Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness is a wilderness area in Colorado characterized by its profound depths and narrow passages carved by the Gunnison River. The landscape features steep cliffs, ancient metamorphic rocks, and towering rock spires, with the canyon reaching depths of up to 2,400 feet. This dramatic geological setting provides a unique environment for several sports like hiking, offering diverse terrain from rim trails to challenging inner canyon routes. The surrounding area includes dryland forests of piñon and…
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Routes
4.7
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Average rating
569
People visited

6
hikers
11.9km
03:19
210m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

3
hikers
2.38km
00:46
50m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
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112
hikers
2.56km
00:48
100m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(6)
107
hikers
2.60km
00:47
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness primarily offers opportunities for hiking. The area features 12 routes, which have an average rating of 4.66 stars from 90 ratings on komoot. These routes provide diverse experiences, from rim trails with expansive views to challenging inner canyon descents.
Yes, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness offers a variety of hiking trails. These include easier rim trails like the Rim Rock Nature Trail and Oak Flat Loop Trail, as well as more challenging inner canyon routes. Inner canyon routes are primitive and rugged, often requiring 4 to 8 hours to complete round-trip.
Popular hiking options include the Rim Rock Nature Trail, Oak Flat Loop Trail, and Uplands Trail on the South Rim. On the North Rim, visitors can explore the Chasm View Nature Trail, North Vista Trail, and Deadhorse Trail. For more detailed information, consult guides such as Hiking in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness.
Yes, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness features easier rim trails suitable for less strenuous activity. Examples include the Rim Rock Nature Trail and the Oak Flat Loop Trail. These trails offer expansive views without the steep descents of inner canyon routes. More options can be found in the guide Easy hikes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness.
Challenging routes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness are primarily the inner canyon routes, such as the Gunnison and Warner routes. These are not established trails but follow very steep gullies and rock chutes. They are physically demanding and can take 4 to 8 hours for a round-trip.
The wilderness area is characterized by steep cliffs, ancient metamorphic rocks, and towering rock spires. The canyon reaches depths of up to 2,400 feet and narrows to 40 feet at 'The Narrows.' The famous Painted Wall, Colorado's tallest cliff at 2,250 feet, is also a prominent feature.
Yes, the rim trails offer numerous viewpoints overlooking the canyon. The Chasm View Nature Trail on the North Rim is specifically designed for scenic viewing. These locations provide expansive views of the canyon's dramatic geological formations.
Information regarding specific dog allowances on trails within the Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness is not provided in the available data. Visitors should consult the official park website or contact the park directly for current regulations.
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness. Another guide, Easy hikes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness, focuses on less strenuous options. These guides provide detailed information on routes and experiences.
Routes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness have an average rating of 4.66 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on 90 individual ratings from more than 1,000 visitors. The area features 12 total routes for outdoor activities.
The official website for Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, which encompasses the Wilderness area, is nps.gov/blca. This site provides comprehensive information about the park, including visitor services and regulations.
The main phone number for Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park is (970) 641-2337. This number can be used for inquiries regarding the wilderness area and general park information.

