Things to do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
A western Colorado canyon park where the Gunnison River cuts a narrow, shadowed gorge below rim drives, overlooks, steep inner-canyon routes, and dark skies.
Best months: May, June, September, October
What is worth your time in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Gunnison PointDo not miss
The visitor-center overlook delivers an immediate, dramatic view into the Black Canyon.
Viewpoint · 33 min5
Painted Wall ViewDo not miss
This overlook frames Colorado tallest cliff and the canyon most famous wall.
Viewpoint · 33 min5
South Rim RoadDo not miss
The main rim drive links the best first-timer overlooks in the park above the narrow canyon.
Scenic Drive · 3 hr
Balanced Rock View
This roadside overlook adds another quick angle on the canyon walls and rim geology.
Viewpoint · 23 min5
Chasm View Nature Trail
The North Rim loop gives close views into one of the canyon narrowest and deepest sections.
Hike · 1 hr5
Exclamation Point
This North Rim hike reaches one of the most dramatic and quiet canyon viewpoints in the park.
Hike · 2 hr4.9
Rim Rock Trail
This easy trail links campground and visitor center areas with rim views and pet-friendly access.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.8
South Rim Visitor Center
The visitor center gives indoor geology context, safety guidance, exhibits, and the easiest canyon overlook access.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.8
Warner Point Nature Trail
The short road-end trail adds canyon, San Juan, and Uncompahgre Valley views from the South Rim.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.8
Pulpit Rock Overlook
The overlook gives a strong angle into the canyon narrows and Gunnison River below.
Viewpoint · 23 min4.7
Black Canyon Night Sky
The high, dark rim is excellent for stars and Milky Way views when skies are clear.
Stargazing · 1.4 hr
Devils Lookout
This stop offers a dramatic downstream canyon perspective with minimal walking.
Viewpoint · 23 min
East Portal Road
The steep road drops from rim to river for a rare bottom-up view of the canyon walls.
Scenic Drive · 1.5 hr
Gunnison Route
The primary inner-canyon wilderness route drops steeply to the river for experienced, permitted hikers.
Hike · 6.5 hr
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Black Canyon is famous for sheer dark canyon walls, Painted Wall, South Rim Road, North Rim solitude, East Portal Road, and dizzying overlooks into the Gunnison River.