Skip to content
The Green Adventures
Find my parkMapGreat Smoky MountainsZionYellowstoneSee all: ParksCaliforniaAlaskaUtahSee all: By stateNational monumentsSeashores and lakeshoresAll 412 Park Service sitesSee all: All sitesWhich park should I visit?Pass calculatorCampground finderSee all: Trip toolsAnnual pass 2026International visitorsFree days 2026See all: Fees and passes

Black Canyon of the Gunnison itinerary

What to do with one to three days in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

Here is how to spend one to three days in Black Canyon of the Gunnison, built from the hikes and activities the National Park Service lists and the time it says each takes. Short on time? Do Day 1. Times are for the activity itself; add time for driving, parking and shuttles between stops, and swap anything that is closed or out of season.

Day 1

About 3 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Start at South Rim Visitor Center for maps, current trail conditions and ranger advice.

Morning

  • Tour the South Rim Drive (2 to 3 hours). 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. (best in spring, summer, fall)

Afternoon

  • Stargazing at Black Canyon (time not listed). Black Canyon has exceptional opportunities to view the night skies.
  • Hike Rim Rock Trail - South Rim (time not listed). This 1-mile (1.6 km) trail, which meanders along the canyon rim, connects the South Rim Visitor Center to the South Rim Campground.
  • Join a Ranger Program (20 to 60 minutes). Ranger program offerings vary throughout the year.

Day 2

About 1.5 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

  • Hike Uplands Trail - South Rim (time not listed). 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.

Afternoon

  • Drive East Portal Road (1 to 2 hours). East Portal Road is a windy, steep scenic road down to the Gunnison River. (best in spring, summer, fall)
  • Hike North Vista Trail - North Rim (time not listed). Constructed by the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the North Vista Trail offers some of the best scenic views and birding in the park. (best in spring, summer, fall)
  • Hike Deadhorse Trail - North Rim (time not listed). Deadhorse Trail takes hikers into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area. (best in spring, summer, fall)

Day 3

About 2.5 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

  • Tour the North Rim Road (2 to 3 hours). The North Rim is reached by taking a gravel road from the east end of Crawford State Park. (best in summer, fall)

Afternoon

  • Hike Chasm View Nature Trail - North Rim (time not listed). 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. (dogs OK; best in spring, summer, fall)
  • Hike Cedar Point Nature Trail - South Rim (time not listed). This short, moderately sloped trail offers visitors a chance to brush up on local flora with guideposts describing the various plants along the way. (dogs OK)

Make it work

Today at Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Live

Loading the forecast…

Checking park alerts…

Alerts: National Park Service, checked hourly. Forecast: National Weather Service, for South Rim Visitor Center. Always confirm on the official park site before you set out.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
One day covers the highlights; 3 days lets you add longer hikes. Add travel time between areas of the park.
What should I do with one day in Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Start at South Rim Visitor Center, then: Tour the South Rim Drive, Stargazing at Black Canyon, Hike Rim Rock Trail - South Rim, Join a Ranger Program.