Dramatic cliff-edge walk above one of America's most spectacular canyons with views 2,700 feet down to the Gunnison River. Multiple viewpoints including Painted Wall - Colorado's tallest cliff at 2,250 feet.
The South Rim Trail traverses the southern edge of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado, linking a series of dramatic viewpoints above one of North America's deepest and most geologically striking river gorges. The South Rim Visitor Center is the starting point for most hikers, situated at the end of South Rim Road (Highway 347), reached from US-50 approximately 13 km east of Montrose. A National Park entrance fee applies ($30 per vehicle as of 2025, or covered by America the Beautiful Annual Pass). The visitor center offers geology exhibits, ranger programs, and restrooms. The South Rim Trail covers approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) as an out-and-back between the South Rim Visitor Center and High Point, linking designated overlooks at elevations between 2,285 m and 2,395 m (7,497 to 7,858 ft). The canyon walls drop nearly 830 m (2,722 ft) to the Gunnison River below, with the narrowest section measuring only 12 m (40 ft) across at river level. The trail surface is rocky natural-earth path with moderate terrain variation, running close to the canyon edge for much of its length. Key viewpoints along the South Rim Trail include Tomichi Point, Pulpit Rock overlook, Chasm View directly above the canyon narrows, Painted Wall View showing Colorado's tallest cliff face at 685 m (2,250 ft), Sunset View, and Dragon Point at the western end. The Painted Wall's striking light-colored pegmatite veins intrude through the surrounding dark Precambrian schist in patterns visible from multiple viewpoints along the trail. Pinyon-juniper woodland with Gambel oak lines the rim. Peregrine falcons nest on the sheer walls and are frequently seen from viewpoints in spring and summer. No water is available on the rim trail; carry at least 1.5 liters from the visitor center.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Best season
- May to October; road closures possible in winter
Highlights
- Painted Wall viewpoint
- Pulpit Rock
- Chasm View
- Dragon Point viewpoint
Tips for visiting
- Visit Chasm View and Painted Wall View at midday when direct sunlight reaches portions of the canyon floor; the contrast of light and shadow on the black schist walls is most dramatic in these conditions.
- Stay well back from the unfenced canyon rim throughout the trail; the drop exceeds 800 m in multiple locations and the rock edge is unstable in places.
- Carry enough water for the full 7 km rim walk as no water sources exist between the visitor center and High Point.
- The Black Canyon receives snow in winter which can make the rim trail icy from November through March; microspikes are advisable during this period.
- Sunrise from Pulpit Rock and sunset from Dragon Point produce exceptional photography of the dark canyon walls lit in orange and rust tones.
When to visit
May through October offers the most reliable access as winter snow can close South Rim Road. Early morning and late afternoon visits provide the most dramatic canyon lighting. The park sees fewer visitors in May and September than during peak summer months.
Accessibility
The South Rim Trail is a rocky, natural-surface path not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. The paved area and Gunnison Point overlook immediately adjacent to the South Rim Visitor Center offer accessible canyon viewing for visitors who cannot hike the full rim trail; this viewpoint provides one of the most dramatic canyon vistas in the park.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Black Canyon of the Gunnison distinctive?
The Black Canyon is noted for its extraordinary depth, near-vertical walls, and extreme narrowness. The Gunnison River drops an average of 7.2 m per km through the gorge, one of the steepest river descents in North America. The dark Precambrian schist walls absorb light, giving the canyon its name.
Is a permit required to hike the South Rim Trail?
A National Park entrance fee is required but no additional trail permit is needed for the South Rim Trail. Wilderness camping within the canyon interior requires a free backcountry permit from the visitor center.
Can visitors descend to the canyon floor?
Three unmaintained inner canyon routes descend to the Gunnison River and require a free backcountry permit from the visitor center. These routes involve steep scrambling on loose scree and talus and are rated strenuous to extremely difficult; they are not recommended for casual day hikers.
What wildlife might be seen from the South Rim Trail?
Peregrine falcons nest on the canyon walls and are visible from several viewpoints, particularly during spring nesting season. Mule deer, elk, and Steller's jays are common on the rim. Golden eagles soar along the canyon thermals throughout the year.