The best hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park range from short, family-friendly rim overlooks to some of the steepest inner-canyon routes in the National Park System. This Colorado park packs dramatic scenery into a compact area, so this guide breaks the trails down by rim, difficulty, and effort to help you plan the right hike for your group.
What are the best easy hikes on the South Rim?
Most visitors start on the South Rim, where a string of short nature trails deliver jaw-dropping views with minimal effort. The Rim Rock Nature Trail and Cedar Point Nature Trail are both under a mile and lead to overlooks where the canyon drops more than 1,800 feet to the Gunnison River. The Warner Point Nature Trail, about 1.5 miles round trip, is the standout: it ends at the park's highest overlook with views deep into the gorge and out toward the San Juan Mountains.
Is there a trail that goes below the rim?
The Oak Flat Loop Trail is the only maintained South Rim trail that dips below the canyon edge. At roughly 2 miles with about 400 feet of elevation change, it winds through Gambel oak and Douglas fir and offers a taste of the canyon's steep terrain without committing to a full inner-canyon descent. Sturdy footwear helps on the loose, rooty sections.
How hard are the inner-canyon routes?
The inner-canyon routes—the Gunnison, Tomichi, and Warner routes—are unmaintained wilderness scrambles, not trails, and they are extremely strenuous. The Gunnison Route is the most popular, dropping about 1,800 feet in roughly a mile, with a fixed chain to help on the steepest pitch. A free wilderness permit is required for any inner-canyon travel, and rangers strongly recommend experience with steep, loose terrain—check the current-year permit rules before you go. Allow a full day and carry plenty of water.
What can you hike on the North Rim?
The quieter North Rim, reached by a longer drive, offers the Chasm View Nature Trail and the North Vista Trail. The North Vista Trail to Exclamation Point is about 3 miles round trip and delivers arguably the best rim view in the park, straight down the narrowest part of the canyon. Continuing to Green Mountain extends the outing to roughly 7 miles for a bigger day.
When is the best time to hike Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Late spring through early fall is ideal, with summer mornings best for beating afternoon heat on exposed rim trails. The North Rim road typically closes in winter, and inner-canyon routes become dangerous when icy. Whenever you visit, start early, bring more water than you think you need, and check the current-year road and permit status. Exploring more of the state? Pair Black Canyon with Rocky Mountain National Park, the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, or the towering dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Browse them all on our national parks hub or plan a loop through Colorado.
FAQ
Do you need a permit to hike in Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Rim trails need no permit, but every inner-canyon route requires a free wilderness permit obtained in person. Check the current-year rules before your trip.
What is the hardest hike in Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
The inner-canyon routes are the hardest, dropping roughly 1,800 feet of loose, steep terrain in about a mile. They are best for fit, experienced hikers comfortable with scrambling.
How long does the Gunnison Route take?
Most hikers spend a full day, with a slow, careful descent and an even slower climb out. Start at dawn and budget several hours each way plus rest time.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Dogs are permitted on some rim trails and overlooks but not on inner-canyon routes or the North Vista Trail. Confirm current pet rules before visiting.