Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Things to Do

Tomichi Overlook is the first overlook on the South Rim Drive. The Rim Rock Trail passes under the overlook, connecting the South Rim Campground to the Visitor Center. This overlook is wheelchair accessible.

The walk to the overlook is 303 yards on an unpaved surface, Guideposts describe the various plants along the way.

The short walk to the overlook is on an unpaved trail.

The walk to the overlook is 357 yards on an unpaved trail.

The walk to the overlook is 607 yards on an unpaved trail.

The walk to the overlook is 100 yards on an unpaved trail.

The South Rim Visitor Center is at Gunnison Point. A short walk will take you to the overlooks. From here the Rim Rock Trail heads to the South Rim Campground, and the Oak Flat Trail takes you on a loop below the canyon rim. The short walk to the overlook is on an unpaved trail.

The last overlook on the South Rim Drive and the trailhead for the Warner Point Nature Trail.

The short walk to the overlook is on an unpaved trail.

The overlook is adjacent to the parking area and very little walking is required to see the canyon. Park here to hike the Deadhorse Trail. The trailhead is just east of the parking area.

The walk to the overlook is on an unpaved trail. The trail loops back to the parking area.

The ranger station is open intermittently during the summer. A self-pay station is available for the park entrance fee, and a self-registration board is available for wilderness permits if the ranger station is closed. Park information is posted outside the building. This is the trailhead for the North Vista Trail, which goes to Exclamation Point and Green Mountain. Closed in winter.

This overlook features the tallest cliff in Colorado, the Painted Wall. From river to rim, the Painted Wall is 2,250 feet tall. The walk to the overlook is 200 yards on an unpaved trail.

The walk to the overlook is 134 yards on an unpaved trail.

The walk to the overlook is 234 yards on an unpaved trail.

This overlook is wheelchair accessible.

The short walk to the overlook is on an unpaved trail.

This overlook is right next to the parking area and requires very little walking to see the canyon.

This 1-mile (1.6 km) trail, which meanders along the canyon rim, connects the South Rim Visitor Center to the South Rim Campground.

This .9-mile (1.4 km) trail links the Rim Rock Trail (near the campground) to the upper Oak Flat Loop Trail near the South Rim Visitor Center.

Black Canyon has exceptional opportunities to view the night skies. Choose overlooks far from the road for optimal stargazing and astrophotography or join one of the park's telescope viewing programs during summer.

The South Rim Drive is a scenic paved road that follows the canyon rim for 7 miles from Tomichi Point to High Point and features 12 overlooks.

In winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond Gunnison Point. Rangers groom the remainder of the road (as staffing and conditions allow) for cross-country skiing (skate and classic) and snowshoeing.

Although services and access are limited during winter, the park provides recreation opportunities for winter enthusiasts.

Constructed by the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the North Vista Trail offers some of the best scenic views and birding in the park. Difficulty varies from moderate to strenuous based on distance.

Deadhorse Trail takes hikers into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area. It offers good views of Deadhorse Gulch and East Portal on the Gunnison River, as well as good birding.

The North Rim is reached by taking a gravel road from the east end of Crawford State Park. The North Rim Road provides access to 6 overlooks. The canyon walls on the North Rim are almost vertical, offering impressive views.

Ranger program offerings vary throughout the year. Stop by the South Rim Visitor Center for current offerings and times.

This short loop trail breaks out of the pinyon/juniper forest at the North Chasm View to provide excellent views of Painted Wall and Serpent Point.

This short, moderately sloped trail offers visitors a chance to brush up on local flora with guideposts describing the various plants along the way.

This 1.6 mi (2.6 km) trail offers variety to the hiker who would like to explore below the rim without going all the way to the river. The trail is narrow in places and traverses some steep slopes.

Warner Point Trail provides views of various mountain ranges, the Black Canyon, and the Gunnison River. Nature trail guides are available at High Point Overlook or the South Rim Visitor Center.

The South Rim Visitor Center is a great first-stop during your visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Stop here to get recommendations from park rangers, tour the interactive exhibits, watch the park movie, shop the park bookstore, and grab maps and brochures to inform your adventure.