The best walks and hikes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness
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Hiking in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness offers access to a dramatic landscape characterized by profound depths and narrow passages carved by the Gunnison River. The region features steep cliffs, ancient metamorphic rocks, and towering rock spires. Rim trails provide expansive views, while inner canyon routes offer challenging descents into the canyon's depths. The terrain includes diverse flora ranging from oak and sagebrush to Douglas firs and cottonwoods.
Best hiking trails in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness
- The most popular hiking route is Gunnison Point & Oak Flat Loop Trail — South Rim — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a 1.6 miles (2.6 km) trail that takes 48 minutes to complete. This easy route offers views of the canyon and winds through aspen groves.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Uplands Trail & Rim Rock Nature Trail Loop — South Rim — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a moderate 2.1 miles (3.3 km) path. This trail follows the canyon's edge, providing excellent views of the sheer walls.
- Local hikers also love the Gunnison Route — South Rim — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a 2.0 miles (3.2 km) trail leading through the inner canyon, often completed in about 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Hiking in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness is defined by deep canyon descents, rim-side paths, and varied vegetation, offering options for different ability levels.
- The routes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 45 reviews. More than 736 hikers have used komoot to explore Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.3
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112
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2.56km
00:48
100m
90m
Hike the easy 1.6-mile Oak Flat Loop Trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, descending below the rim for unique views.
4.3
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45
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3.34km
01:02
70m
70m
Hike the Uplands and Rim Rock Trail Loop, a 2.1-mile moderate route in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park with canyon views and fore
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14
hikers
3.24km
02:15
530m
530m
Hike the challenging 2.0-mile Gunnison Route in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to reach the river, gaining 1733 feet.
22
hikers
7.61km
05:12
880m
880m
The Warner Route is a difficult 4.7-mile hike in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, featuring extreme terrain and river views.
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6.60km
01:56
180m
180m
Hike the 4.1-mile Dead Horse Loop Trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, an easy route with canyon views.
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Tips from the Community
The river access at the the bottom of the Gunnison Route is an incredible place to rest and enjoy your well deserved solitude after the hike down and even more strenuous climb back up. There are 0.75 miles of river access, three campsites, and an outhouse upstream.
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A short and fairly easy hiking loop from the visitor center. There is definitely a couple of steep sections, though! This is why I recommend hiking CCW.
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This might be the prettiest spot along the Dead Horse Loop Trail with gorgeous views of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Looking North into the canyon you can see the camping area at the bottom of the Tomichi Route on the right side of the river.
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Dead Horse Trail brings you to the Dead Horse Loop Trail, which offers beautiful Black Canyon of the Gunnison views. These trails are a little less popular compared to other trails due to their location at the more remote North Rim, which gives you a relatively solitary experience.
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The one mile long Rim Rock Nature Trail connects the South Rim Visitor Center with the South Rim Campground. About halfway down the trail, it passes Tomichi Point, and for the Wilderness Permit Holders the Tomichi Route. The trail follows the canyon rim and offers beautiful views of the canyon, the Gunnison River, and the West Elk Mountains. It is considered a pretty easy hike but keep an eye out for loose rocks.
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The Visitor Center is open year-round, but be aware that the opening times can vary by season. As with most NPS Visitor Centers, you can expect rangers, exhibits, and a bookstore. The visitor center is located near multiple hiking trails, including Gunnison Route and Tomichi Route that require Wilderness Permits which are available in limited quantities here. There is also a self-registration kiosk for this purpose in case the Visitor Center is closed. Keep in mind that during the summer the parking lot might be full.
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Tomichi Point is situated just off the main road and offers incredible views of the canyon. There is also access to the Rim Rock Nature Trail.
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Uplands is a little bit of an unusual trail for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park because it doesn't offer any canyon views. The trail on the other side of the road takes you away from the canyon but offers an easy walk through nature, with Gambel Oak, Utah Serviceberry, and Big Sage Brush dominating the flora. Uplands Trail also connects to the Rim Rock Nature Trail for a lovely hiking loop from the South Rim Visitor Center. The NPS recommends hiking here early in the morning or later in the evening for a bigger chance to spot wildlife.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness?
There are over 10 hiking routes available in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness, catering to various skill levels. These include easy rim trails, moderate paths, and challenging inner canyon descents.
What is the best time of year to hike in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness?
The best time to hike is generally during the spring and fall when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot, especially for inner canyon routes, while winter brings snow and ice, making many trails inaccessible or requiring specialized gear. Always check current conditions before heading out.
How challenging are the hikes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness?
The difficulty varies significantly. You'll find easy rim trails like the Gunnison Point & Oak Flat Loop Trail, which is 1.6 miles long. Moderate options include the Uplands Trail & Rim Rock Nature Trail Loop. For experienced hikers, inner canyon routes like the Gunnison Route involve strenuous descents of over 1,800 feet and require a wilderness permit.
Are there any easy or family-friendly trails?
Yes, there are several easy trails suitable for families. The Gunnison Point & Oak Flat Loop Trail on the South Rim is an easy 1.6-mile route offering great canyon views. The Rim Rock Nature Trail (1 mile) and Cedar Point Nature Trail (0.2 mile) also provide accessible options with stunning vistas.
What natural features and viewpoints can I expect to see?
Hikers can experience dramatic canyon views, ancient metamorphic rocks, and towering rock spires. Popular overlooks on the South Rim include Gunnison Point, Pulpit Rock, Dragon Point, and Painted Wall, which is Colorado's tallest cliff. On the North Rim, Chasm View and Kneeling Camel View offer equally stunning vistas. You can also explore highlights like Pinyon Draw.
Are permits required for any of the trails?
Yes, wilderness permits are required for all inner canyon routes, such as the Gunnison Route. These permits help manage visitor impact and ensure safety in the challenging terrain. It's advisable to check the official National Park Service website for current regulations and to obtain permits in advance: nps.gov/blca.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Dogs are generally allowed on paved roads, in campgrounds, and on the Rim Rock Nature Trail, Cedar Point Nature Trail, and Warner Point Nature Trail. However, they are not permitted on inner canyon routes or other unpaved trails. Always keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter while hiking?
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, bobcats, coyotes, and peregrine falcons. If you're lucky, you might spot black bears. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wild animals.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 45 reviews. Reviewers often praise the dramatic, unique geological features, the profound depth of the canyon, and the diverse hiking opportunities that range from easy rim walks to challenging inner canyon descents.
Are there any loop trails in the area?
Yes, several loop trails offer varied experiences. The Gunnison Point & Oak Flat Loop Trail and the Uplands Trail & Rim Rock Nature Trail Loop are popular options on the South Rim. On the North Rim, the Dead Horse Loop provides a peaceful hike through sagebrush and oak.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, parking is available at the trailheads and various overlooks throughout the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The South Rim Visitor Center also offers ample parking. It's always a good idea to arrive early during peak season to secure a spot, especially for popular trails.
Are there any less crowded trails or areas to explore?
For a potentially less crowded experience, consider exploring the North Rim of the Black Canyon. While the South Rim is more developed, the North Rim offers a more remote feel with trails like the Dead Horse Loop and the North Vista Trail, which can lead to Exclamation Point or Green Mountain.
Most popular routes in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness
Most popular attractions in Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Wilderness
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