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Best trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Best trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

4.5(12,618 reviews)

·

United States
#44 of 60 national parks

This western Colorado National Park's main feature is the Black Canyon and the river that cuts through it, but it is also home to an amazing array of flora and fauna such as pronghorn, black bear, coyote, muskrat, six species of lizard, cougar, raccoon, beaver, elk, river otter, bobcat, and mule deer.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Passes & fees
Starting at $15
Accessibility
South Rim
Every day • Open 24 hours
North Rim
Every day • Open 24 hours
Exceptions
North Rim • Winter Season
Nov 25, 2025–Apr 29, 2026 • Closed
Phone
(970) 641-2337
Entrance pass
Motorcycle

7-Day Motorcycle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.

$25
Purchase pass
Non-commercial Groups

Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 15 or fewer: $30.00 per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers.

$30
Non-commercial Groups

Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 16 or greater: $15.00 per passenger (including driver). Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per-person rate. Pass and photo ID must be presented upon entry.

$15
Per Person

7-Day Individual Pass (pedestrian or bicycle)

$15
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle

7-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.

$30
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

An annual pass to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is available for $55.00 at the South Rim entrance station from early April to late October, and at Recreation.gov. This pass admits the permit holder and all accompanying passengers in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle to the park. It is valid for 12 months from date of purchase and covers entrance fees only.

$55
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

The South Rim Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films meet Section 504 standards for people with hearing and visual impairments. Audio headphones are available by request.

Additional information about accessibility at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Facilities

The South Rim Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films meet Section 504 standards for people with hearing and visual impairments. Audio headphones are available by request.

There are accessible restrooms at the following trailheads: North Rim Ranger Station and along South Rim.

Camping

South Rim Campground has 2 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites and wheelchair accessible restrooms.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Trail reviews for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

13,381 trailgoers Busiest in June
May 11, 2025Hiking
Good conditionsGood viewsEasy to parkNot crowded

Combined with Rim Trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Oak Flat, Uplands, and Rim Rock Nature Trail Loop [CLOSED]
May 10, 2025Walking
Not crowdedGreat views

One of the best views in Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Dragon Point Trail
Sep 11, 2024Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Nice short hike. Do some awesome views of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Parking: Entry fee, Free, Small lot
Exclamation Point
Parks

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is Warner Point Nature Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 2,197 reviews. This trail is 1.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 423 ft.

What is the longest trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is Green Mountain Summit via North Vista Trail. This trail is estimated to be 6.8 mi long.

How many trails are in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

There are 31 trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 12,618 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has you covered. Warner Route boasts the most elevation gain with 3,047 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is S.O.B. Draw, which will get you 1,866 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 camping trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the most popular is Chasm View Nature Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 358 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 10 running trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the most popular is Warner Point Nature Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 2,197 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

Some popular summer hiking trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are Warner Point Nature Trail, Oak Flat Loop Trail, Gunnison Route, Oak Flat, Uplands, and Rim Rock Nature Trail Loop, and Exclamation Point.

What are the best fall hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

Some popular fall hiking trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are Warner Point Nature Trail, Gunnison Route, Oak Flat Loop Trail, Exclamation Point, and Rim Rock Nature Trail.

What are the best winter hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

Some popular winter hiking trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are Oak Flat Loop Trail, Rim Rock Nature Trail, Oak Flat, Uplands, and Rim Rock Nature Trail Loop, Gunnison Route, and Black Canyon Scenic Drive.

What are the best spring hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

Some popular spring hiking trails in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are Warner Point Nature Trail, Oak Flat, Uplands, and Rim Rock Nature Trail Loop, Oak Flat Loop Trail, Rim Rock Nature Trail, and Gunnison Route.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

Yes, there is 1 trail with a scenic mountain peak view in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Green Mountain Summit via North Vista Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

Yes, there are 23 trails with scenic viewpoints in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, including Warner Point Nature Trail, Oak Flat, Uplands, and Rim Rock Nature Trail Loop, Exclamation Point, Rim Rock Nature Trail, and Green Mountain Summit via North Vista Trail.

Are there any trails with rivers in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

Yes, there are 7 trails with rivers in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, including Gunnison Route, Warner Route, East Portal Trail, Tomichi Trail, and S.O.B. Draw.

Are there any trails with springs in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?

Yes, there is 1 trail with a spring in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Black Canyon Scenic Drive.