Upon arrival at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, visit the South Rim Visitor Center to get familiarized with the area. With 2 million years of ancient, weathered rock, craggy spires, rivers and cliffs to explore, the vast park can seem overwhelming, but the rangers and exhibits at the visitor center will focus your sightseeing. Pick up a few tips to plan an optimal visit.
Stop at the visitor center, on the more developed South Rim of the park to gather trail maps and useful information about safe hiking in the park. Purchase drinking water to take along with you. Junior ranger information, wilderness permits and newspapers are also available.
Several hikes originate at the visitor center, as well as the walk to the Gunnison Point Overlook. The strenuous, 2-mile (3-kilometer) Oak Flat Loop Trail starts from the Oak Flat Loop sign near the visitor center. This is a good choice for those who would like variety of terrain and the chance to explore below the rim without trekking all the way down to the river. Note that the trail is quite narrow at points and crosses steep slopes.
Running between Campground Loop C and the South Rim Visitor Center, the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) Rim Rock Nature Trail is a self-guided path that follows the rim of the canyon. Enjoy a nice view of the Gunnison River amid sagebrush, Gambel oak, pinyon pine and Utah juniper.
You can also pick up a trail guide to Warner Point Nature Trail at the visitor center. For an easier hike, follow this lovely 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) out-and-back path with benches for sitting and contemplating the San Juan Mountain Range and West Elk Mountains. The end of the trail offers great views of the Gunnison River and Black Canyon.
Find the South Rim Visitor Center in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Car and RV parking is available. During the winter, South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles just beyond the visitor center. The center is open year-round operating hours vary by season. Purchase a weekly or annual pass before entering the park.
