Visiting the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Welcome to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a majestic wonder tucked away in the rugged landscapes of Colorado. This amazing park is surprisingly the least visited National Park in Colorado. Prepare to be captivated as you embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the breathtaking overlooks, fun fishing experiences, enchanting camping spots, and hiking trails that await in this natural masterpiece.

The Black Canyon has two rims to explore. The South being the more popular of the two to visit. The South Rim stands at an elevation of approximately 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) above sea level, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The South Rim has 12 overlooks, a Visitor Center and 88 Campsites.

Where is the park located?

Black Gunnison is located 5 hours Southwest of Denver near the San Juan Mountains. For us coming from Wyoming it was a 6 hour drive South from Laramie, WY. It was a great drive on mostly scenic back roads while my son and I listened to the audio book Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Where to stay

Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers a range of camping options, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness. From the South Rim Campground, with its spacious sites and scenic views, to the North Rim Campground, nestled amidst tall pines, each offers a serene retreat to unwind after a day of exploration. Fall asleep under a star-studded sky, serenaded by the symphony of crickets and the gentle rustling of leaves, as you prepare for another day of adventure in this natural paradise.

We stayed in the South Rim Campground for the weekend. There are three loops that have 88 camping spaces, 23 of which come with electric hookup. Each campsite had a picnic table and fire ring. There are pit toilets and seasonal potable water. You can also access the East Portal campground on the South Rim. It is a small 15 site campground. There are no electric hookups but it is super convenient if you are looking to fish while at the park.

The closest town to Black Canyon is Montrose. It is a short drive up to the Canyon and would be a great place to stay while in the area. There are many options for accommodations in .

What to do at the park

The first stop you are going to want to make is the Visitor Center. The South Rim Visitor Center serves as the gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Here, you can find informative exhibits, maps, and ranger-led programs that offer insights into the park's geology, flora, fauna, and cultural history. You can also pick up the Junior Ranger Booklet here and this is where you will sign up for the inner canyon wilderness permits. There are limited spaces each day for the three different inner rim hikes so it is advisable to get there up to an hour before the permits are handed out to get in line.

Scenic Drive and Overlooks

Embark on an unforgettable scenic drive along the rim of the Black Canyon, where each overlook offers a new perspective of the awe-inspiring beauty that lies below. From the moment you arrive at Tomichi Point, you'll be mesmerized by the panoramic vistas stretching out before you. As you continue along the road, marvel at the stunning vistas from Chasm View, Painted Wall View, and Pulpit Rock Overlook. Each stop offers a unique vantage point, allowing you to witness the dramatic cliffs, sheer drops, and the mighty Gunnison River carving its way through the canyon depths.

Tomichi Point: Accessible stop with a bathroom. Tomichi Point provides sweeping views of the canyon's breathtaking expanse, showcasing its towering walls and the meandering Gunnison River.

Tomichi Point

Gunnison Point: Located near the visitor center, Gunnison Point offers panoramic vistas of the canyon and the Gunnison River as it carves its way through the steep walls. There is a short walk down a rocky pathway to Gunnison Point.

Gunnison Point

Pulpit Rock Overlook 134 yards: Situated a short distance from the visitor center, Pulpit Rock provides an elevated vantage point that showcases the dramatic cliffs and rugged beauty of the canyon.

Pulpit Rock Overlook

Cross Fissures View 358 yards: This point offers views of overlapping cliffs. The amount of ridges does not allow for a view of the river from this point.

Cross Fissures View

Rock Point 294 yards: Rock Point in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a mesmerizing natural feature characterized by towering cliffs and rugged terrain. It offers breathtaking views of the steep-walled canyon and the flowing Gunnison River.

Rock Point

Devils Lookout 607 yards: The name "Devils Lookout" adds a touch of mystery and allure to this popular viewpoint, attracting nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. It's an ideal spot to witness the interplay of light and shadow, creating a dramatic and unforgettable experience.

Chasm View: This overlook offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to gaze down into the depths of the canyon and appreciate its intricate rock formations.

Painted Wall View 200 yards: The Painted Wall in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a majestic natural masterpiece that captivates visitors with its vibrant colors and immense scale. Standing at over 2,200 feet, it is one of the tallest sheer cliffs in Colorado, adorned with streaks of pink, gray, and white rock formations. The contrasting hues and intricate patterns on the wall tell the geological story of millions of years of erosion and sedimentation. The Painted Wall is a must-see attraction for anyone seeking to witness the remarkable beauty and geological history of the Black Canyon.

Painted Wall View

Cedar Point 303 yards: This point offers another view of the Painted Wall with two overlooks. There's also amazing views of the Gunnison river. This was my favorite viewpoint at the park and a great place for sunset.

Cedar Point

Dragon Point 100 yards: Dragon Point in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a rugged and enchanting overlook that beckons adventurers to experience its awe-inspiring views. Perched high above the canyon, it offers a unique vantage point to witness the steep cliffs and winding Gunnison River below.

Dragon Point

Sunset View: This accessible viewpoint is the closest to the last stop of the road. There are picnic tables for use at this stop as well as restrooms. The sun sets between the canyon walls for a beautiful vantage point for an afternoon stop.

Sunset View

Warner Point: in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a captivating destination that provides visitors with an unparalleled view of the canyon's vastness and beauty. As the highest point in the park, standing at over 8,300 feet, Warner Point offers a panoramic perspective of the rugged cliffs, the winding Gunnison River, and the surrounding wilderness. The hike to Warner Point is a 1.4 mile round trip venture with many wildflowers and lookouts of the Vernal Mesa.

Warner Point

Fishing in the Gunnison River

For fishing enthusiasts, the Gunnison River provides an unrivaled angling experience. Known for its pristine waters and abundant fish populations, this river is a haven for both seasoned anglers and beginners. Cast your line into the emerald-green currents, and with a bit of luck, you may reel in rainbow trout, brown trout, or kokanee salmon. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you try your hand at fly fishing or simply enjoy the peaceful serenity that comes with being surrounded by the canyon's majestic beauty. While we were visiting we saw many large trout right beside the banks just waiting to be caught. This section of the Gunnison river is one of the few gold medal trout waters in Colorado. Making it a very desirable spot for anglers because of the size and quality of fish to be found here.

Hiking Trails

Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a thrilling journey through the trails that wind their way through the heart of Black Canyon. The Oak Flat Loop Trail offers a leisurely hike through shady forests and wildflower meadows, while the Warner Point Nature Trail leads you to a breathtaking vista overlooking the canyon. For the more adventurous, the challenging but rewarding inner canyon hikes take you into the depths of the canyon, allowing you to witness its sheer magnitude up close. Whichever trail you choose, be prepared to be rewarded with awe-inspiring views and a profound sense of connection with nature.

Warner Point Nature Trail: A moderate 1.5-mile round-trip hike, starting near High Point Overlook. This trail offers panoramic views and leads to Warner Point, which provides a unique perspective of the canyon

Rim Rock Nature Trail: This easy 1-mile loop trail starts at the visitor center and offers interpretive signs along the way, providing information about the flora, fauna, and geology of the area.

Oak Flat Loop Trail: A moderate 2.2-mile loop trail that starts at the Oak Flat Picnic Area and takes you through ponderosa pine forests, offering glimpses of the canyon along the way..

Uplands Trail: This moderate 3-mile (one way) trail connects the South Rim Campground to the visitor center. It passes through juniper and piñon forests, offering occasional views of the canyon.

Oak Hill Trail: A moderate 2.5-mile (one way) trail that connects the visitor center to the South Rim Campground. It provides scenic views and allows for a different perspective of the canyon.

Inner canyon trails- A permit is needed for these trails. You can sign up for these permits at 3:30 the day before on the back deck of the Visitors Center.

Gunnison Route Trail: 15 people a day.

• Distance: 1.5 miles (1.6 km)

• Vertical Drop: 1800 feet (549 m)

• Descent: 1.5 hours

• Ascent: 2 hours

• River Access*: 0.75 mile (1.2 km)

• Campsites: 3

Tomichi Route: 9 people a day

• Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)

• Vertical Drop: 1960 feet (597 m)

• Descent: 1.5 hours

• Ascent: 4.5 hours (or triple the descent time)

• River Access*: 0.5 mile (0.8 km)

• Campsites: 2

Warner Route: 23 people a day

• Campsites are located up and downstream.

• Distance: 2.75 miles (4.4 km)

• Vertical Drop: 2722 feet (829 m)

• Descent: 2 - 2.5 hours

• Ascent: 4 hours

• River Access*: 1 mile (1.6 km)

• Campsites: 5

Things to know about Black Canyon of the Gunnison

• The overlooks are dog friendly as long as you have them on a leash but the trails are not

• The Campsites are reservable through recreation.gov

• Permits are needed for the inner rim trails and they are all considered extremely hard

• Some of the roads close in winter so make sure you check the website before heading here

• Water is only available late spring to early fall in the park

• Hunting is prohibited

• There are four accessible overlooks

• Junior Ranger Program and Ranger Talks everyday

Black Canyon of the Gunnison beckons nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in its awe-inspiring beauty. From the captivating overlooks along the scenic drive to the exhilarating fishing experiences on the Gunnison River, the park offers an abundance of natural wonders. Discover the joy of camping amidst nature's splendor and explore the exhilarating hiking trails that unveil the true magnificence of this pristine wilderness. Embrace the tranquility, immerse yourself in the beauty, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Black Canyon of the Gunnison awaits, ready to unveil its grandeur to those who seek the wonders of the natural world.