Black Canyon – Trails

(Lujane CO)
While at the South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, I hiked two trails. One followed the rim of the canyon, and the other went to the high point overlooking the river. Both were pretty easy, with good views, and not too long.

Canyon, tree, rocks

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Rim Rock Trail
From the campground to the Visitor Center, Rim Rock trail skirts the edge of the canyon. Along the way were rock formations, and some awesome views into the canyon and to the river below.

Canyon, cliffs, trees

View from Rim Rock trail at Tomichi Point

Canyon, cliffs, tree

Another view of the canyon from Tomichi Point

Next to the Visitor Center, was a short path to the Gunnison Point viewpoint. More spectacular scenes of the canyon and cliffs.

Canyon, river, rock pillar

Looking into the canyon from Gunnison Point

Cliffs, trees

Cliffs at Gunnison Point

Warner Point Trail
This trail required driving to the end of South Rim Road, and parking at the trailhead. It went out on a ridge with ups and downs and a gradual elevation gain. At the end was Warner Point at 2,772ft above the river.

Valley, trees, hills

Valley to west seen from Warner Point trail

Rock pillar, cliffs

Looking into Black Canyon from Warner Point

There was more variety along this trail, with gnarly trees, rock formations and views of the valley on the other side.

Rock formation, cliffs

Another view from Warner Point

Canyon, trees, cliffs

Warner Point overlook

Of course there were other trails; those going down into the canyon required a special permit. I really didn’t feel confident doing that. The two trails I hiked were sufficient and I enjoyed them both.

Camp: Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP-South Rim CG
Scene: Canyon, river, cliffs, pillars

Also see: Black Canyon – South Rim

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2 Responses to Black Canyon – Trails

  1. Terri Reed September 17, 2015 at 3:51 pm #

    Nice views! Enjoy your blog and notes where you camped, useful info for me. Curious when you hike, do you take bear spray with you?

    • Pleinguy September 17, 2015 at 6:16 pm #

      Glad the blog has been helpful and enjoyable for you. No, I don’t carry bear spray when hiking. Most trails I hike are popular with folks, thus noisy, and no self-respecting bear would go near them. Black bears are more likely to run away, and it would do no good at all with a grizzly except make him mad. But, I suppose I should just in case I’m wrong. Also note that it is illegal to have in some states.

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