Gunnison Point, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Image 1
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Gunnison Point Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

5
·3 reviews·, United States

Experience one of North America's steepest and darkest canyons, carved by the Gunnison River, offering dramatic views and challenging adventures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Gunnison Point, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Image 1

Gunnison Point Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience one of North America's steepest and darkest canyons, carved by the Gunnison River, offering dramatic views and challenging adventures.

5
(3 reviews)

"Steeper than the Grand Canyon. Darker than your ex’s soul. Welcome to Black Canyon!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Get Your Gunnison Route Permit Early

:ticket: Permits are limited to 15 per day for the Gunnison Route. Visit the visitor center the day before to secure yours!

South Rim is Most Accessible

:world_map: The South Rim offers the most viewpoints and easier access. The North Rim is more remote.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Painted Wall Overlook

Painted Wall Overlook

South Rim

Witness Colorado's tallest cliff, the Painted Wall, a sheer 2,250-foot drop. Its dramatic scale is awe-inspiring.

Gunnison Point

Gunnison Point

South Rim

An easily accessible viewpoint offering stunning vistas of the canyon's depth and the Gunnison River below.

Gunnison Route Hike

Gunnison Route Hike

South Rim

For the adventurous, this strenuous hike descends nearly 2,000 feet into the canyon. Permits are required.

Warner Point Trail

Warner Point Trail

South Rim

A family-friendly 1.5-mile roundtrip hike with moderate elevation gain, offering beautiful canyon views.

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Planning Your Visit

Permits for the Gunnison Route

Hiking the Gunnison Route requires a permit, with only 15 issued daily. Secure yours at the visitor center the day before, about 1.5 hours before closing. This challenging hike descends nearly 2,000 feet in under a mile, making it a serious undertaking for experienced hikers.

South Rim vs. North Rim

Most visitors explore the South Rim, which offers numerous overlooks and easier access. The North Rim is more remote, with fewer facilities and a longer drive, but provides a different perspective on the canyon's grandeur. Plan your visit accordingly based on your desired experience.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Moody light, fewer visitors
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
More solitude
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Steeper than the Grand Canyon. Darker than your ex’s soul. Welcome to Black Canyon of the Gunnison where the cliffs are sharp and the vibes are wilder 🌌🖤 National Parks National Park of USA National Park History National Park Views Hidden National Parks National Park Wild Life Adventure Camping #BlackCanyonOfTheGunnison#BlackCanyon #tiktoktravel #VisitColorado#TravelTok #NationalParks
@national.parks6
40.7K likes • 667.9K views

Get Your Gunnison Route Permit Early

:ticket: Permits are limited to 15 per day for the Gunnison Route. Visit the visitor center the day before to secure yours! TikTok+2

South Rim is Most Accessible

:world_map: The South Rim offers the most viewpoints and easier access. The North Rim is more remote. Instagram+1

Extremely tough. Absolutely beautiful!!! This is the Gunnison Route at Black Canyon of rhe Gunnison #blackcanyonofthegunnison #nationalpark #colorado #hikingcolorado #Hiking #hikingadventures #hikecolorado #coloradooutside #nationalparks #nationalparksusa #nps #solohiking #solotravel #hikingadventures #traveltiktok #hikingtiktok #naturevibes #foryou
@blackhikingqueen
14.9K likes • 93.8K views
📍Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park This is Colorado’s least visited park but it is definitely underrated! ✨ The views were amazing and there’s many great hikes both for families 👶🏻 and for those looking for an adventure. 📌 save for a future trip Viewpoints: ⭐️Gunnison Point ⭐️Pulpit Rock ⭐️Chasm View ⭐️Painted Wall ⭐️Sunset View Hikes: 🥾Oak Flat Loop Trail 🥾Rim Rock Nature Trail 🥾War...
rosa_explores
0 likes • 2K views

Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes

:athletic_shoe: Trails can be steep and rocky, especially the Gunnison Route. Good footwear is essential for safety. TikTok+1

Arrive Early for Solitude

:sunrise: Even though it's less visited, arriving early maximizes your chances of enjoying the views in peace. Instagram

📍Warner Point trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a must do if you ever find yourself there. It’s an easy 1.5 hike with a 406 ft. elevation gain. (Pro tip - It’s even more fun if you do it with friends!) #travel #travelgram #nationalpark #blackcanyonofthegunnison #colorado #visitcolorado #hike #hikersofinstagram #hiking #adventure #seetheworld
ericagazica
520 likes • 16.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Get Your Gunnison Route Permit Early

:ticket: Permits are limited to 15 per day for the Gunnison Route. Visit the visitor center the day before to secure yours! TikTok+2

South Rim is Most Accessible

:world_map: The South Rim offers the most viewpoints and easier access. The North Rim is more remote. Instagram+1

Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes

:athletic_shoe: Trails can be steep and rocky, especially the Gunnison Route. Good footwear is essential for safety. TikTok+1

Arrive Early for Solitude

:sunrise: Even though it's less visited, arriving early maximizes your chances of enjoying the views in peace. Instagram

Check Park Alerts

:warning: Wildfires can impact access. Always check the park's official website for current conditions and closures. TikTok+2

What Travellers Say

5
(3 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking, dramatic views of the Black Canyon, often noting its underrated status and lack of crowds compared to other national parks. The sheer scale and unique geology leave a lasting impression. However, some find the limited number of easily accessible viewpoints and the challenging nature of the deeper canyon hikes to be drawbacks.

"Great viewpoint in the park next to the visitor center. A short trail leads down to the viewpoint. Probably second best view in the park (after painted wall view)."

Andrew Barch

"Multiple stops along this route and all of them were worth the views. Recommend everyone go here at least once."

Austin Rogers

"Gunnison Point is one of the few easy access viewpoints in the park. Gunnison National Park is hard to comprehend if you haven't been there because of its deep canyons. Viewpoints, about ten, are generally a 300m to 650m hike. Difficult if you have small children. This point is one of the few that is located at a parking lot. But the park is really beautiful!"

Christoph Bauwens

What People Like

Dramatic canyon views
Underrated and less crowded
Unique geology

What People Dislike

Limited easy access
Challenging deep hikes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The South Rim is the most accessible and popular entrance, located about 7 miles west of Montrose, Colorado. Visitors can fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and then drive. The North Rim is more remote and requires a longer drive, typically accessed from Crawford. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the South Rim features a scenic drive with numerous pull-offs and overlooks. The North Rim also has a scenic drive, but it's unpaved and requires a high-clearance vehicle. TikTok

Absolutely! Many visitors explore the South Rim viewpoints on a day trip from nearby towns like Montrose. The overlooks are easily accessible from the main road. Instagram

Accessing the North Rim involves a longer drive on unpaved roads, often requiring a high-clearance vehicle. It's a more rugged experience compared to the South Rim. TikTok

No, there are no shuttle buses within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. You will need your own vehicle to explore the scenic drives and reach the trailheads. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is an entrance fee for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. You can purchase a pass at the visitor center or online. An America the Beautiful Pass is also accepted. TikTok

The park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like visitor centers have seasonal hours. The scenic drives are typically accessible from sunrise to sunset. Always check the official NPS website for the most current hours. Instagram

Permits for the Gunnison Route are required and limited to 15 per day. You must obtain them in person at the South Rim Visitor Center the day before your hike, about 1.5 hours before closing. TikTok+3

Yes, the Gunnison Route is considered extremely difficult. It involves a steep descent of nearly 2,000 feet in about 1.5 miles, with loose scree as footing. It's not a marked trail and requires significant physical fitness and caution. TikTokInstagram+4

The South Rim has a campground (South Rim Campground) that is open seasonally. The North Rim has a smaller campground (North Rim Campground) that is also seasonal. Reservations are recommended. Note that the campground was impacted by a wildfire in the past. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Top viewpoints on the South Rim include Painted Wall, Gunnison Point, Pulpit Rock, Sunset View, Chasm View, and Tomichi Point. The Rim Rock Nature Trail offers great perspectives. TikTokInstagram+2

The Warner Point Trail (1.5 miles roundtrip) and Rim Rock Nature Trail are excellent, family-friendly options with moderate elevation gain and stunning canyon views. Instagram+3

Yes, the South Rim offers several easy trails and accessible viewpoints that are suitable for families with children. The Junior Ranger program is also available. Instagram+1

The canyon exposes some of the oldest rock in North America, with Precambrian metamorphic and igneous rocks dating back up to 2 billion years. The sheer, dark walls are a result of erosion by the Gunnison River. TikTokInstagram+1

You might spot mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and various bird species. Keep a safe distance and never feed the wildlife. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting and long shadows that accentuate the canyon's depth and textures. Midday can be harsh, but the dark rock can create moody shots. Instagram

The Painted Wall, Gunnison Point, and Pulpit Rock are particularly striking. The unique Juniper Tree is also a popular subject. TikTokInstagram

Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the canyon. Consider polarizing filters to reduce glare and enhance colors. Be mindful of the extreme drop-offs when composing shots. TikTok

Yes, many trails offer incredible photographic opportunities. However, always prioritize safety and be aware of your surroundings, especially on steep or narrow paths. TikTok

The park's remote location and minimal light pollution make it a good spot for astrophotography. However, the canyon walls can limit the view of the night sky from some areas. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is surprisingly family-friendly, especially on the South Rim. The Rim Rock Nature Trail and Warner Point Trail are excellent choices for little legs, offering stunning views without strenuous climbs. Instagram+2 Pick up Junior Ranger books at the visitor center to engage kids in learning about the park's geology and wildlife. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as services within the park are limited. Keep a close eye on children near the canyon rims, as there are few guardrails. Instagram

⛰️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers

For the truly adventurous, the Gunnison Route is the ultimate challenge. This strenuous, unmarked trail requires a permit and descends nearly 2,000 feet. It's a demanding hike that tests your endurance and navigation skills. TikTok+3 Ensure you are well-prepared with proper gear, ample supplies, and a solid understanding of the risks involved. Inform someone of your plans before heading out. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The dramatic light and sheer cliffs of Black Canyon offer incredible photographic opportunities. Sunrise and sunset are prime times for capturing the canyon's moody atmosphere and deep shadows. Instagram Key spots like Painted Wall and Gunnison Point provide iconic backdrops. Don't forget to explore lesser-known overlooks for unique compositions. Be mindful of safety when setting up shots near the canyon edge. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Gunnison Route: A True Test of Endurance

The Gunnison Route is not for the faint of heart. This challenging trail plunges nearly 2,000 feet in under a mile, demanding significant physical exertion and careful footing on loose scree. It's crucial to understand that this is an unmarked wilderness route, not a maintained hiking path. Hikers must be prepared for steep descents and ascents, and the return trip can be even more demanding than the initial descent. TikTok+4

Securing a permit is the first hurdle. Only 15 permits are issued daily, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the South Rim Visitor Center the day before your intended hike. Arriving about 1.5 hours before closing is recommended to increase your chances. This exclusivity adds to the allure, making it a badge of honor for those who complete it. Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans and carry essential safety gear. TikTok+3

Safety is paramount when attempting the Gunnison Route. Cell service is unreliable, and your GPS device might not function optimally. Park rangers strongly advise against attempting this hike alone due to its extreme difficulty and potential hazards. If you are considering this hike, ensure you have ample water, food, a first-aid kit, and the physical conditioning to handle such a strenuous and technical descent and ascent. TikTokReddit

Understanding the Canyon's Dark and Steep Nature

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison earns its name from its dramatic steepness and the limited sunlight that reaches its depths. In some sections, the canyon is only 40 feet wide at the bottom but plunges nearly 2,000 feet. This extreme topography means that some areas receive as little as 30 minutes of direct sunlight per day, making the sheer rock walls appear almost black in the shadows. TikTokInstagram+1

The canyon's geology is equally impressive, exposing some of the oldest rocks in North America, including Precambrian metamorphic and igneous formations that are up to 2 billion years old. The relentless erosive power of the Gunnison River over millions of years carved these dramatic cliffs. This geological history is evident in the exposed rock layers visible from the overlooks and trails. TikTok+1

This unique environment creates a sense of awe and isolation. The sheer scale of the canyon can be difficult to comprehend from the rim, and the limited access to the canyon floor only adds to its mystique. It's a place that truly showcases the raw power of nature and the vastness of geological time. TikTokInstagram

Navigating the South Rim: Overlooks and Easy Trails

The South Rim is the most popular and accessible part of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, offering a variety of viewpoints and easier hiking options. The scenic drive along the South Rim Road connects numerous overlooks, each providing a unique perspective of the canyon's immense depth and rugged beauty. Popular stops include Painted Wall, the park's tallest cliff, Gunnison Point, offering expansive views near the visitor center, and Pulpit Rock, known for its dramatic drop. TikTokInstagram+1

For those seeking a less strenuous experience, several easy hikes are perfect for families and casual walkers. The Warner Point Trail is a 1.5-mile roundtrip path with minimal elevation gain, leading to rewarding vistas. The Rim Rock Nature Trail also provides accessible viewpoints and a chance to appreciate the canyon's scale without a demanding climb. These trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in the park's grandeur without needing specialized gear or extreme fitness. Instagram+3

Even with its accessibility, it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to enjoy more solitude and better photographic light. The South Rim Visitor Center is a great starting point for information, maps, and obtaining permits for more challenging hikes like the Gunnison Route. Instagram