Overview
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the most severe pieces of terrain in North America. The canyon walls drop 2,000 to 2,700 feet to the Gunnison River below, carved through 1.7-billion-year-old Precambrian rock at a rate that makes geologists pay attention. The South Rim Trail follows the edge of this canyon on a mostly flat, 6-mile route that makes the canyon accessible to a wide range of hikers without requiring technical skills or extreme fitness.
The trail's easy-to-moderate rating reflects the gentle terrain rather than any reduction in the intensity of the experience. Walking the rim of a canyon this deep, with vertical walls on one side and open pinyon-juniper forest on the other, is a specific kind of hiking that differs meaningfully from trail walking in mountain terrain.
The Black Canyon area sits at the boundary between Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Access and fee requirements can vary depending on which sections of the rim you walk. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers National Park entrance fees; see veteran benefits for national forests for information on free passes for veterans.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2.0: South Rim East Section
From the main south rim trailhead parking area, the trail moves east along the rim through open pinyon-juniper woodland. The canyon views begin immediately and remain constant throughout the route. The terrain is mostly flat with minor undulations. Several named overlooks offer the best views into the deepest sections of the canyon.
Miles 2.0 to 3.0: Deeper Canyon Views
The middle section provides views into the most dramatic portions of the canyon, where the walls are narrowest and deepest. The Gunnison River is visible far below on clear days, a thin silver line at the bottom of vertical rock. The scale is difficult to convey and must be experienced directly.
Mile 3.0: Turnaround
The 6-mile out-and-back turns around at approximately mile 3 before the trail transitions fully into the National Park boundary. Return the same way or add additional distance by continuing along the rim.
When to Visit
April through November. The south rim has a longer season than most Colorado mountain trails due to its lower elevation (around 8,000 ft). Spring and fall are excellent, the crowds are smaller and the temperatures pleasant. Summer is warm but manageable, especially in the morning. Winter access is possible in many years.
Afternoon thunderstorms in July and August can bring lightning to the exposed rim trail. Morning hiking is recommended during peak thunderstorm season.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry:
- 2 liters of water (water at the trailhead; none on the rim trail)
- Sun protection (the exposed rim has minimal shade)
- A wind layer for the often-breezy rim conditions
Consider bringing:
- Binoculars for viewing the canyon depth and watching for California condors, which are sometimes seen in the canyon corridor
Practical Details
Flush restrooms and water at the main south rim visitor area. A day-use fee may apply for the National Park section (as of 2026); verify current fee requirements. The America the Beautiful pass is accepted.
For an explanation of how national forests and national parks differ in terms of rules and access, see national forest vs. national park. Review Leave No Trace principles for rim trail etiquette.
Getting There
From Montrose, take US-50 east approximately 8 miles, then turn south on CO-347 toward Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Follow CO-347 approximately 6 miles to the south rim entrance. The south rim road and parking area are at the end of CO-347. Total drive from Montrose is about 15 miles.