Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Hikes and Hiking

All trails can be hot in summer and most don't receive much shade, so bring lots of water, apply sun screen and wear a hat. Dogs are permitted, on leash, on Rim Rock, Cedar Point Nature, and Chasm View Nature trails.

Remember that the Canyon Rim is around 8000' high, even the "easy" hikes in the National Park can make you breathe a little harder than you might normally expect. It does take some acclimatisation to the elevation and the thinner air.

Help preserve the Black Canyon by not collecting rocks, flowers, or by otherwise disturbing natural features. We all get the urge to throw a rock over the edge of the Canyon to see if we can hear it land, resist the temptation, there may be hikers below.

Rim trails are well maintained and range from very easy to strenuous, they're generally easy to follow and apart from the Oak Flat trail (that goes 300 feet below the Canyon rim) remain on the Gunnison Canyon rim. No permits are needed.

The inner canyon trails are unmarked, unmaintained, very steep and very demanding. Permits are required.

Inner Canyon Hikes - North Rim Hikes - South Rim Hikes

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