National Park · CO
The National Park Service lists 16 things to do at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park. 16 have no extra fee, 15 need no reservation, and 7 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Updated · NPS Data API
In winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond the visitor center at Gunnison Point. As staffing and snow conditions allow, rangers groom the remainder of the road for cross-country skiing (skate and classic) and snowshoeing.
Winter
East Portal Road is a windy, steep scenic road down to the Gunnison River. East Portal is within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but only accessible from within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
1-2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
This short, moderately sloped trail offers visitors a chance to brush up on local flora with guideposts describing the various plants along the way.
Pets allowed
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.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
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.
Spring, Summer, Fall
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.
Spring, Summer, Fall
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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.
This 1-mile (1.6 km) trail, which meanders along the canyon rim, connects the South Rim Visitor Center to the South Rim Campground.
Pets allowed
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.
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.
Ranger program offerings vary throughout the year. Stop by the South Rim Visitor Center for current offerings and times.
20-60 Minutes Year-round
Although services and access are limited during winter, the park provides recreation opportunities for winter enthusiasts.
Winter Reservation required
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.
Year-round Pets allowed
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.
2-3 Hours Summer, Fall Pets allowed
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.
2-3 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
The South Rim Visitor Center is a great first-stop during your visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Year-round
Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Black Canyon Of The Gunnison. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.
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