Black Canyon of the Gunnison, in western Colorado, is the states least visited National Park. With a plethora of amazing hiking trails leading to different views of the Gunnison River and steep canyon walls that tower above it, it’s the best place to go to feel small. From easy day hikes on the canyon rim to inner canyon hikes that lead down steep slopes to the canyon floor, we’re sharing the best hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
20 Hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is split into the North Rim and the South Rime. Because there is no bridge over the canyon it takes nearly 2 hours to get from one side to the other. We’ve split the trails up by South Rim Hikes and North Rim Hikes to make it easy for you to find the best hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison for you.
Hikes on Black Canyon’s South Rim
A list of Black Canyon of the Gunnison’s best hiking routes on the South Rim! We’ve listed them from easy to strenuous. Enjoy stunning views of the canyon on your terms with any of these beautiful trails.
Gunnison Point
Very Easy
0.1 Miles
39 Feet Elevation Gain
Just a short jaunt from the South Rim Visitor Center, Gunnison Point provides amazing panoramic views of the canyon. This is a very easy hike for most visitors! If you choose, you can make this a longer hike by combining the view with Oak Flat, Uplands Trail, and Rim Rock Trail for a 2.5 miles loop.
Cedar Point Nature Trail
Easy
0.4 Miles
52 Feet Elevation Gain
Cedar Point Nature Trail provides absolutely stunning views of the Gunnison River from above. Watch the river flow away, behind the Painted Wall as rock islands just up from the depths of the canyon below. This is an absolutely gorgeous spot for sunset and one of the best hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Devil’s Lookout
Easy
0.6 Miles
65 Feet Elevation Gain
This very easy trail provides absolutely breathtaking views into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The lookout sits perfectly on the edge and provides a unique perspective of the rugged cliffs and broken walls that tower over the Gunnison River.
East Portal Trail
Easy
0.8 Miles
19 Feet Elevation Gain
If you’re looking to be on the same level as the river without the difficulty of an inner canyon route, this is the hike for you. This is a great riverside hike and a hot spot for anglers. This trail is accessible by the South Rim, however, it falls within the boundaries of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited on East Portal Road due to the grade and turns.
Pro Tip: Take some time to read the signs and learn about the town and tunnel that East Portal is known for
Warner Point Nature Trail
Easy
1.5 Miles
406 Feet Elevation Gain
Snag a trail guide for this hike at High Point Overlook or the South Rim Visitor Center. Stroll through mountain mahogany and pinyon pines and learn about Mark Warner and the flora associated with each marker along the way. The Warner Point Trial is great for families!
Oak Flat Loop Trail
Easy
2 Miles
311 Feet Elevation Gain
Explore a bit below the rim without taking on the challenge of a full inner canyon route. The trail is steep and narrow in places, lending to some exciting family-friendly hiking without the strain of descending to the river. With shade and canyon views throughout the hike, this is one of the better hikes you can find on the South Rim.
Uplands Connector Trail
Easy
2.2 Miles
291 Feet Elevation Gain
The Uplands Trail connects South Rim Campground to the Oak Flat Trail. It’s a great hike for early morning or evening if you’re hoping to see wildlife. Whether you’re looking for mammals or birds, such as peregrine falcons, this is the best trail for wildlife viewing.
Rim Rock Nature Trail
Easy
2 Miles
187 Feet Elevation Gain
This self-guided nature trail brings you along the rim of the canyon. You’ll enjoy easy views of the Gunnison River and the sheer canyon walls. Rom Rock Nature Trail also happens to connect the campground with the Visitor Center!
Devils Backbone Route
Moderate Inner Canyon Route
1.3 Miles
238 Feet Elevation Gain
Devil’s Backbone is a different kind of inner canyon trail. Instead of requiring visitors to descend and ascend 2,000 feet in elevation, it actually enters the Canyon from East Portal.
From the end of the East Portal Trail hikers will scramble up a diamond-shaped ridge of exposed cliff and scree. The views are amazing as the canyon walls continue to narrow. You’ll be able to explore about a mile of the riverbank before having to turn around a return the way you came.
A wilderness permit is required for this hike. Permits can be obtained at the South Rim Visitor Center on the day of your adventure. During the busy season, permits are available 1.5 hours before closing the day before your hike. When you have completed your hike, it is your responsibility to check out with a ranger.
Red Rock Canyon Route
Moderate
6.5 Miles
1,320 Feet Elevation Gain
Red Rock Canyon is the least steep and most forgiving of all the routes that descend into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Descending 1,300 feet over the course of 3 miles makes this the longest and least demanding route into the river.
Access this route via Bostwick Park Road. At the parking area, you’ll park and begin your hike on private property. You are to stay on the double-track road until your reach the park boundary.
Permits are required for this hike. They were once distributed on a lottery system. Permits can now be reserved on a first-come first-served basis through Recreation.gov.
Tomichi Route
Strenuous Inner Canyon Route
1.3 Miles
1,960 Feet Elevation Gain
Considered the steepest of the three South Rim routes, it is very difficult. The entire route is made up of loose rock and there are a few sections that involve scrambling where you should use extreme caution.
The trail begins from Tomichi Point which is an overlook along South Rim Road. You can also access the trail from the Rim Rock Trail which has a trailhead at South Rim Campground and South Rim Visitor Center.
A wilderness permit is required for this hike. Permits can be obtained at the South Rim Visitor Center on the day of your adventure. During the busy season, permits are available 1.5 hours before closing the day before your hike. When you have completed your hike, it is your responsibility to check out with a ranger.
Gunnison Route
Strenuous Inner Canyon Route
1.5 Miles
1,800 Feet Elevation Gain
The Gunnison Route is the most popular inner canyon route. You’ll spend the first portion of this trail hiking a steep dirt route before it turns to scree. Remember that this route is unmarked and unmaintained by the NPS. Use your phone or camera to take photos of places you think you might get lost and reference them on your return trip.
The trail begins from the South Rim Visitor Center with a short jaunt on the Oak Flat trail. Soon you’ll see a sign for the designated Wilderness Area where you’ll turn to begin your descent down to the Gunnison River.
A wilderness permit is required for this hike. Permits can be obtained at the South Rim Visitor Center on the day of your adventure. During the busy season, permits are available 1.5 hours before closing the day before your hike. When you have completed your hike, it is your responsibility to check out with a ranger.
Warner Route
Strenuous Inner Canyon Route
4.3 Miles
2,722 Feet Elevation Gain
A wilderness permit is required for this hike. Permits can be obtained at the South Rim Visitor Center on the day of your adventure. During the busy season, permits are available 1.5 hours before closing the day before your hike. When you have completed your hike, it is your responsibility to check out with a ranger.
Hikes on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison North Rim
This list contains some of the hikes available to visitors on the North Rim of the canyon.
Chasm View Nature Trail
Easy
0.6 Miles
108 Feet Elevation Gain
From the North Rim Campground, embark on this short loop trail for views of the canyon. As one of the best lookouts on the North Rim and there is limited parking, you might have trouble finding a parking spot. For worry-free hiking, spend the night at the North Rim Campground for all-day Chasm View trail access. Campsites are available on a first-come first served basis.
Exclamation Point
Easy-Moderate
3 Miles
364 Feet Elevation Gain
Take the North Vista trail to Exclamation Point for a Moderate hike with stunning views. The North Vista Trails offers some of the best views and birding the park has to offer. Once you reach Exclamation Point you’ll find yourself on the edge of the canyon taking in the steep drop-off and the views that come with it.
The trail to Exclamation Point begins at the North Rim Ranger Station. If you’re willing to tack on a few extra miles, make your way up to Green Mountain for a different perspective.
Deadhorse Trail
Moderate
5 Miles
561 Feet Elevation Gain
Enter the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area via the Deadhorse Trail for epic views of Deadhorse Gulch and East Portal from above.
The trailhead for Deadhorse Trail can be found at the Kneeling Camel Overlook. The trail, an old service road that leads to an old ranger station, can be found a few years from the overlook.
Long Draw
Strenuous Inner Canyon Route
1 Mile
1,800 Feet Elevation Gain
Long Draw is about the steepest of the inner canyon routes offered on either rim. Descending 1,800 feet in a half mile with a constant gradient of 40 degrees is no joke. This beautiful, but intense, route provides amazing views of Gunnison River and surrounding canyon walls.
Parking for this route can be found at Balanced Rock View. From here, hike .3 miles along the road to a small Wilderness Area sign that signals the drainage called Long Gulch (or Long Draw).
A wilderness permit is required for this hike. Permits can be obtained at the South Rim Visitor Center or the North Rim Ranger Station on the day of your adventure. During the busy season, permits are available 1.5 hours before closing the day before your hike. When you have completed your hike, it is your responsibility to check out with a ranger.
Slide Draw
Strenuous Inner Canyon Route
1 Mile
1,620 Feet Elevation Gain
Slide Draw is one of the most dangerous inner canyon routes Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has to offer. Because of its incredibly steep grade and loose rocks, it’s not somewhere you want to lose your footing. The route begins with a 30-foot down-climb scramble.
You can access this route by parking at Kneeling Camel View. Walk East until your reach the top of the draw and then follow the draw to the river.
A wilderness permit is required for this hike. Permits can be obtained at the South Rim Visitor Center or the North Rim Ranger Station on the day of your adventure. During the busy season, permits are available 1.5 hours before closing the day before your hike. When you have completed your hike, it is your responsibility to check out with a ranger.
Pinyon Draw
Strenuous Inner Canyon Route
1.75 Miles
1,800 Feet Elevation Gain
Pinyon Draw is the recommended route for first-time North Rim inner canyon hikers. Descending 1,800 feet in just under a mile is a bit friendlier than the other two North Rim options. This route in particular is known for its abundance of poison ivy so long pants are recommended.
You can park for this route at one of two places, near the campground registration board or at the North Rim Ranger Station. Access this route via a ladder along the fence line just East of the campground.
A wilderness permit is required for this hike. Permits can be obtained at the South Rim Visitor Center or the North Rim Ranger Station on the day of your adventure. During the busy season, permits are available 1.5 hours before closing the day before your hike. When you have completed your hike, it is your responsibility to check out with a ranger.
Green Mountain Hike
Strenuous
7 Miles
1,230 Feet Elevation Gain
The Hike to Green Mountain brings you along the North Vista Trail to the highest location in the park. At 8,563 feet, you’ll escape the crowds and find one of the most unique views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and more! It’s definitely one of the best hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison on either rim, but the best on the North rim.
From the summit of Green Mountain, you’ll experience panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains, the West Elks, Grand Mesa, and the Uncompahgre Plateau. You’ll also have an incredibly unique view of the canyon. You might not be able to see the bottom of the canyon, but you will be able to just how close the north and south rims are to one another.
The trail begins at the North Rim Ranger station, making its way through juniper, mountain mahogany, and Douglas fir. You will gain 833 feet of elevation on this hike. It’s worth the view!
**It is important to note that all inner canyon routes are not maintained trails.
What Else Should I Know About the Black Canyon
Where Can I Stay in Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Luckily, Black Canyon National Park has you covered when it comes to camping options. If you’re staying on the South Rim, check out South Rim Campground or East Portal Campground. If you’re staging on the Noth Rim, you’ll want to stay at North Rim Campground.
There are some free dispersed camping areas near the park as well. Please remember to leave your campsite better than you found it by packing out all trash, tending to your fire and following posted warnings, and disposing of bodily waste properly. If you’re not sure how to do any of these things, check out the Center for Outdoor Ethics’ 7 Leave No Trace Principles.
The closest town to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is Montrose on the South Rim and Crawford on the North rim of the canyon. Although Crawford is small, both offer various lodging opportunities and cafes/eateries.
When is the Best Time to Visit Black Canyon
Although the park is open year-round, the best time to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is in the summer months. You’ll have access to the full scenic drive, multiple trailheads, and the ability to complete an inner canyon route if you choose. Have your choice of the best hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison when you arrive between May and October.
In the winter months, South Rim Road is only open to the Visitor Center. From this point, guests are able to snowshoe or cross-country ski further but the road is not open to vehicles. The North Rim and East Portal close completely. They generally close mid November and reopen in April.
How do I Get A Permit for an Inner Canyon Hike?
The process is actually quite easy, however, it is different depending on which rim you are exploring. Entering the canyon without a permit can result in a fine and/or citation.
South Rim Wilderness Use Permits:
- Free
- Distributed on a first-come, first-served basis
- Limited number of permits per day
- Available during the off-season for hikers on Tomichi, Gunnison, and Warner Routes at the South Rim Visitor Center the day of their trip, either from a ranger during Visitor Center Hours, or by self-registration at the kiosk.
- Available during the busy season for hikers on Tomichi, Gunnison, and Warner Routes at the South Rim Visitor Center 1.5 hours before closing the day before the trip or during visitor center hours on the day of the hike. There is no self-registration permitted on these routes during the busy season.
- Climbers and kayakers must obtain their permit on the day of their adventure.
- When you have finished your trip, check out with a ranger or, if the building is closed, place your permit in the self-registration box to “check out” of the inner canyon.
North Rim Wilderness Use Permits:
- Free
- Can only be obtained on the day of your hike
- There is a permit self-registration kiosk with instructions when the ranger station is closed. Be sure to thoroughly complete the permit with accurate and legible information.
- Distributed on a first-come, first-served basis
- Limited numbers of permits per day
- When you have finished your trip, check out with a ranger or, if the building is closed, place your permit in the self-registration box to “check out” of the inner canyon.
Some of the best hikes in Back Canyon of the Gunnison are inner canyon hikes. With that in mind, these unmaintained routes are not appropriate for all hikers and should only be attempted by those who feel confident in their route finding skills, balance, and intuition.
Plan Your Trip to Visit Colorado National Parks
A great way to see the state is to plan a National Park Service trip! Create a route around Colorado that brings you to each National Park and be sure to stop in the neat towns and cities in between. Some of the National Parks you may visit include:
- The incredible Rocky Mountain National Park,
- The educational Mesa Verda National Park, and
- The magical Great Sand Dunes National Park
Don’t leave out other neat stops like the Colorado National Monument, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, or the highest city in North America, Leadville!
