3 to 4 hours (approx.)
Daily Tour
4 people
English
Marvel at the awe-inspiring depths of Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado with this self-guided driving tour. This drive features stunning views along the canyon’s south rim, from Gunnison Point to Chasm View and the breathtaking Painted Wall. Along the way, you’ll discover how the canyon formed and hear dramatic tales of those who have tried and failed to navigate its tumultuous waters over the years. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route. New, extra validity ‘ now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
Are you wondering where this spot gets its fearsome name? Well, some say the pegmatite on this part of the Painted Wall looks like a dragon!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The park’s Entrance Station is just ahead. Once you’re through, continue driving straight along the Rim Drive.
• Admission Ticket Free
Once you’ve parked, walk over to the overlook and enjoy the view. Listen to the stories in the Learn More to hear more about the view you’re seeing and how it came to be.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Into the parking area ahead and follow the trail to the overlook. This easy trail takes only two minutes and offers a great view of the Gunnison River.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
At over 8,000 feet high, it’s the highest elevation on the park’s south rim. So get those cameras ready!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The story of this canyon’s formation doesn’t end with the Laramide Orogeny. The next part of the tale is one of fire and water. First, the fire:
About 30 million years ago, huge volcanoes erupted on either side of the cracked earth. The same tectonic pressure that had cracked the surface caused all that volcanic chaos. The ash and lava blanketed this region and filled in the crack.
• Admission Ticket Free
This half-mile loop is directly across from the infamous Narrows that spelled the end for Kolb and Pelton and many others. Be sure to make the easy 15-minute over to the edge if you want to see the spot where they met with disaster.
• Admission Ticket Free
Our next story is actually behind the Visitor Center. When you’re ready, exit the car and walk through the building.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Gunnison and his troops came here to secure a railroad route in the 1850s. Everything was going swimmingly—until Gunnison got to the canyon we’ll soon see.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
This easy, half-mile trail ends at an overlook straight over the raging whitewater of the Gunnison.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Here, we can access two vistas. The first is right next to the turnout: Chasm View. The trail to Chasm View is only a couple hundred feet, but it’s steep! I’d definitely recommend trying it. It’s also a great spot for watching rock climbers hang on the north wall of the canyon.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Igneous intrusions happen when hot magma is injected into rock, but doesn’t form enough pressure to burst out. Instead, it gets stuck in the crevices and hardens. These intrusions formed over a billion years ago.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The trail to this overlook is an easy one – is just under half a mile and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of Gambel oaks, which hang out on the canyon rim. It’s also a great place to spot wildflowers in the spring! If you decide to visit, keep an eye out for those lignotubers I mentioned earlier.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Sunset View is just ahead. Turn into the parking lot on our right and follow the very short path to the overlook. This is a must-see, even if it’s not sunset time yet!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
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