Top Things To Do In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park – South Rim
The nation’s 55th national park is home to one of the deepest, steepest, and most narrow canyons in the United States. It’s so narrow in fact, parts of the canyon floor only see a few minutes of sunlight per day, giving the canyon its name: Black Canyon.
Getting to this national park isn’t the easiest, but once you’re here it’s a really easy park to explore and the views are outstanding.
I’ve lived in Colorado most of my life and finally visited this park during a Southwest Colorado road trip last summer. I was blown away!
Planning a trip and wondering what to do? These are the top things to do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park South Rim.
Note: The park is divided into two sections: North Rim & South Rim. The two are separated by about 80 miles. The South Rim is easier to access and is more developed, therefore it sees the most visitors.
Top Things To Do In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park – South Rim
Drive South Rim Road
South Rim Road is the core of the park, nearly every attraction is accessible from it.
It’s a 7 mile, paved scenic route following the rim and connecting the visitor center, 12 viewpoints, and a handful of hikes.
Nearly every visitor will drive this route, because without this road, it’s quite difficult to see the canyon.
Stop By The Viewpoints & Overlooks
Overlooks are the main draw in this park. Most visitors will hop from viewpoint to viewpoint throughout their visit (this is what we did!).
Each viewpoint below is located off South Rim Road, most require a short walk, some are right off the road, and a few require a hike.
Below is every viewpoint on South Rim Road, listed in order from the park’s entrance to the road’s furthest point.
Tomichi Point Overlook
This is the first viewpoint as you approach the park, in comparison to others, it’s not the most remarkable. However, after a long drive, I was excited get out and catch a glimpse of the canyon, which makes this viewpoint worth a quick peak.
Tomichi Point Overlook is located right off the road.
Gunnison Point Overlook
This is one of the park’s best overlooks and best of all, it’s located right at the visitor center.
From the viewing platform you’ll have excellent views of the canyon’s vertical, jagged rocks and a glimpse at the Gunnison River flowing below.
To access the viewpoint, a short walk is required.
Pulpit Rock Overlook
This overlook allows you to better see the Gunnison River flowing through the canyon, which makes it a popular stopping point.
There’s a short walk to this viewpoint.
Cross Fissures Overlook
Cross Fissures is a good vantage point for some of the canyons interesting and intricate rock formations.
There’s a short walk to this viewpoint.
Rock Point Overlook
This small overlook provides views of the sheer cliffs towering above the Gunnison River.
To access this viewpoint, a short hike is required.
Devil’s Lookout Overlook
This viewpoint provides views of the Gunnison River flowing almost directly below.
A short hike with moderate elevation change is required to see this overlook.
Chasm View
Here you can see a wider opening in the canyon, with views of the river and some great bird watching.
This viewpoint is located right off the road.
Painted Wall Overlook
Just around the corner from Chasm View is one of the park’s most famous overlooks: Painted Wall.
This overlook is a must-see, it’s where you can witness the staggering 2,250 foot tall Painted Wall. Not only is it the tallest cliff in the state, but it’s really beautiful as well, this thanks to miles of lightly colored streaking rock bands cutting through the dark rock.
From this viewpoint you can also see the Gunnison River flowing below, it’s really beautiful.
There’s a short walk to this viewpoint.
Cedar Point Overlook
A short .4 mile trail takes you to Cedar Point Overlook. This viewpoint has an excellent view of the Gunnison River framed by the Painted Wall.
While the previous overlook has the best view of Painted Wall, this overlook has a better view of the Gunnison River and Painted Wall together.
Dragon Point Overlook
Dragon Point Overlook provides another vantage point of the Gunnison River and the Painted Wall, with a short hike required.
Sunset View
Sunset View is another very popular overlook in the park. Here you’ll have beautiful direct views of the Gunnison River cutting through the Black Canyon.
This viewpoint is located just off the road.
Warner Point
Warner Point provides a view into a wider portion of the canyon, allowing you to really take in the jagged rocks towering up above the Gunnison River.
This viewpoint requires a 1.5 mile hike, along the trail you’ll also have views of Montrose and Delta in the distance.
Go For A Hike
Since Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the deepest, steepest, and most narrow canyons in the United States, there’s not a lot of hikes here. Accessing the canyon floor is near impossible without rock climbing, so most hikes stick to the canyon rim.
Luckily, the hikes above the rim are fairly easy and short. Below are the most popular hikes:
Uplands Trail – 2.2 miles, 291 foot elevation change, rated easy.
Oak Flat Loop Trail – 1.4 miles, 344 foot elevation change, rated moderate.
Warner Point Trail – 1.5 miles, 423 foot elevation change, rated moderate.
Rim Rock Trail – 1.7 miles, 206 foot elevation change, rated moderate.
For more information regarding these hikes and additional trails, check out Top Hikes In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park.
Hike Into The Canyon
For those who do want to hike into the canyon, there are a few options. The park has no official trails into the canyon, but instead a few wilderness routes accessible to those with a permit.
Gunnison Route is the most popular by a long shot. The route is only about 2 miles, but covers 1,800 feet of elevation change in that very short distance.
There are chains to help with the climb, it’s recommended to bring gloves for these, and bring hiking poles for the sections without chains.
Once at the bottom, hikers can access the river and will have excellent views of the surrounding canyon walls.
Again, permits are required. There are only 15 permits granted per day which can be obtained at the visitor center. Ascending and descending this steep and loose terrain is for advanced hikers only.
Drive Into The Canyon
Prefer to drive into the canyon instead? You can do so via East Portal Road.
At the park entrance, just before South Rim Road officially begins, you’ll find the turn off for East Portal Road, the park’s only road that brings you to the base of the canyon.
The paved 5-mile road is very steep and winding, with a 16% grade in sections. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited and the road is closed in winter, typically November – April.
Once in the canyon, visitors can see the Gunnison River, Gunnison Diversion Dam, Crystal Dam, go fishing, picnic, or hike Primitive Trail.
Go Fishing
For those interested in fishing while down here, Black Canyon’s section of the Gunnison River are designated Gold Medal Water & Wild Trout Waters. This means the state’s wildlife commission awarded the area for outstanding fishing opportunities for large trout.
According to the NPS, “The Gold Medal Waters begin 200 yards downstream of Crystal Dam and continue to the North Fork of the Gunnison River.”
A fishing license is required and there are strict regulations in place, including catch and release rules.
Find more information at Black Canyon of the Gunnison Fishing or at the visitor center.
Rock Climbing
Considering the nature of this park, it’s no surprise that rock climbing calls many to Black Canyon of the Gunnison. There are 145 climbing routes in the park, although nearly all are considered expert-only.
Climbing is most popular in late spring/ early summer and again in fall. No matter the time of year, permits are required.
Find more rock climbing information at Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Rock Climbing.
Stop By The Visitor Center
During your visit to the South Rim portion of the park, it’s worth stopping by the South Rim Visitor Center.
The center is fairly large and houses some great exhibits explaining the geology of the park, wildlife found here, and more. There’s also a decently large bookshop and gift area, and of course, park rangers are always on hand to answer questions and help plan your visit.
This is also where you’ll access a number of park trails and the beautiful Gunnison Point Overlook.
South Rim Visitor is open year-round, hours vary by season, and the center closes on occasional holidays. Check out current hours at South Rim Visitor Center.
Enjoy A Picnic
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic with some excellent views.
Picnic tables will be marked on the park map, which you’ll receive upon entering the park. The map can also be accessed here: Black Canyon of the Gunnison Park Map.
Of course, you can picnic just about anywhere, whether or not there’s a table. Just be sure to pack out any trash. There will not be trash bins unless you’re at a designated picnic site.
Watch For Wildlife
This remote national park is home to a lot of wildlife.
Bighorn sheep, mule deer, weasels, black bears, mountain lions, river otters, elk, and tons of birds are just a few of the animals that call this canyon home.
It is, however, very unlikely to spot most of these animals. Due to the canyon’s inaccessible nature, most animals are able to easily avoid humans.
Having said that, the bird watching here is excellent. Peer down on falcons, hawks, eagles, and vultures circling the canyon floor, or watch the highly active wrens near the canyon rim.
As for mammals, you’re most likely to spot some squirrels or chipmunks (please don’t feed them!). With some luck, there’s a fair chance at spotting deer or bighorn sheep during your visit.
Don’t forget binoculars!
Ranger Programs
As with all national parks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison has some excellent ranger programs.
Programs are held throughout summer and cover topics such as the park’s unique geology, ecology, park history, and night skies.
Additionally, there are a few winter programs such as snowshoe walks and ranger talks.
Check the South Rim Visitor Center or Black Canyon of the Gunnison Ranger Programs for up to date calendars.
Watch The Sunset
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an excellent place to watch the sunset.
It’s a treat to watch the setting sun cast oranges, reds, and purples on the towering canyon walls.
Sunset View is unsurprisingly one of the most popular spots to watch the show. However, Painted Wall and Cedar Point are great spots as well.
Go Stargazing
This national park is open 24 hours, allowing visitors to enjoy its incredible stargazing opportunities.
If given the opportunity, it’s definitely worth visiting at night. Black Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it’s one of the darkest night skies you can find in the United States.
The extremely remote location, with very little light pollution, is excellent for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way.
The park also offers astronomy programs and night explorer programs. Find more information on upcoming events at Black Canyon of the Gunnison Astronomy & Stargazing.
Camping
There is one developed campground on the park’s South Rim, South Rim Campground. There are RV and tent sites, food storage lockers, and drinking water in summer. During summer months reservations are available, then spots are first-come, first-served after that.
There are also a few tent spots in the East Portal Campground, located at the bottom of the canyon off East Portal Road. The sites are first-come, first-served, and while the access point is in Black Canyon NP, the actual sites are located within the Curecanti National Recreation Area.
In addition to the developed campgrounds, there are backcountry spots, usable with permits only.
Things To Do In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park In Winter
Activities in the park are limited during winter due to road closures, but there’s a handful of fun things to do!
- Take in the views from Tomichi Point and Gunnison Point Overlooks.
- Join a ranger-led tour.
- Stop by the South Rim Visitor Center.
- Go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park One Day Itinerary
Spending one day in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and wondering what to do? This is an itinerary based off my previous visit in summer:
- Drive South Rim Road, stopping at a majority of the overlooks along the way.
- Hike Warner Point Trail.
- Stop for a picnic.
- Drive East Portal Road to the base of the canyon.
For lots more information, check out this One Day In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park South Rim Itinerary.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Entry Fee & Reservations
The Private Vehicle Pass for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is $30, which covers 7 days in the park.
There’s modified pricing for pedestrians and motorcycles, and the park accepts all America the Beautiful Passes.
No park reservations are required at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Dog Policy
Leashed pets are allowed in Black Canyon of the Gunnison, but with limitations.
Check out Black Canyon of the Gunnison Pet Policy for more.
How Far Is The North Rim From The South Rim?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is divided into two sections, South Rim and North Rim. The South Rim, covered here, is much more developed and has more to do.
For those who wish to see the North Rim as well, the drive between the two covers almost 80 miles, requiring about 2 hours both ways.
Where To Stay Near Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
A few hotels near the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park include:
For more ideas and information, check out The Best Hotels Near Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park.
As you can see, there are some really great things to do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park South Rim! I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip and have the best time.
Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.
Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Colorado guides or head on over to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park.
More Information For Your Visit To Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park:
- One Day In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park Itinerary
- 3 Days In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park (North & South Rim Itinerary)
- Top Hikes In Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
- Best Hotels Near Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
More Colorado Guides:
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