Ultimate Guide to the Best Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Hikes
Welcome to the most comprehensive guide out there on Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park hikes and scenic viewpoints! This national park, located in western Colorado, is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking breathtaking vistas and thrilling hiking experiences. With its towering cliffs, deep canyons, and rugged terrain, this national park offers some of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the country.
What we love about hiking in Black Canyon of the Gunnison is that you can find a trail to suit any level of exertion or difficult you’d like! Whether you’re up for the strenuous and steep scramble 2,000 feet down the canyon to the Gunnison River, or looking for a more leisurely stroll along the Black Canyon rim, or even just a few easy overlook walks, we’re going to cover the perfect hike for you.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, exploring the trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison will leave you awe-inspired by its natural beauty and provide unforgettable adventures. In this post, we will take a closer look at 26 of the best South Rim, North Rim, and Inner Canyon hikes this remarkable national park has to offer!
South Rim Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Hikes
These hikes are located on the South Rim of the Black Canyon, which is the most-visited side. Many of them are short “overlook” trails, but there are also longer hiking trails as well.
1. Rim Rock Nature Trail
| Distance: 1.7 miles Elevation: 206 feet | Time: 45 minutes Difficulty: Easy |
For those looking for a gentle introduction to the park, the Rim Rock Nature Trail is a perfect choice. This easy, 1.7-mile round-trip hike takes you along the rim of the canyon, treating you to stunning vistas of the Gunnison River and the towering canyon walls. The trail is accessible to hikers of all levels and provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the park’s breathtaking scenery.
2. Uplands Trail to Rim Rock Nature Trail Loop
| Distance: 2.8 miles Elevation: 518 feet | Time: 1.5 hours Difficulty: Easy |
The Uplands Trail to Rim Rock Nature Trail Loop is a loop trail with excellent views along the South Rim of the Black Canyon. This is also a popular trail for spotting wildlife, particularly if you go at sunrise or sunset! Though you can hike the Uplands Trail by itself as an out-and-back, we recommend combining it with the Rim Rock Nature Trail to create a loop.
3. Oak Flat Loop Trail
| Distance: 1.4 miles Elevation: 334 feet | Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Moderate |
The easy-to-moderate, 1.4-mile Oak Flat loop trail offers hikers the opportunity to descend below the Black Canyon rim without having to tackle one of the more arduous inner canyon hikes. This is an incredibly scenic hike, so bring your camera! Don’t miss the beautiful Gunnison Point overlook on this trail, too!
4. Pulpit Rock Trail
| Distance: 0.2 miles Elevation: 32 feet | Time: 10 minutes Difficulty: Very easy |
This short and sweet trail leads to one of the most unique viewpoints in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The Pulpit Rock Trail is also wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it a great option for any age or ability! The highlight of the view is the 90-degree bend in the Gunnison River.
5. Cross Fissures View
| Distance: 0.3 miles Elevation: 115 feet | Time: 15 minutes Difficulty: Easy |
The Cross Fissures Trail on the South Rim of the Black Canyon is another short viewpoint trail, albeit a bit steeper with more elevation gain that the Pulpit Rock Trail. The Cross Fissures trail features a dramatic and steep view into the canyon.
6. Rock Point Trail
| Distance: 0.4 miles Elevation: 22 feet | Time: 15 minutes Difficulty: Very easy |
The Rock Point Trail is located just beyond the pullout for Cross Fissures Trail. It’s a short walk to the Rock Point overlook, which provides breathatking views of the canyon. That said, the views aren’t dramatically different from those on the Cross Fissures Trail, so if you are visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on a busy day, we recommend picking the hike that has parking available since they are so similar!
7. Devil’s Lookout Trail
| Distance: 0.5 miles Elevation: 65 feet | Time: 15 minutes Difficulty: Very easy |
The Devil’s Lookout Trail is a short unpaved walk that leads to a view into the Black Canyon. From this point, you can see the corner of Grizzly Gulch around a band of cliffs near the view point. There are very unique patterns in the rocky cliffs from this vantage point, making for excellent photography opportunities, as well!
8. Chasm View South Rim Lookout Trail
| Distance: 0.1 miles Elevation: 0 feet | Time: 5 minutes Difficulty: Very easy |
The Chasm View South Rim Lookout Trail, located about a mile after the Devil’s Lookout Trail, provides arguably one of the best views in the park. At this vantage point into the Black Canyon, you can actually look into one of its steepest sections. This wheelchair and stroller accessible trail also has a view of Painted Wall.
9. Painted Wall Trail
| Distance: 0.2 miles Elevation: 22 feet | Time: 10 minutes Difficulty: Very Easy |
The Painted Wall Trail is one of the best in the park. It leads to a direct view of the Painted Wall and is particularly great for sunrise and sunset!
10. Dragon Point
| Distance: 0.4 miles Elevation: 59 feet | Time: 15 minutes Difficulty: Very easy |
The Dragon Point Trail is a wide, flat path to another great lookout from the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. That said, this viewpoint is quite similar to that at Painted Wall, so we recommend stopping at one or the other, but not necessarily both.
11. Cedar Point Nature Trail
| Distance: 0.4 miles Elevation: 52 feet | Time: 10 minutes Difficulty: Very Easy |
The Cedar Point Nature Trail provides wonderful views of the famous Painted Wall, named for the unique, naturally occurring markings in the rock. The Painted Wall is also the tallest cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet!
12. Sunset View
| Distance: 0.1 miles Elevation: 9 feet | Time: 5 minutes Difficulty: Very easy |
The wheelchair and stroller accessible Sunset View trail lives up to its name as one of the best hikes to watch sunset at Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
13. Warner Point Nature Trail
| Distance: 1.5 miles Elevation: 423 feet | Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Moderate |
Embark on a journey to the highest point in the park with the Warner Point Nature Trail. This moderate, 1.5-mile round-trip hike offers panoramic views of the San Juan Mountain Range, Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park that will leave you in awe. From the summit, gaze out over the vast expanse of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the Gunnison River.
Tip: You can pick up a trail guide for this hike at the South Rim Visitor Center or at the High Point Overlook.
North Rim Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Hikes
These hikes are located on the north rim of the Black Canyon.
14. Island Peaks View
| Distance: 0.1 miles Elevation: 3 feet | Time: 5 minutes Difficulty: Very easy |
The Island Peaks View is noteworthy for the views of cliff walls that seemingly stand alone, like islands.
15. Balanced Rock View
| Distance: 0.1 miles Elevation: 3 feet | Time: 5 minutes Difficulty: Very easy |
The Balanced Rock View trail is very short, and worth a quick stop to see the large boulder that looks as if it will calve off the face of the canyon cliffs at any moment!
16. The Narrows View
| Distance: 0.1 miles Elevation: 0 feet | Time: 5 minutes Difficulty: Very easy |
For one of the most dramatic views on the North Rim, walk the short trail to the Narrows View, where you can stare deep int othe abyss of Black Canyon.
17. North Vista Trail
| Distance: 6.8 miles Elevation: 1,230 feet | Time: 3.5 hours Difficulty: Difficult |
The North Vista Trail leads to two destinations. You can hike for 3 miles round trip to reach Exclamation Point, or 7 miles round trip to reach Green Mountain. This hike offers some of the best views and bird-watching opportunities in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
18. Chasm View Nature Trail
| Distance: 0.6 miles Elevation: 275 feet | Time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy |
The easy Chasm View Nature Trail is just 0.6-mile round-trip and leads you to two breathtaking viewpoints. The first is the North Chasm View 1800 feet above the Gunnison River. The second overlook has views of Painted Wall and Serpent Rock.
19. Deadhorse Loop Trail
| Distance: 4.1 miles Elevation: 561 feet | Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate |
The Deadhorse Trail is actually an old service road that passes a stock pond fed by one of the rare springs found at the rim of Black Canyon. The trail leads to views over the rim of Black Canyon.
Summary + Map of South and North Rim Black Canyon of the Gunnison Hikes
| Trail Name | South, North, Inner? | Difficulty Level | Distance (miles) | Elevation Gain (feet) | Est. Time | Pets Allowed? |
| Rim Rock Nature Trail | South | Easy | 1.7 | 206 | 45 min | On leash |
| Uplands Trail to Rim Rock Nature Trail Loop | South | Easy | 2.8 | 518 | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Oak Flat Loop Trail | South | Moderate | 1.4 | 334 | 1 hour | No |
| Pulpit Rock Trail | South | Very easy | 0.2 | 32 | 10 min | No |
| Cross Fissures View | South | Easy | 0.3 | 115 | 15 minutes | No |
| Rock Point Trail | South | Very easy | 0.4 | 22 | 15 min | No |
| Devils Lookout Trail | South | Very easy | 0.5 | 65 | 15 min | No |
| Chasm View South Rim Lookout Trail | South | Very easy | 0.1 | 0 | 5 min | No |
| Painted Wall Trail | South | Very easy | 0.2 | 22 | 10 min | No |
| Dragon Point | South | Very easy | 0.4 | 59 feet | 15 min | No |
| Cedar Point Nature Trail | South | Easy | 0.4 | 52 | 10 min | On leash |
| Sunset View | South | Very easy | 0.1 | 9 | 5 min | No |
| Warner Point Nature Trail | South | Moderate | 1.5 | 423 | 1 hour | No |
| Island Peaks View | North | Very easy | 0.1 | 0 | 5 min | No |
| Balanced Rock View | North | Very easy | 0.1 | 3 | 5 min | No |
| The Narrows View | North | Very easy | 0.1 | 0 | 5 min | No |
| Chasm View Nature Trail | North | Easy | 0.6 | 275 | 30 min | On leash |
| North Vista Trail to Green Mountain | North | Difficult | 6.8 | 1,230 | 3.5 hrs | No |
| Deadhorse Trail | North | Moderate | 4.1 | 561 | 2 hrs | No |
Best Inner Canyon Hikes Below the Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
All of the hikes in the inner canyon of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park require a Wilderness Permit. Each of the trails is essentially a different route for scrambling down into the canyon, and all require about 2,000 of elevation gain in the distance of about a mile. These hikes are not for the faint of heart, but if exploring the inner canyon is on your bucket list, here’s what you need to know!
Preparing to Hike the Inner Canyon
To hike in the inner canyon of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, you will need to obtain a Wilderness permit. The National Park Service warns that rescue in the inner canyon is difficult and time-consuming, and thus asks that all visitors to the inner canyon carry the necessary essentials to survive an unplanned night in the canyon. They recommend the following:
- Wilderness Use Permit
- 4 quarts of water per person, per day
- Enough food for your trip plus one extra day
- WAG bag or trash bag to pack out your waste
- Dress in layers and bring rain gear
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Map and compass (GPS often does not work in the inner canyon)
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen and hat
- Flashlight or headlamp, plus extra batteries
Tip: National Park officials do NOT recommend going into the inner canyon during winter.
How to Get a Wilderness Permit to Hike the Inner Canyon
Permits are required for both North and South Rim inner canyon hikes, whether you are going just for the day or staying the night. You can obtain these permits at both the North and South Rim Visitor Centers of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Permits are free and available on a first-come-first-served basis.
North Rim Inner Canyon Permits: Obtain day-of year-round. There is a self-registration option available if the visitor center is closed.
South Rim Inner Canyon Permits: Obtain the day before at 3:30 PM during summer months (starting May 21, 2023), or day-of if any remain. During the peak summer season, there is no self-registration option. During the non-peak season, you can obtain them the day-of and also have the option to self-register.
You can find more information on the park website about how to obtain your inner canyon wilderness permit.
20. Gunnison Route Trail (South Rim)
| Distance: 1.7 miles Elevation: 1,771 feet | Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Difficult |
The strenuous Gunnison Route hike takes you down into the canyon and offers incredible views of the Gunnison River. The trail is 1.7 miles round-trip and has an elevation change of over 1,771 feet.
21. Tomichi Route (South Rim)
| Distance: 1.3 miles Elevation: 1,788 feet | Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Difficult |
The Tomichi Route, located on the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, is known for being the steepest among the inner-canyon routes. However, due to its constant loose rock and full sun exposure, it is less popular compared to the nearby Gunnison Route.
The trail begins at the Tomichi Overlook, specifically at a post labeled #13. Approximately two-thirds of the trail consists of straight scree, making it a challenging terrain to navigate. Although the trail itself is not marked, previous hikers have left cairns along the way, offering some guidance.
22. Warner Route (South Rim)
| Distance: 4.3 miles Elevation: 3,051 feet | Time: 6 hours Difficulty: Difficult |
The Warner Route is the most gradual of the South Rim Inner Canyon descents, but of course, this is Black Canyon of the Gunnison we’re talking about here, so you can of course expect this one to be super steep too. This route is very primitive, with no markers or cairns along the way, however, at the campground, there is a camp toilet.
23. Pinyon Draw (North Rim)
| Distance: 2.1 miles Elevation: 1,866 feet | Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Difficult |
Formerly known as the S.O.B Draw, the Pinyon Draw trail is one of the routes that leave from the North Rim of the canyon and descend into the inner canyon. This route is infamous for poison ivy, so wear long pants to protect your legs. This route requires a bit of scrambling and ledge-climbing up to 12 feet in height.
24. Long Draw (North Rim)
| Distance: 1.7 miles Elevation: 1,604 feet | Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Difficult |
The Long Draw route (formerly known as Devil’s Slide) from the North Rim of Black Canyon descends into the narrowest parts of Black Canyon of the Gunnison. As with the Pinyon Draw route, Long Draw requires climbing and scrambling on large ledges and is home to plenty of poison ivy.
25. Slide Draw (North Rim)
| Distance: 1.2 miles Elevation: 1,604 feet | Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Difficult |
Many consider the Slide Draw route to be the most dangerous of the North Rim Inner Canyon hiking routes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison due to the loose rock. There is also a 30-foot scramble at the start of the route, so we’d only recommend this one to very experienced hikers.
26. Red Rock Canyon Route
| Distance: 6.8 miles Elevation: 1,300 feet | Time: 8 hours Difficulty: Difficult |
The lesser-known Red Rock Canyon Route allows visitors to get down to the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon without taking one of the steeper routes described above. That said, this is still a steep hike, and considerably longer than the other options. Expect to spend most of the day hiking the Red Rock Canyon Route. As with the other inner canyon hikes, you will need a wilderness permit for this trail.
FAQs for Hiking in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Where is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado. It is renowned for its stunning and rugged canyon, carved over millions of years by the Gunnison River. The canyon’s sheer cliffs, deep gorges, and narrow passageways create a dramatic and awe-inspiring natural spectacle.
Is there an entry fee for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Yes, all visitors to the park must have an entrance pass. Below are the fees for a 7-day pass.
- $30 per vehicle
- $25 per motorcycle
- $15 per person on foot
You can buy your pass at the park, or in advance online. If you plan on visiting more than 3 national parks in a calendar year, however, we highly recommend getting the America the Great National Parks Pass! This pass gets you free entrance to national park sites throughout the United States. We buy one every year!
What is the best hiking trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Our favorite hike for views in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the super short Chasm View Trail.
If you’re looking for a longer hike, however, our top recommendation is the Warner Point Nature Trail!
What is the easiest hiking trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
For those seeking an easier hike, the Rim Rock Nature Trail is a great choice. This 1.7-mile round-trip trail follows the rim of the canyon and provides stunning views of the Gunnison River and canyon walls. It’s a relatively flat and accessible trail suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Can you hike to the bottom of the Black Canyon?
Yes, all of the hikes we included in our section on Inner Canyon hikes go to the bottom of Black Canyon, to the Gunnison River. These hikes all require a wilderness permit as we described above and involve steep and rugged terrain. We recommend hiking to the bottom of the Black Canyon only for experienced and well-equipped hikers!
What is the best 1-day hiking itinerary for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
If you only have 1 day in the park, we recommend spending your day on the South Rim, where there are more hikes, viewpoints, and amenities for park visitors.
Here’s our recommended hiking itinerary for one day in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This itinerary covers 5 trails and totals at 5 miles, and incidentally should take about 5 hours. Note that the time allowances given are only for the hike itself, not including the driving time between locations, which is quite short. Driving time from the South Rim Visitor Center to Warner Point Nature Trail is only 15 minutes (6 miles).
Plan to pack a picnic lunch and bring plenty of water!
- Start your day exploring Black Canyon of the Gunnison’s hikes on the Uplands Trail and Rim Rock Trail Loop near the South Rim Visitor Center. If you don’t mind an early wake-up call, we recommend catching the sunrise over Gunnison Point. (2.8 miles; Hike #2 above; Allow 1-2 hours).
- Stop at Pulpit Rock Overlook for photo ops and fantastic views into the canyon. (0.2 miles; Hike #4 above; Allow 15 minutes).
- Hike the short Cross Fissures Trail to another excellent viewpoint. (0.3 miles; Hike #5 above; Allow 15 minutes).
- Feel free to stop at as many of the following viewpoints on the scenic Rim Drive Road as you’d like. In this itinerary, we are only including the “must-do” Black Canyon of the Gunnison hikes. But add as many stops as you wish!
- Stop at the Painted Wall for the best views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison’s most famous cliff. (0.2 miles; Hike #9 above; allow 30 minutes if you plan on doing photography).
- End your day at the Warner Point Nature Trail. (1.5 miles; Hike #13 above; Allow 1 hour).
Tips for Hiking in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Plan and Prepare:
- Research the park’s website and familiarize yourself with trail maps, regulations, and safety guidelines.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit and dress accordingly.
- Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds, beat the heat, and make the most of daylight hours.
- Choose the Right Trail:
- Select a trail suitable for your fitness level and experience. The park offers a range of trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes.
- Consider the duration, elevation gain, and difficulty of the trail before embarking on your hike.
- Carry Ample Water and Snacks:
- Carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout your hike. The arid climate can lead to dehydration, so it’s crucial to drink water regularly.
- Pack lightweight, high-energy snacks to keep you fueled during your adventure.
- Stay on Designated Trails:
- Respect park regulations and stay on designated trails to protect the fragile ecosystem and preserve the park’s natural beauty.
- Venturing off-trail can be dangerous and may harm sensitive vegetation.
- Be Prepared for Steep Terrain:
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison features steep and rugged terrain. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction to navigate the trails safely.
- Consider using trekking poles for added stability, especially on steep sections.
- Practice Wildlife Safety:
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed or approach them. Maintain a respectful distance to protect both yourself and the animals.
- Carry binoculars or a zoom lens to observe wildlife from a distance without disturbing them.
- Sun Protection is Essential:
- The high elevation and intense sun exposure make sun protection crucial. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF rating.
- Consider lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin to prevent sunburn.
- Pack Out Your Trash:
- Preserve the pristine beauty of the park by following the “Leave No Trace” principles. Pack out all your trash and dispose of it properly.
- Tell Someone Your Plans:
- Before setting off on your hike, inform someone about your itinerary, including the trail you’re taking and your expected return time.
- In case of emergencies, this information will be vital for search and rescue teams.
- Know Your Limits:
- Choose trails that match your fitness level and hiking experience. Be honest with yourself about your abilities and choose hikes that you can comfortably complete.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when hiking. Stay aware of your surroundings, stay hydrated, and be prepared for the rugged terrain.
What to Pack for Hiking in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Hiking Backpack: A sturdy backpack with good back support and adjustable straps.
- Maps and Trail Guides: Carry a detailed map and trail guide specific to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
- Water Bottles: Carry an adequate supply of water to stay hydrated during your hike. It’s recommended to have at least 2 liters of water per person.
- Snacks and Meals: Pack lightweight, non-perishable snacks such as energy bars, trail mix, and dried fruits. For longer hikes, pack meals that don’t require refrigeration or can be rehydrated with water.
- Hiking Boots: Wear comfortable, well-fitting hiking boots with good ankle support and traction.
- Hiking Clothes: Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions. Pack moisture-wicking shirts, long pants, and a lightweight waterproof jacket. Don’t forget to bring extra socks.
- Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Sunscreen: Apply a high SPF sunscreen to exposed skin to prevent sunburn.
- Insect Repellent: Bring insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects.
- First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, blister treatments, and any necessary personal medications.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: A lightweight headlamp or flashlight will come in handy if you’re hiking in low-light conditions or planning to stay overnight.
- Trekking Poles: Optional but helpful for stability and balance, especially on steep or uneven terrain.
- Camera and Binoculars: Capture the scenic beauty of the park and observe wildlife from a distance.
- Personal Toiletries: Carry toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a small trowel for proper waste disposal.
- Emergency Whistle: Pack an emergency whistle to signal for help if needed.
- Multi-tool or Pocket Knife: Useful for various tasks, such as cutting rope or repairing gear.
- Cash and Identification: Carry some cash and your identification for emergencies or park fees.
- Garbage Bag: Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all your trash.
Final Thoughts on Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Hikes
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great hiking destination, offering a diverse range of trails that cater to all levels of experience and fitness. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking vistas from the rim, venturing into the depths of the canyon, or exploring the surrounding nature trails, this national park has something for everyone. From the dramatic cliffs to the roaring Gunnison River, each step reveals the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder.
Check out these fascinating facts about Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for further reasons why you should put this unique park on your Colorado Bucket List!
By the way, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is less than an hour and a half from Grand Junction, Colorado. It’s a great addition to your itinerary, along with a visit to the nearby Colorado National Monument.
If you’re exploring more of Colorado’s national parks, don’t miss our comprehensive guides to the other parks!
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park (coming soon)
- Colorado National Monument
