Trip Date: August 5, 2023
To be completely honest, this national park was not on my radar as I made my way to Colorado to thru hike the CT this summer, but when I drove by a sign for Black Canyon of the Gunnison I knew I had to make a quick stop- just to check it out! Knowing nothing about this park, besides the fact that it’s a big canyon- I first opted for a stop at the visitor center for some quick facts about the park, and some park souivners.
After the long drive that afternoon, and with such a big backpacking trip ahead- I wanted to stretch my legs a bit and I was not leaving without hiking at least 3-miles. Random mileage, I know- but 4 to 5 miles seemed too long for the short time I was there, and 2 miles didn’t seem fair for the amount of time I had been driving.
Hiking Trails on the South Rim
Rim Rock Nature Trail: 2-miles, moderate
Oak Flat Loop Trail: 2-miles, strenuous
Uplands Trail: 1- mile each way
Cedar Point Nature Trail: 2/3 mile, easy
Warner Point Nature Trail: 1.5-miles, round-trip
I’d hit the scenic drives after picking up a park map, and then chose the Oak Flat Loop Trail, which was anything but flat. Thankfully, I later found out that it connects with the Uplands Trail and I was able to form a perfect 3-mile loop back to my car. Views from the Uplands Trail were incredible and worth the hike in! Had I done the proper research before visiting the park, I would have known that you could drive down to the river via East Portal Road- but I really think the best views of the canyon are seen from up above!
After driving one of the scenic drives, I opted for one last hike in the park- Warner Point Nature Trail. This trail had been a little busy, and I understood why when I reached Warner Point.
Is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on your list?
