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
Rock Point Trail
The Rock Point Trail is a short hike to one of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison’s many overlooks. This particular lookout is a great stopping spot to get out of the car and stretch your legs. Hike the short path and be dumbfounded by the magnificence of the Black Canyon.
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Cross Fissures Trail
The Cross Fissures Trail is a scenic lookout point along the South Rim of the Black Canyon. The short lollipop loop will guide you down to the fenced-in overlook. This path is great for families and hikers of all skill levels! Just make sure to bring your camera because you are going to want to remember this view.
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Uplands Trail Hike
The Uplands Trail is a scenic hike through gambel oak and serviceberry scrubs on the South Rim of the Black Canyon. Set back from the canyon’s ledge, the Uplands Trail is perfect for kids that need to blow off some steam. Though the Uplands Trail doesn’t deliver inner canyon views, its connecting paths present the opportunity to return along the cliff's edge.
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S.O.B Draw Hike
If you are seeking a challenging hike into the inner canyon, then the S.O.B Draw Hike is your match. The S.O.B Draw Hike is a great introductory inner canyon hike, but don’t get us wrong, it is still extremely demanding. Situated on the North Rim of the Black Canyon, this hike will reward its adventurers with stunning views of the north facing walls on the way down and even better vistas from the river’s edge.
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Long Draw Hike
The Long Draw Hike is an extreme excursion into the inner canyon. Reserved for experienced hikers, this trail requires adventurers to scramble loose rock screes and technical terrain. You will be anything but bored as you maneuver the Long Draw Hike.
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Dead Horse Trail
The Dead Horse Trail is a primitive trail atop the Black Canyon. The primitive path progresses away from the canyon’s edge and travels through lush Colorado vegetation. Be prepared to do some bushwhacking as parts of the path are overgrown. This lightly trafficked path will ultimately lead you to a hidden gem overlooking the Black Canyon and East Portal.
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Pine Creek Hike
Hike the Pine Creek Trail through the Black Canyon River valley. This walk is perfect for families or those seeking a relaxing hike along the river. If you enjoy the ambiance of running waters and stunning canyon vistas, then you will love the Pine Creek Trail.
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Sun Park Trail
The Sun Park Trail is a connector trail in the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Hike the path up to a scenic vista and turnaround or connect onto the Beaver Creek Route. The Sun Park Trail itself is challenging enough to hike, but if you have more gas in the tank, consider continuing on. Walk through the dense aspen forest on rocky ridges up to brush meadows. Bring your camera because in the summer months the trail is dotted with wildflowers.
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Sunset View Trail
The Sunset View Trail and Lookout is a great place to overlook the Black Canyon. As you probably guessed, it is also a crowd-favorite vista to watch the sunset over the impressive craggy cliffs. On your next adventure down the South Rim Road, ensure to make a quick pit stop at the Sunset View Trail and Lookout.
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Chasm View South Rim Lookout Trail
The Chasm View South Rim Lookout Trail is arguably one of the best overlooks in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This popular lookout presents dumbfounding views of the steepest cliffs in the Black Canyon. Hike the short path to the overlook and you may even see rock climbers and hikers scaling the north wall.
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Balanced Rock View Trail
The Balancing Rock View Trail leads to a lookout over the south walls of the Black Canyon. Enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas from the cliffs-edge viewing area and keep an eye out for hikers below! Don’t forget to peer through the overlook’s gate to get an up close and personal view of the Balancing Rock.