- Region
- CO, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- South Rim wilderness routes require permit…
- Managed by
- National Park Service — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
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Photos of Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness
How to get there
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is approximately 210 miles southwest of Denver. Reach the South Rim approximately 15 miles east of Montrose via U.S. Highway 50 and CO Highway 347. Reach the North Rim 11 miles south of Crawford via CO Highway 92 and unpaved North Rim Road. There is no bridge connecting the rims; allow two to three hours to drive between them. Commercial flights serve Montrose, Gunnison and Grand Junction. Bus service reaches Montrose or Grand Junction, and train service reaches Grand Junction. There is no public transportation within the park.
- Black Canyon South Rim Visitor Center
A place to speak with a ranger about inner-canyon routes before descending. Winter wilderness permits are available outside the visitor center on a first-come, first-served basis.
- North Rim Road
Unpaved access to the North Rim from CO Highway 92, south of Crawford. North Rim permits are not available online; confirm permit arrangements with the park before traveling.
Sources: recreation.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
CO, USA · United States
- Fishing
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
A narrow canyon with demanding access
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness protects a rim-to-rim stretch of canyon within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado. Designated in 1976, it covers roughly 15,599 acres. The landscape centers on ancient Precambrian gneiss, resistant rock that the Gunnison River has cut into a deep, narrow gorge. Piñon and juniper forest surrounds the canyon, while the walls limit sunlight reaching the bottom. At The Narrows, the canyon measures about 1,100 feet across at the rim and as little as 40 feet at the bottom. This is not a destination where a short mileage figure means an easy outing. Reaching the river means descending steep, loose terrain and saving enough strength for the climb out. Angling, river-bottom camping and demanding climbing draw visitors into the wilderness, but the cliffs are not suitable for inexperienced climbers.
Unmarked routes and fire-affected terrain
Inner-canyon routes are not maintained or marked trails. They follow steep gullies and rock chutes, with loose dirt, loose rock and frequent scrambling. Although described as nontechnical, they are very strenuous, and finding the return line can be harder than finding the way down. Turn around regularly during the descent and study recognizable rocks, trees and other landmarks. First-time visitors should review route-specific information and speak with a ranger at the visitor center before committing. Effects of the 2025 South Rim Fire add important limits: the Tomichi Route is closed to all use until further notice, while Gunnison and Warner remain open under the reservation system. On Gunnison, burned-area hazards include unstable slopes, loose rocks, burned vegetation and potentially unstable trees. Mobile service is unavailable, and rescue can take many hours to more than a day. Carry enough equipment for an unplanned overnight and be prepared to turn back.
Heat, water and nights beside the river
Inner-canyon temperatures run 5–10°F warmer than the rim, and heat exhaustion is the most common injury on the descent routes. In summer, start as early as daylight permits. Plan access to four liters of water per person per day; the river at the canyon bottom is the only water source along the routes, so carry a filter or treatment method if replenishing there. Bring your own drinking water from October through May, when drinking-water service is unavailable. Most South Rim routes are snow-covered from November through April, and winter conditions can make travel difficult or impossible; traction devices are recommended. River-bottom camping is possible for up to three nights. Fires are prohibited except for camp stoves, and bear-proof canisters are strongly recommended. The Gunnison is swift, cold and deep, making swimming and wading inadvisable. Riverbank travel ends at cliffs; do not plan a through-hike or a descent on one route and ascent on another.
South Rim permits and trip planning
South Rim wilderness trips require a permit for the selected route. During the May 1–October 31 peak season, reservations and permits are available only through Recreation.gov. For 2026, reservations opened April 1 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time for May through July trips, and July 1 at 8 a.m. for August through October trips. From November 1 through April 30, permits are first-come, first-served outside the Black Canyon South Rim Visitor Center, without reservations; the same daily quotas apply. The open Gunnison Route has a quota of 15 hikers per day or night, and Warner has 23. Maximum group size is four, with a three-night maximum stay. Once a permit is printed, modifications and cancellations are not allowed. Display the permit number on the vehicle dashboard. North Rim permits are not available online; confirm arrangements with the park. Pets are not allowed on wilderness routes.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 38.5830, -107.7694
- Latitude (DMS)
- 38° 34′ 58.6″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 107° 46′ 10.0″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Two billion years ago, Precambrian gneiss (a coarse-grained, granite-like metamorphic rock that's extremely strong and resistant to erosion) formed the core of this region. In what is now known as the...
Key takeaways
- Region: CO, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 38.583, -107.769
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
Animals around Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness
A narrow canyon with demanding access
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness protects a rim-to-rim stretch of canyon within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado. Designated in 1976, it covers roughly 15,599 acres. The landscape centers on ancient Precambrian gneiss, resistant rock that the Gunnison River has cut into a deep, narrow gorge. Piñon and juniper forest surrounds the canyon, while the walls limit sunlight reaching the bottom. At The Narrows, the canyon measures about 1,100 feet across at the rim and as little as 40 feet at the bottom. This is not a destination where a short mileage figure means an easy outing. Reaching the river means descending steep, loose terrain and saving enough strength for the climb out. Angling, river-bottom camping and demanding climbing draw visitors into the wilderness, but the cliffs are not suitable for inexperienced climbers.
Unmarked routes and fire-affected terrain
Inner-canyon routes are not maintained or marked trails. They follow steep gullies and rock chutes, with loose dirt, loose rock and frequent scrambling. Although described as nontechnical, they are very strenuous, and finding the return line can be harder than finding the way down. Turn around regularly during the descent and study recognizable rocks, trees and other landmarks. First-time visitors should review route-specific information and speak with a ranger at the visitor center before committing. Effects of the 2025 South Rim Fire add important limits: the Tomichi Route is closed to all use until further notice, while Gunnison and Warner remain open under the reservation system. On Gunnison, burned-area hazards include unstable slopes, loose rocks, burned vegetation and potentially unstable trees. Mobile service is unavailable, and rescue can take many hours to more than a day. Carry enough equipment for an unplanned overnight and be prepared to turn back.
Heat, water and nights beside the river
Inner-canyon temperatures run 5–10°F warmer than the rim, and heat exhaustion is the most common injury on the descent routes. In summer, start as early as daylight permits. Plan access to four liters of water per person per day; the river at the canyon bottom is the only water source along the routes, so carry a filter or treatment method if replenishing there. Bring your own drinking water from October through May, when drinking-water service is unavailable. Most South Rim routes are snow-covered from November through April, and winter conditions can make travel difficult or impossible; traction devices are recommended. River-bottom camping is possible for up to three nights. Fires are prohibited except for camp stoves, and bear-proof canisters are strongly recommended. The Gunnison is swift, cold and deep, making swimming and wading inadvisable. Riverbank travel ends at cliffs; do not plan a through-hike or a descent on one route and ascent on another.
South Rim permits and trip planning
South Rim wilderness trips require a permit for the selected route. During the May 1–October 31 peak season, reservations and permits are available only through Recreation.gov. For 2026, reservations opened April 1 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time for May through July trips, and July 1 at 8 a.m. for August through October trips. From November 1 through April 30, permits are first-come, first-served outside the Black Canyon South Rim Visitor Center, without reservations; the same daily quotas apply. The open Gunnison Route has a quota of 15 hikers per day or night, and Warner has 23. Maximum group size is four, with a three-night maximum stay. Once a permit is printed, modifications and cancellations are not allowed. Display the permit number on the vehicle dashboard. North Rim permits are not available online; confirm arrangements with the park. Pets are not allowed on wilderness routes.
Route options
- Gunnison Route1.5 miles one-wayVery strenuous; unmarked, nontechnical scrambling on steep, loose terrain.
Descends 1,800 vertical feet, including the Oak Flat Loop Trail portion. Allow about two hours down and two to three hours back up. The route is open, but effects of the 2025 South Rim Fire include steep, unstable slopes, loose rocks, burned vegetation and potentially hazardous trees.
- Warner Route3.5 miles one-wayVery strenuous; unmarked, nontechnical scrambling on steep, loose terrain.
Descends 2,722 vertical feet, including the Warner Point Trail portion. Allow two to three hours for the descent and four to six hours for the ascent. The route is open under the South Rim reservation system; plan carefully for the long climb back to the rim.
- Tomichi Route — closed1 mile one-wayVery strenuous; currently closed.
Closed to all use until further notice because of effects from the 2025 South Rim Fire. Do not include this route in an itinerary unless the park announces that it has reopened.
Sample itineraries
- Gunnison Route day descent · 1 day
Descend 1.5 miles and 1,800 feet, including Oak Flat Loop Trail, then return the same way. Allow roughly 2 hours down and 2–3 hours up, adjusted for fitness and heat. This unmarked scramble crosses hazardous burned terrain; consult a ranger before committing.
- Warner Route overnight · 2 days
Descend the Warner Route to camp at its base beside the river. The route covers 3.5 miles one-way and drops 2,722 feet, including Warner Point Trail. Allow 2–3 hours down and 4–6 hours for the next day's ascent. Carry overnight equipment and return by the same route.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
March–May
Most South Rim routes remain snow-covered through April. Winter conditions can make descents difficult or impossible. Bring drinking water; it is unavailable October through May. South Rim permits switch from first-come, first-served to reservations on May 1.
Summer
June–August
Inner canyon temperatures run 5–10°F warmer than the rim. Heat exhaustion is the most common route injury. Start as early as daylight allows and have access to 4 liters of water per person daily. The river is the only water access along the routes; treat collected water.
Fall
September–November
Bring drinking water from October onward. Most South Rim routes are snow-covered beginning in November. Reservations apply through October 31; winter walk-up permits begin November 1. Plan for a strenuous climb out even when temperatures are less demanding.
Winter
December–February
Most South Rim routes are snow-covered. Descents may be difficult or impossible, and traction devices are recommended. Drinking water is unavailable. Permits are first-come, first-served outside the Black Canyon South Rim Visitor Center, with the same daily quotas.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | Most South Rim routes remain snow-covered through April. Winter conditions can make descents difficult or impossible. Bring drinking water; it is unavailable October through May. South Rim permits switch from first-come, first-served to reservations on May 1. |
| Summer | June–August | Inner canyon temperatures run 5–10°F warmer than the rim. Heat exhaustion is the most common route injury. Start as early as daylight allows and have access to 4 liters of water per person daily. The river is the only water access along the routes; treat collected water. |
| Fall | September–November | Bring drinking water from October onward. Most South Rim routes are snow-covered beginning in November. Reservations apply through October 31; winter walk-up permits begin November 1. Plan for a strenuous climb out even when temperatures are less demanding. |
| Winter | December–February | Most South Rim routes are snow-covered. Descents may be difficult or impossible, and traction devices are recommended. Drinking water is unavailable. Permits are first-come, first-served outside the Black Canyon South Rim Visitor Center, with the same daily quotas. |
Permits, fees & closures
South Rim wilderness routes require permits. Maximum group size is 4; camping at a route's base is limited to 3 nights. Gunnison's daily quota is 15; Warner's is 23. Tomichi is closed until further notice following the 2025 South Rim Fire. North Rim permits are not available online.
Reservations: May 1–October 31 permits are available only through Recreation.gov. For 2026, reservations opened April 1 at 8 a.m. MT for May–July and July 1 at 8 a.m. MT for August–October. November 1–April 30 permits are first-come, first-served outside the South Rim Visitor Center.
Official source: Black Canyon of the Gunnison Np Wilderness ... - Recreation.gov · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Inner canyon routes are unmarked, very steep scrambles through loose dirt, gullies and rock chutes—not maintained trails. Navigation can be especially confusing uphill; look back frequently during descent and memorize landmarks.
- The Gunnison Route has hazardous burned-area conditions from the 2025 South Rim Fire: steep unstable slopes, loose rocks, burned vegetation and potentially unstable trees.
- Heat exhaustion is the most common injury on the routes. The inner canyon is 5–10°F warmer than the rim, with water access only at the river.
- The river is swift, cold and deep; swimming and wading are not recommended. Riverside travel eventually cliffs out, making route-to-route traverses unrealistic without intimate canyon knowledge and entering the river.
- Mobile service is unavailable. Rescue can take many hours to more than a day to mobilize. Carry supplies for an unplanned overnight and turn back before exceeding your capabilities.
- Most South Rim routes are snow-covered November through April. Winter conditions may make travel impossible; traction devices do not remove the underlying steep-terrain hazards.
What to pack for Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness
- Access to 4 liters of water per person per day
- Water filter or treatment for river water
- Food for the planned trip and an unplanned overnight
- Bear-proof food canister, highly recommended
- Route information reviewed before departure
- Offline navigation tools
- Headlamp and spare power
- First-aid kit and emergency overnight shelter
- Footwear suited to loose rock and steep scrambling
- Weather-appropriate layers and sun protection
- Traction devices for winter conditions
- Sleeping equipment for overnight trips
- Camp stove; other fires are prohibited
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness FAQ
- How do you reach the two rims?
- Reach the South Rim from Montrose via U.S. Highway 50 and CO Highway 347. Reach the North Rim from Crawford via CO Highway 92 and unpaved North Rim Road. There is no bridge between rims; allow two to three hours to drive between them. There is no public transportation within the park.
- Are these suitable beginner hikes?
- No. Inner canyon routes are primitive, very strenuous scrambles without maintained or marked trails. Review route-specific information and speak with a ranger, especially before a first descent. The canyon's demanding climbing routes are also unsuitable for beginners.
- Can you descend one route and climb out another?
- Do not plan a route-to-route traverse. Riverside routes eventually cliff out, and river access typically extends no more than a mile. Traversing requires intimate canyon knowledge and entering the swift, cold river. Return by the route used to descend.
- Can you camp beside the river or bring a dog?
- Permit holders may camp at their route's base for up to 3 nights. Fires are prohibited except for camp stoves. Bear-proof canisters are highly recommended. Pets are not allowed on wilderness routes.
- What should permit holders do before leaving?
- Print the permit through Recreation.gov no later than the entry date and display its number on the vehicle dashboard. Printing issues the permit, after which modifications and cancellations are not allowed. For a day trip, select 0 nights even if the availability display shows departure the following day.
- What defines this wilderness?
- The wilderness protects 14 miles of the Black Canyon from rim to rim. The Gunnison River cuts through resistant Precambrian gneiss beneath steep, shaded walls, with piñon and juniper forest around the canyon. At The Narrows, the canyon bottom is as little as 40 feet wide.