Hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Hikes within the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are perfectly balanced between family-friendly overlooks and technical scrambles into the canyon. Enjoy the lush Colorado vegetation or hike along the Black Canyon’s rocky edge.
The scenic overlook trails are flat, short and easy to navigate as you approach the precipice of the cliff. Inland trails see more undulations and elevation gain but are manageable for novice hikers. In contrast, the inner canyon routes should only be attempted by experienced hikers who possess the proper equipment. Nevertheless, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has trails for inexperienced hikers and avid adventurers alike.
The 10 Most Scenic Trails in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Exclamation Point - The Exclamation Point Trail is one of our favorite hikes in the park. Track along sagebrush meadows and border the cliffs edge as you near one of most incredible and dizzying overlooks of the canyon. This trail is relatively easy, and it is a great way to introduce kids to the joys of hiking. Enjoy the panoramic views of the steep walled gorge from the lookout and listen for sounds of the Gunnison River below.
- Chasm View Trail - The Chasm View Trail is one of the park's most popular scenic outlooks on the North Rim. Hike the short, family-friendly trail to the overlook where unparalleled vistas of the chasm and Painted Wall await you. Make sure you bring your camera or charge your phone because you are going to want pictures of this.
- Painted Wall Trail - The Painted Wall is one of the most well-known and most photographed cliffs in the Black Canyon of Gunnison. This short path will guide you to a viewing area where dumbfounding panoramas of the marbled cliff encompass you. This natural wonder is sure to impress visitors of any age. From river to rim Colorado’s tallest cliff is woven with white ribbons, resembling as though someone had meticulously painted them on.
- Gunnison Route Hike - Get your daily dose of adrenaline and then some when you hike the Gunnison Route Trail. This inner canyon hike traverses technical terrain and will be challenging to even the most experienced adventurers. Navigate loose rocky screes and tightly wound switchbacks as you descend the canyon's edge to the Gunnison River. This hike is not for the faint of heart, but man, is it fun.
- Warner Point Trail - The Warner Point Trail is a scenic walk along the Black Canyon’s South Rim. Wind through the lush aspen forest and out past a sagebrush and juniper flat to a lookout point. This hike is a great introductory hike to the Black Canyon Wilderness and is suited for adventurers of all skill-levels and families. Enjoy sights of the West Elk Mountain Range, San Juan Range and the Black Canyon all from the trail’s overlook.
- Rim Rock Nature Trail - The Rim Rock Nature Trail is a beautiful and relaxed hike along the canyon's edge. We love this hike because it has views of the steep walled chasm every step of the way. Not to mention this is an epic family-friendly hike, just make sure everyone stays on the maintained path. The Rim Rock Nature trail is an awesome early morning walk. The rising sun proves to be a stunning backdrop over the Black Canyon.
- Green Mountain Summit Hike - The Green Mountain Summit Trail is one of few long hikes in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Hike the trail through the quintessential Black Canyon terrain up to Green Mountain Summit. This route is the perfect balance between scenic and strenuous. Ascend the Green Mountain Summit and you will be rewarded with 360-degree views of the Black Canyon landscape.
- Tomichi Hike - The Tomichi Hike is the steepest hike on the South Rim of the Black Canyon. This unmarked hike down the inner canyon is extremely demanding and technical. If you are an avid adventurer who craves a challenge and an adrenaline rush, then we are sure you’ll love the Tomichi Hike. Scramble down the steep gorge and you will be rewarded with an impressive perspective of the narrow cliffs that flank the Gunnison River.
- Devil’s Lookout Trail - The Devil’s Lookout Trail is a short hike to a vertiginous overlook of the Black Canyon. You will be taken back by the panorama of the steep craggy cliffs and granite spires below. This adventure is great for photographers looking to snap a photo of the canyon or visitors looking for an expansive vista.
- Oak Flat Loop Trail - The Oak Flat Loop Trail is about as close as you can get to an inner canyon hike, without having to tackle an inner canyon hike. This exceptional trail can be enjoyed by the whole family. The Oak Flat Loop Trail is incredibly easy to navigate as it is well maintained. This loop will guide you through lush aspen forests, shrub flats, and past two scenic canyon overlooks. Note there are a few steep segments of the path, but they are easy to maneuver by the trail’s switchbacks.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
The best time to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is between April-November. Both the South Rim Road and North Rim Road are open during these months. The weather in the summer months is favorable, notably if you plan to camp either of the rim campgrounds. Though traffic congestion is rare in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National, expect to see more people from July through to September.
The Canyon’s vegetation is green and lush, wildflowers are abundant, and the air is warm throughout the summer months, but autumn might just be our favorite season to visit the Black Canyon. The crispness of the fall air, turning trees, and thinning of the crowds appeals to us.
Note that when the snow starts to fall, usually in November, both the North Rim Road and South Rim Road close to vehicle traffic until April. The South Rim Road remains open to pedestrian traffic year-round. Walk, snowshoe or cross-country ski from the park gateway along the scenic road.
Other Outdoor Activities in The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers much more than walks to panoramic canyon overlooks and inner canyon hiking adventures. There are plenty of exciting outdoor opportunities in the Black Canyon Wilderness for everyone. At the bottom of the canyon, fish, kayak or take a boat tour down the Gunnison River hemmed by the narrow cliffs.
The Black Canyon is a rock climbers haven. Scale the sides of the steep cliffs and get a unique perspective of the canyon as you hang from the side of the walls.
Frequently-Asked-Questions About Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
How much does it cost to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park generally charges $20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle and $10 per pedestrian or bicycle. This entrance fee is good for seven days and allows the pass holders to travel in and out of the park.
Are dogs allowed in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Dogs are permitted on park roads, pullouts, campgrounds and on select trails. These trails include the Cedar Point Nature Trail, North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail, and Rim Rock Trail. These rules are in place to mitigate any wildlife-dog conflicts.
Are Permits required to hike in the black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Permits are required for inner canyon wilderness use. These permits are free and are available at the North Rim Ranger Station and the South Rim Visitors Centre.
Can you drive down to the bottom of the Black Canyon?
Yes, you can drive the East Portal Road down to the bottom of the Black Canyon. The East Portal Road is a paved road with a steep 16% grade.
Which side of the Black Canyon Should I visit?
This answer is subjective. The North Rim of the Black Canyon is more rustic. Trails are more primitive, and the main road is dirt. This side of the Canyon is less frequented, but the views of the south walls are jaw dropping. The South Rim is easier to access and has many more overlooks and trails. The South Rim has a visitors’ centre, and the road is paved.
How Long Does it Take to Drive to the Black Canyon?
Because there is no bridge connecting the North and South rim, expect a 2–3-hour drive from one side to the other.
Why is it called the Black Canyon?
So named because the narrowness of the cliffs does not allow sun to penetrate the depths, thus making the canyon walls appear black.
Adventures Tours in Colorado
Though we do not currently have any adventure tours in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, keep an eye out as we are working to add more tours in the area! Until then, take a look at our other epic Colorado Adventure Tours.
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Best Hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Exclamation Point Hike
The Exclamation Point Trail is one of our favorite scenic hikes in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This short but sweet trail culminates at one of the National Park’s most incredible lookouts over the Canyon-sign us up! Compared to the South Rim of the canyon, this hike along the North Rim is more rustic and often less trafficked, making it the perfect trail to meander and enjoy the grandeur of the steep-walled gorge.
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Chasm View Trail
The Chasm View Trail is a short loop that will guide you to one of the best lookouts on the North Rim. This walk is perfect for families with small children or as a spontaneous pit stop to admire the stunning sights Black Canyon of the Gunnison has to offer. This trail is great because it doesn’t require any preparation or gear, simply hop out of your car and onto the trail.
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Painted Wall Lookout Trail
The Painted Wall Lookout Trail leads to an impressive panoramic viewpoint of the natural wonder. The Painted Wall is so grand and inciting that it will impress visitors of any age. From river to rim the gneiss cliff is woven with white ribbons of pegmatite marbling. Some might even say it resembles a tasty, marbled steak. But that is the beauty of this wall, people interpret the marbling in various ways, from steak, to paint brush strokes or dragons.
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Gunnison Route Hike
The Gunnison Route is a stimulating excursion down the ridge of the Black Canyon to the Gunnison River. This hike is reserved for experienced hikers who won’t shy away from steep, challenging and rocky terrain. We love this hike! Get your daily dose of adrenaline and then some as you scale the rocky terrain down into the river by navigating tightly wound switchbacks and using a chain rope to guide you down loose terrain. This excursion may be tricky, but man is it fun!
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Warner Point Trail
Looking for a relaxed hike in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park? The Warner Point Trail is the perfect balance through various Colorado landscapes. Wind through a lush forest and out past a sagebrush and juniper field to a lookout point. This hike is great for adventurers of all skill-levels and families.
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Devil’s Lookout Trail
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has an exuberant amount of scenic outlooks. The Devil’s Lookout Trail provides a unique overlook of the Black Canyon and the Gunnison River from the cliff's edge. Adventure along this trail with kids and hikers of all skill levels for a picturesque view of the craggy canyon.
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Dillon Pinnacles Hike
The Dillon Pinnacles Hike is an epic adventure in the Curecanti National Recreation Area near the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park. This trail will guide you along the shores of the Mesa Reservoir and up to the base of the impressive Dillon Mesa. Now what are you waiting for? Lace up your sneakers and set out on this awesome adventure.
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Dragon Point Trail
The Dragon Point Trail is a short walk to a grand lookout over the narrow walled Black Canyon and the Gunnison River below. Lookout over the impressive marbled gneiss cliff. This natural wonder will stimulate your imagination as you try and recognize the supposed dragons carved out by the pegmatite marbling.
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Green Mountain Summit Hike
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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Tomichi Hike
The Tomichi Hike is the steepest hike on the South Rim of the Black Canyon. This unmarked hike will lead you down the side of the canyon's rugged cliffs into the gorge. This hike is not for the faint of heart, and even the most experienced hikers may have difficulty navigating the terrain. Though the Tomichi Trail is extreme, it is tons of fun, and you will be rewarded with a unique perspective of the steep walled canyon from the riverbed.
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Neversink Trail
The Neversink Trail is a short out-and-back trail along the banks of the Gunnison River. This year-round trail is great for walking, running, and snowshoeing. Don’t be surprised if you see anglers as you adventure the trail, this branch of the Gunnison River is perfect for fly fishing!
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Rim Rock Nature Hike
The Rim Rock Nature Trail is a great hike for the whole family. This adventure will guide you along the edge of the Black Canyon and you will be rewarded with sounds of the running river below. This hike is awesome as an early morning walk. The rising sun proves to be a stunning backdrop over the Black Canyon.
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Curecanti Creek Trail
The Curecanti Creek Trail is a scenic hike through various Colorado terrains. Hike the ridges of the upper Black Canyon before descending down into a picturesque river valley. Enjoy the ambient sounds of the running creek and the smell of the lush mountain forest as you walk along the running creek. The Curecanti Creek Trail is unparalleled in its lovely terrain and amazing vistas.
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High Point Trail
The High Point Trail is another breathtaking lookout in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Walk along the lovely trail dotted with wildflowers and juniper before the trail opens up to a phenomenal overlook of the Colorado Wilderness. Southward facing, this lookout provides a unique vantage point compared to many others within the park.
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Cedar Point Nature Trail
Adventure the Cedar Point Nature Trail towards breathtaking views of the Painted Wall and surrounding steep walled cliffs. Positioned on the ledge of the canyon, the Cedar Point Nature Trail lookout delivers amazing and distinct views of the narrow gorge.
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Oak Flat Loop Trail
The Oak Flat Loop is a great little hike in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness. This loop will guide you through lush aspen forests, shrub meadows, and past two scenic lookouts. This exceptional trail can be enjoyed by hikers of all skill levels, and it is family-friendly! What are you waiting for? Let’s go!
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East Portal Trail
Follow the East Portal Trail along the Gunnison Riverbanks. Surrounded by the flanking canyon cliffs, you won’t be able to help but wonder how this natural wonder came to be. Nestled among the strikingly tall gorge walls, you will be rewarded with an appreciation of how big they really are.
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Deadhorse Loop Trail
If you are looking to escape the typical Black Canyon of the Gunnison lookout hikes, the Deadhorse Loop Trail will prove to be a welcome change. Don’t get us wrong, you will still get those quintessential Black Canyon and Gunnison River views! Meander through the Colorado desert, past lush aspen trees and along the wildflower dotted path. People of all ages and of all skill levels will enjoy this hike!
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Warner Route Hike
The Warner Route Hike is a strenuous trail down difficult, unmarked terrain. This excursion is not for the faint of heart and is reserved for experienced hikers only. Although this trail is extreme, we love it! The hike down into the inner canyon will give you more than your daily dose of adrenaline as you navigate the technical terrain.
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Pulpit Rock Lookout Trail
The Pulpit Rock Lookout Trail is a brief path to an awe-inspiring vantage point over the Black Canyon. Admire the Painted Wall, craggy cliffs and hoodoos from the viewpoint. This lookout is a great spot to hop out of the car with the family and revel in the diverse Colorado scenery.