Best trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a hidden gem located on the Western Slope of Colorado. Here, you'll find striking %{2000-foot}-tall cliffs carved out by the Gunnison River. The area became a national park in 1999 and protects %{47_square_miles} of river, canyon, and surrounding forest dominated by pinyon and juniper trees. The remote location of the park makes it one of the less-visited national parks in Colorado. As a result, you get to experience the beauty of the area without the hustle and bustle found in many other parks.
Spring through fall is the best time to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison, because many of the facilities are closed during the winter months.
There is an entrance fee to visit the park, which you can pay online in advance or in person at the entrance station.
Top trails
- (2407)·Moderate·1.5 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrWarner Point Nature Trail offers a great taste of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison at the end of South Rim Road. Scenic 1.5 mile RT hike to a great view of the canyon and river below. You can pick up a trail guide at the High Point Overlook or the South Rim Visitor Center (or download it at the link below). Along this relatively flat out and back trail find shady benches among mountain mahogany, serviceberry, pinyon pine, and juniper. Look south to the San Juan Mountain Range, Uncompahgre...
- (1368)·Moderate·1.4 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThis is a short but challenging hike with gorgeous views of the canyon walls and the river below. Sections of the trail can be narrow with steep drop offs, so this trail is not recommended for those who do not like exposure. Bring sturdy footwear and trekking poles for the climb out. Keep an eye out for wildlife along this trail.
- (1060)·Easy·2.9 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThis beautiful short hike offers breathtaking views down the straightaway of Black Canyon from the endpoint at Exclamation Point. You can hear the Gunnison River roaring as you make your way along the North Vista Trail. The trail is well-signposted and well-maintained. To reach the trailhead, you'll need to travel along a gravel road. There is no cell service in the area, so it's a good idea to download the map before heading out.
- (995)·Moderate·2.9 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThis loop trail is located in the South Rim section of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It provides great views of the canyon walls and the river below. Sections of the trail can be narrow with steep drop-offs. Keep an eye out for wildlife along this trail. Bring sturdy footwear and trekking poles for the climb out. The Visitor Center at the trailhead has parking and restrooms available.
- (788)·Moderate·1.7 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThis is an awesome trail which offers visitors some spectacular views of the surrounding areas. If you're planning to bring your furry friends, please check the park information, as dogs are prohibited during specific times. Dogs are allowed on leash on the Rim Rock Trail except from June 1 - August 15 due to protective deer and fawns in the area. See here for more information - https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/pets2.htm
- (631)·Moderate·6.7 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrThe trail was well maintained and was initially fairly flat to exclamation point before rising steadily to the summit loop. Impressive views of the canyon throughout the second part of the ascent with 360 views of the valley from the top loop. Definitely recommended to all visitors of the north rim. Some welcomed shade along the route.
- (338)·Easy·14.0 miThis Scenic Drive is all paved on on the Southern and most popular side of the National park. There are many pullouts with short hikes to some amazing viewpoints. While dogs are generally not allowed in this park, they can be along for the ride in your car. They are allowed leashed in parking lots or on paved roads. Near the visitor center and at the end of the road there are longer hikes available. For the really adventurous there are several routes that will take you to the bottom of the...
- (438)·Moderate·0.6 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail provides the same views as the South Rim, but from the opposite side. It is not as accessible as the South Rim, although, that makes is significantly less crowded. This short loops takes you to Chasm Viewpoint which offers breathtaking views of the canyon walls, and along the rim of the canyon before looping back to the parking lot.
- (328)·Strenuous·4.3 miThe Warner Route plunges from the South Rim to the Gunnison River on a primitive, unmarked path with Class 3 moves, loose soil, and brushy slopes where poison ivy is common. Expect painstaking down-and-up travel, limited shade, and slippery river rocks at the bottom. Carry ample water, wear long pants, and budget time for the brutal re-ascent. The trail achieves most of it's 3,000 foot elevation change in under 3 miles so it's not for the faint of heart. Camping at the bottom is limited but...
- (208)·Moderate·0.8 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrStarting from the end of the campground, this trail tracks mostly north, following along a relatively gentle stretch of river. From this side of the water, you'll be able to admire the dramatic cliffs on the other side. Take note of the tilted beds and incredible structures, which hint at the geologic processes that shaped the region.
Visitor info
7-Day Motorcycle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 15 or fewer: $30.00 per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers.
Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 16 or greater: $15.00 per passenger (including driver). Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per-person rate. Pass and photo ID must be presented upon entry.
7-Day Individual Pass (pedestrian or bicycle)
7-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
An annual pass to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is available for $55.00 at the South Rim entrance station from early April to late October, and at Recreation.gov. This pass admits the permit holder and all accompanying passengers in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle to the park. It is valid for 12 months from date of purchase and covers entrance fees only.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The South Rim Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films meet Section 504 standards for people with hearing and visual impairments. Audio headphones are available by request.
Additional information about accessibility at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The South Rim Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films meet Section 504 standards for people with hearing and visual impairments. Audio headphones are available by request.
There are accessible restrooms at the following trailheads: North Rim Ranger Station and along South Rim.
South Rim Campground has 2 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites and wheelchair accessible restrooms.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
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Frequently asked questions
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Top state parks in Colorado
Activities
Attractions
- Easy trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Forest trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Moderate trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- River trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Short trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Trails with views in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Wildflower trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Wildlife trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Points of interest
- Exclamation Point
- Chasm View
- The Narrows View
- Kneeling Camel View
- Green Mountain
- High Point
- Warner Point
- Balanced Rock View
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim Campground
- Tomichi Point
- Painted Wall View
- Devil's Lookout
- Gunnison Point
- Dragon Point
- Sunset View
- Pulpit Rock
- Deadhorse Gulch
- Cedar Point
- Cross Fissures View
- Rock Point