Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by foxintheforest

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a truly breathtaking place, with 2,000-foot walls of dark gneiss and schist rising from the banks of the Gunnison River.

While you can stay on the rim and hike to an overlook to gaze into the depths of the canyon, to truly experience the grandeur, take one of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison hikes that head into the inner canyon.

If you’re searching for recommendations for Black Canyon of Gunnison hikes from a local, I’ve got you covered.

I’ve called Colorado home for nearly 15 years and have hiked and climbed in the Black many times.

As an expert in the area, I can help you explore the hiking trails in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison like a local, not a tourist.

About this Guide to Black Canyon of the Gunnison Hikes

Inside this local guide to Black Canyon of the Gunnison hikes, you’ll find expert advice about:

• Location of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
• When to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
• Is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison dog-friendly?
• The top Black Canyon of the Gunnison hikes, divided by South or North Rim & difficulty
• Additional Colorado hiking resources

Where is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison?

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the most incredible yet least-visited national parks in Colorado.

Located near the town of Montrose on the Western Slope, it is about a 5-hour drive from Denver, making for a great Colorado weekend trip.

There are two sections of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the South Rim, and the North Rim, and it is almost a two-hour drive from one rim to the other.

Practical Info

It’s $30 per vehicle to visit the Black Canyon or free with America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass.

Best Time to Visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

If you’re visiting Colorado, late spring to early fall is the best time to explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison trails.

During the winter, South Rim Road is closed to vehicles past the visitor center, and North Rim Road closes completely.

How Hard is it to Hike in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison?

The trails here vary widely. Most of the rim walks are easy jaunts with little to no elevation gain. Some even have guard rails – the drops are steep!

The more challenging hikes are more like scrambles instead of actual hikes. If your goal is to make it to the river, be prepared, nothing is easy.

Rockfall can be common and the trails are often very loose and rocky.

The Best Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim Hikes

The South Rim is one of the best places to visit in Colorado and is the most popular area of the Black Canyon.

There are more amenities here than on the North Rim, including a visitor center, as well as lots of short, easy Black Canyon of the Gunnison hikes.

The Best Easy Hikes on the South Rim of the Black Canyon

1. Painted Wall View

This super short hike showcases one of the prettiest places in Colorado, the Painted Wall.

This overlook features an awesome view of the tallest cliff in Colorado, which stands at 2,250 feet from the river to the rim.

Distance: 0.2 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 22 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 5 mins

2. Pulpit Rock Overlook

The trail to Pulpit Rock Overlook isn’t much of a hike, but the views down the canyon to the Gunnison River are absolutely incredible.

Also, this overlook tends to be somewhat less crowded than Painted Wall View.

Distance: 0.2 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 32 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 5 mins

3. Cedar Point Nature Trail

Learn about the flora in the Black Canyon along the Cedar Point Nature Trail, which features interpretive signs with details about the native plant life.

A stunning overlook with a glimpse of the Painted Wall sits at the end of the trail.

Distance: 0.4 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 52 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 10 mins

4. Rim Rock Nature Trail

This lovely trail runs along the canyon rim from the visitor center to the South Rim Campground. You’ll get great views of the canyon and the river the whole way, but especially at Tomichi Point

Dog-friendly: This is the only trail on the South Rim where dogs (on-leash) are allowed.

Local Tip: Give this hike a go-around sunset for some killer views!

Distance: 1.8 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 206 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 30 mins-1 hour

5. Warner Point Nature Trail

Enjoy a hike through a desert forest of pinyon pine to a meadow full of juniper and mountain mahogany.

The trail will get rocky as you reach Warner Point overlook, where you’ll find wonderful views into the canyon as well as the San Juan Range and West Elk Mountains in the distance.

Distance: 1.5 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 423 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 1 hour

The Best Moderate Hikes on the South Rim of the Black Canyon

These moderate hikes take a bit more effort, but you’ll still be treated to plenty of amazing scenery.

6. Oak Flat Loop Trail

If you want to go below the rim without going all the way to the river, Oak Flat Loop is the perfect trail.

Descend into a forest of oak, fir, and aspen, and be sure to stop and take in the views from the overlooks along the way. It’s a somewhat steep hike up switchbacks back to the rim.

Distance: 2-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 377 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 30 mins-1 hour

7. Red Rock Canyon Route

Hiking to the bottom of the Black Canyon is one of the most unique things to do in Colorado, and the Red Rock Canyon Route is a less steep way to do it than other routes.

You can do this as a day hike, but it’s a really cool experience to backpack and camp along the Gunnison River, which is definitely one of the best places to camp in Colorado.

Local Tip: You can only hike the Red Rock Canyon Route from May 15 – October 31, and permits are required. Find out more details and enter the permit lottery at Recreation.gov.

Distance: 6.5 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,320 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours (but often does as an overnight backpacking trip)

The Best Challenging Hikes on the South Rim of the Black Canyon

Be aware, these hikes are very challenging. Many of them are more like scrambles than hikes – meaning you’ll be using your hands thanks to the steep canyon walls.

Be sure to pack plenty of water – the first time I hiked here, I actually ran out – it was a long, tiring journey back to our camp!

8. Gunnison Route

The most popular route on the South Rim and one of the best hikes in Colorado, the Gunnison Route heads all the way into the canyon down to the river – and then all the way back up to the rim.

You’ll be scrambling, so be prepared to use your hands and budget more time. It’s tougher to come up than down.

Local Tip: A permit is required to hike to the inner canyon. Permits are free but limited to 15 people each day on the Gunnison Route.

Distance: 1.5 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours

The Best Black Canyon of the Gunnison North Rim Hikes

The North Rim is more remote and doesn’t have a visitor center, but it is less crowded than the South Rim and offers more variety of hikes in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

9. Chasm View Nature Trail

At the end of the North Rim Campground loop, take the Chasm View Nature Trail through a pinyon and juniper forest to the edge of the rim.

Here you’ll find fantastic views of the Painted Wall and Serpent Point.

Dog-friendly: This is the only trail on the North Rim where dogs (on leash) are allowed.

Distance: 0.5-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 85 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 15 mins

The Best Moderate Hikes on the North Rim of the Black Canyon

These moderate jaunts provide a little bit more of a challenge but aren’t quite as intense as the hikes that reach the canyon floor.

10. Deadhorse Loop Trail

A nice moderate trail, Deadhorse Loop takes you into Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area and provides lovely views of Deadhorse Gulch and East Portal.

Distance: 4.1-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 561 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 1.5-2 hours

11. Exclamation Point

Exclamation Point lives up to its name and is one of the best Black Canyon of the Gunnison hikes, featuring absolutely incredible views of the inner canyon.

The North Vista Trail takes you to this lookout where you should spend some time reveling in the beauty of the Black Canyon.

Distance: 2.9 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 364 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

12. North Vista Trail to Green Mountain

This hike continues on the North Vista Trail past Exclamation Point to the summit of Green Mountain.

You’ll be rewarded for the extra mileage and elevation gain with panoramic views of the San Juans, the West Elks, Grand Mesa, and the Uncompahgre Plateau.

Distance: 6.8 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,230 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3-3.5 hours

The Best Challenging Hikes on the North Rim of the Black Canyon

Often used as a climber’s exit trail, these challenging routes are steep and unforgiving. The trail is not as well maintained and use caution while hiking!

13. Long Draw aka Devil’s Slide

Long Draw takes you into the narrowest part of the Black Canyon and all the way down to the Gunnison River.

Of course, this means you also need to hike all the way back up to the rim, so this is a very steep and strenuous hike.

Local Tip: A permit is required to hike to the inner canyon. Permits are free but limited to 8 people each day on the Long Draw Route.

Distance: 1 mile out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 4-5 hours

Colorado Hiking Packing List

These essentials are what you need to make the most out of your hike!

Additional Colorado Hiking Resources

Ready to hike like a local in Colorado? Check out these amazing resources:

The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
Amazing Hikes near Ouray You’ve Got to Check Out
Grand Junction Hikes to Add to Your Bucket List