|
-SPONSORED LINKS-
Gunnison LodgingGunnison Hotels Gunnison Maps Gunnison Camping Gunnison Weather Gunnison Vacation Rentals |
|
Sponsored National Park Search |
|
|
|
SOUTH RIM
Rim Rock Nature Trail—Moderate - 1 mile round trip
As its name implies, this self-guided nature trail takes you along a relatively flat path following the rim of the canyon. Along this sunny route you will encounter a variety of plant life from sagebrush and Gambel oak to pinyon pine and Utah juniper. This trail allows many excellent views of the Gunnison River as well as the sheer walls of the canyon.
Oak Flat Loop Trail—Strenuous - 2 miles round trip
The Oak Flat Loop Trail (built by Student Conservation Association volunteers) offers variety to the hiker who would like to explore below the rim without taking on the challenge of hiking to the river. Parents should be aware that the trail is narrow in places and traverses some steep slopes.
Cedar Point Nature Trail—Easy - 2/3 mile round trip
An excellent place for one to brush up on the local flora, this short, sunny, moderately sloped trail offers guideposts describing the various plants along the way. At the end are two overlooks offering breathtaking views of the river over 2,000 feet below. Also visible is the famous Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado (2,250 ft.), as well as rock islands jutting up from the depths of the canyon.
Warner Point Nature Trail—Moderate - 1.5 miles round trip
Along this trail you will find shady benches which allow you to rest among mountain mahogany, serviceberry, pinyon pine, and juniper. Looking south you can see the San Juan Mountain Range, Uncompahgre Valley, and Bostwick Park. To the north look for the West Elk Mountains, and at the end of the trail enjoy the views of the Gunnison River and the Black Canyon.
NORTH RIM
Chasm View Nature Trail—Moderate - 1/3 mile round trip
After a short distance, the trail breaks out of the pinyon/juniper forest at the North Chasm View, some 1800 feet above the river. Continuing near the rim, the trail reaches a second overlook with excellent views of Painted Wall and Serpent Point. Keep a lookout for swifts, swallows and raptors frequently seen from this overlook.
North Vista Trail—Moderate to Exclamation Point - 3 miles round trip OR Strenuous to Green Mountain - 7 miles round trip
Constructed by volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the North Vista Trail offers some of the best scenic views and birding in the Park. After passing through an area of sage and oak brush, the trail meanders in a pinyon/juniper forest along the canyon’s rim. Several overlooks offer views of SOB draw and the inner canyon. At Exclamation Point some of the best inner-canyon views can be found. Those continuing to Green Mountain will be rewarded by panoramic vistas, including the San Juan Mountains, the West Elks, Grand Mesa, the Uncompahgre Plateau, and an aerial perspective of the Black Canyon.
Deadhorse Trail—Easy to moderate - 5 miles round trip
This trail offers good views of Deadhorse gulch and East Portal on the Gunnison River, as well as good birding.
There are no maintained or marked trails into the inner canyon. Routes are difficult to follow, and only individuals in excellent physical condition should attempt these hikes.
Hikers are expected to find their own way and to be prepared for self-rescue. While descending, study the route behind, as this will make it easier on the way up when confronted with a choice of routes and drainages. Not all ravines go all the way to the river, and becoming "cliffed out" is a real possibility.
Route descents average 1.5 - 2 hours and 1-2 miles in length, and have 1 - 6 campsites. Stop in at the ranger station or visitors center for route details and current trail conditions.
