Find the scenic route. Anytime we’re on a road trip, I like to find an alternative way back. One that passes through small towns with eclectic coffee shops, a local brewery, or new trail to explore. As one of the least visited parks in Colorado, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison was a great day trip to break up our drive and explore somewhere new.
We had just spent the weekend at Silver Jack Reservoir, a high alpine lake set against the jagged peaks of Owl Creek Pass. It was Sunday, and we had all day to drive the four hours back home. Once we were back in cell service range, I started searching on Google maps on our route home when I stumbled upon the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. I had heard of this remote park, but it had never been on our itinerary. Once inside, we were surprised to find a beautiful scenic drive with numerous viewpoints and short walks that made it easy to navigate with a small toddler. Inside the park is relatively quiet. We had a peaceful picnic lunch (well, as peaceful as it can be with a small crawling child) and some spots all to ourselves.
If you’re just passing through, here’s the best way to spend a few hours in this off-the-beaten path destination.
History of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Steep, deep, and narrow. That’s the best way to describe the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, located outside of Montrose, Colorado. Cliff faces drops down over 2,700 feet into the Gunnison River below. The river is narrow as it cuts through the canyon, sometimes only as wide as 40 feet at the bottom.
While there may be canyons that are steeper, deeper, or narrower, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the only place in the American West that combines all of these elements into its breathtaking landscape. The narrowness and steepness of the canyon allows for little sunlight to reach the walls. Lack of light in the canyon makes the walls appear black, hence the name. Over two million years of volcanic activity, uplift of the Rocky Mountains, and years of erosion from the Gunnison River sculpted this unique landscape.
Is Black Canyon of the Gunnison Family Friendly?
With a baby in tow, a scenic drive through Black Canyon of the Gunnison was a perfect half day activity. There are plenty of short hikes and stunning views straight down the canyon walls, about 2,000 feet. Following the rim of the canyon, the viewpoints peer out over the walls of the canyon. Many, but not all, of the viewpoints have secure safety railings in place. Keep kids in check and away from the edge.
At the time, our son was almost one and we plan our drives to and from destinations around nap schedules. I have to be a little strategic in my planning. With 2 naps a day, broke up our drive home and explored the park inbetween naps. Keeping him awake as we got in and out of the car, he easily went down again for our drive home.
When is the Best Time to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
The South Rim entrance is open daily in the summer, May – October. Visit the National Park Service website to check the status of the other road openings in the park.
The dark walls of the canyon radiate heat, so it often feels hotter in the park then it is. Dogs are not allowed on most of the trails, but they are allowed at some of the viewpoints. It is not advised to leave dogs or other animals in the car due to the extreme heat.
How Much Time Do You Need at Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
A beautiful drive takes you along the South Rim Drive through Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Allow several hours for driving on winding roads, scenic stops, and more time if you plan to hike. All the viewpoints are on the right side of the road. We found it best to stop at the viewpoints on the way in and then drive straight back once you reach the end.
Scenic Drive Through Black Canyon of the Gunnison:
The most popular route is via the South Rim Drive, a 7 mile drive through the park with 12 scenic overlooks of the canyon. Most of the views are only a short walk from the parking lot.
12 viewpoints can get repetitive, so choose only a handful to stop at. Each scenic area offers a unique point of view. Here are a few of our favorite places to stop:
- Gunnison Point is the 2nd viewpoint in the park. From here, you can look north across the canyon for narrow and dramatic scenery.
- Chasm View is reached via a short path to a viewing area across from the steepest part of the canyon. The cliff drops down 1,840 feet over just 400 horizontal feet.
- The Painted Wall Overlook is the tallest cliff in Colorado, dropping 2,250 feet. Ribbons of light colored pegmatite run horizontally through the walls, formed years ago after magma cooled.
- Warner Point is the furthest overlook on the South Rim. An easy 1.5 mile trail takes you to the viewpoint at the end of the trail. Enjoy expansive views of the surrounding area on the walk, although the best view is looking upriver into the canyon.
Best Hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison:
Several of the lookout points offer short walks, otherwise it’s a long and steep trek to the bottom of the canyon. If you’re seeking an adventure into the canyon, a wilderness permit is required. These can be obtained at the visitor’s center.
Here are some of the best hikes along the rim of the canyon”
Rim Rock Nature Trail
The Rim Rock Nature Trail is an easy 1.5 mile out-and-back trail that can also be made into a loop. Following the canyon wall, you are peering into the canyon most of the way. Starting from the C Loop in the South Rim Campground, the trail follows the canyon as it heads north to the Visitor’s Center. Dogs are allowed on this trail if leashed. This trail can be made as a loop by heading back on the Upland Trail, which veers away from the wall of the canyon. For a longer hike, connect this trail with the Oak Flat Loop.
Oak Flat Loop
For a more strenuous hike, the Oak Flat Loop Trail is a 2 mile loop with 400 feet of elevation gain that begins near the Visitor’s Center. The trail takes you below the rim of the Canyon without hiking all the way to the bottom. Walking through forests and along an exposed rim, there are steep and narrow places in the trail that offer views through the clearings. This trail is not recommended for young children due to the steep drop offs in the trail.
Warner Point Nature Trail
Great views can be found along the Warner Point Nature Trail. Starting at the end of the South Rim Drive, it’s a mellow 1.5 mile out and back trail with 150 feet of elevation gain. While traversing the trail, soak in the beauty of the surrounding mountain ranges and Uncompahgre Valley. Once you reach the end of the trail, there is a great view of the Gunnison River and the Black Canyon.
If you’re looking for an easy half day adventure, it’s worth it to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We enjoyed our drive to this beautiful, off the beaten path destination with unique geological features unlike anything else in Colorado.