Best trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
This western Colorado National Park's main feature is the Black Canyon and the river that cuts through it, but it is also home to an amazing array of flora and fauna such as pronghorn, black bear, coyote, muskrat, six species of lizard, cougar, raccoon, beaver, elk, river otter, bobcat, and mule deer.
Top trails
- (2378)•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...
- (1050)•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. Please note that there is no cell service in the area, so it's a good idea to download the map before heading out.
- (627)•Moderate•6.8 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.
- (435)•Moderate•0.5 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.
- (325)•Hard•4.3 miA beautiful and steep hike down to a fantastic canyon and Gold Medal Water and Wild Trout Water designated river. A backcountry pass (required) can be obtained at the South Rim Ranger Station which you'll pass on the way to the trailhead. The rangers can also be helpful in directing you to the trailhead. Access is not straightforward. 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 adequate...
- (204)•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.
- (149)•Hard•2.1 miPlease note permit is required. First come first serve for backcountry camping, only 5-10 spots. This very steep and grueling route is suggested for a first time North Rim inner canyon hiker. S.O.B. Draw is famous for its abundant poison ivy. Long pants are recommended. The route has several short ledges to climb (8-12 feet, 3 m). There is lots of scrambling and large drops, so this trek can be hard on the knees. Campsites are located downstream a short distance. Park vehicles in the pull...
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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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