meadows and up to a rocky summit that grants visitors 360-degree views of the Black Canyon landscape. This hike is one of our favorites in the National Park, and we think it could be yours too!

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Route Description for Green Mountain Summit Hike

The Green Mountain Summit Trail is one of few long hikes in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. We love this trail because it has the perfect balance between scenic and strenuous. There are numerous overlooks of the Black Canyon as you traverse the trail and only does it get steep as you near the Green Mountain Summit. The steep segment of the trail is short and manageable as the terrain is easy and the trail is well maintained. Do make sure to bring water and sunscreen along with you on this hike, as it can get quite hot under the Colorado sun.

Begin this hike from the Ranger Station Parking Lot. Hook on to the North Vista Trail and head northwest. Admire the rocky scenery as you traverse the path. Soon you will confront an intersection, here we recommend going left and looping around the Exclamation Point Lookout. This vantage point provides some of the most awe-inspiring views on the North Rim. Loop around the trail and at that same junction, veer left, continuing on the North Vista Trail.

At this point, the path becomes steeper as you pass through a brush meadow and begin to ascend Green Mountain. Navigate the wide switchbacks up to the summit. Mind your footing because there are some loose boulders on the route. Once at the summit bask in the 360-degree panoramic views of the Black Canyon and surrounding countryside.

Loop around the Summit’s path and enjoy a stunning view down the middle of the steep walled gorge and the ribbon like river below. After you appreciate the extraordinary natural phenomena of the Black Canyon, retrace your steps down the trail all the way back to the parking lot.

Getting to the Green Mountain Summit Hike Trailhead

The Green Mountain Summit Hike is off of the Black Canyon Road. Park at the Ranger Station Parking lot.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    North Rim Campground

  • When to do

    May-October

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Good

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Green Mountain Summit Hike Elevation Graph

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