Black Canyon - Gunnison Route

 

Location: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Season Visited: Summer

Trail Length: 3 miles there-and-back

Time to Hike: 3 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous 

The Black Canyon at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the most amazing places I have ever been, and the Gunnison Route to the base of the canyon is now my favorite hike that I have ever done. When my husband and I went on a road trip to Colorado two summers ago I saw pictures of the Black Canyon that looked spectacular and began researching the routes down the canyon. The pictures did not even remotely do justice to this fantastic place. The Gunnison Route is considered the easiest way down to the base of the canyon, but, as I quickly learned, the route is definitely not easy. As the rangers warned me, people become lost in the canyon on a regular basis and have to be rescued. I was sure to keep this in mind during my hike!

I did the Gunnison Route as a solo hike. Hiking the route requires a permit that is handed out on a first-come first-served basis, so I was sure to arrive at the South Rim Visitor Center in the park to get my permit as early as possible. I was one of the first people there at 7:00 am and had no problem securing a permit. 

Sunrise over the Black Canyon.

View from the Visitor Center.

The rangers at the Visitor Center are very helpful. In addition to offering general advice, they provide a guide with pictures to help you make sense of the route. I took pictures with my phone to consult if I became confused during the hike.

The hike itself begins right at the Visitor Center on Oak Flat Trail. This trail offers limited views of the canyon before entering the wilderness area where the hike truly starts. After the sign comes numerous switchbacks that offer amazing views of the canyon. The switchbacks are extremely steep and require definite caution. 

Wilderness area marker.

After the switchbacks comes the infamous chain, which is, in my opinion, the most fun part of the hike. This 80-foot chain helps you navigate a particularly steep section of trail.

The section after the chain features large areas of loose scree. Careful navigation is required. This is also the part of the hike where you can see the river at the bottom of the canyon. I was fortunate to be hiking on a gorgeous day. As I rounded a corner near the bottom of the hike I saw the sun shining on the river and on the walls of the canyon. Once at the bottom there is a sandy place to rest by the water before beginning the ascent back up the way you came. It's worthwhile to have a snack and enjoy the sound of the river rushing through the canyon.

The way back is a simple retracing of your steps, although the amount of scree can make things confusing. I found that looking at the photos from the guidebook really helped in the beginning portion of the ascent.

Overall I cannot recommend this hike highly enough. Experienced hikers who find themselves at the Black Canyon should absolutely complete this hike. It is my dream to hike it again, although my sights are also set on some of the more difficult routes down into the canyon...

Happy hiking!