Segment 1

Black Canyon of the Gunnison & Gunnison Gorge Wilderness

  • 26.2 miles

  • Vertical: +3400', -5924'

  • Highlights:

    • Inner Canyon side quest

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  • Main Challenges:

    • Long water carry

    • Scrambling across canyons

    • Fording North Fork of the Gunnison River

  • Scrambling Grade: A couple Class 3 moves

  • Exposure: Minimal, other than peering over cliffs.

Chasm View, Black Canyon of the Gunnison

The GCR kicks things off with Colorado’s most epic canyon—a national park quite literally split in half due to 2000-foot deep cliffs and an unfordable river at the canyon floor. Even though it’s an optional out-and-back, a scrambly side quest down Pinyon Draw to the Inner Canyon is very worthwhile and highly recommended.

The GCR traces Black Canyon’s north rim to the sage brush prairie of Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area before dropping to the upper canyon of the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness. Hikers should be prepared for extended off-trail travel and scurrying up and down a couple side gullies, as there is no continuous trail along this area.

After a quick ford across the North Fork, this section concludes at Pleasure Park, providing a nice opportunity for rest and beer before continuing on to Section 2.

Those capable of whitewater packrafting may consider rafting the Class III+ Gunnison Gorge then sending their gear home at Delta before reconnecting with the GCR.

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

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Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

Inner Canyon of Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Seasonal Closures

  • The road to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park closes to cars from roughly mid-November to early May.

    • The road is open to pedestrians year-round, but you can’t get a ride when closed to cars.

  • Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area is closed to all use from March 15th through May 15th.

    • You cannot enter this area until May 16th, which may impact your start date.

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Permits & Fees

Permits:

  • Free, walk-up permit at the North Rim ranger station.

    • Write that you’ll be exiting from Green Mountain to Gunnison Gorge NCA and won’t be returning the yellow slip.

    • Don’t write your name on the whiteboard.

Fees:

  • Entrance Pass to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

    • Either $15 pass (purchase via QR code at ranger station) or America the Beautiful Pass.

  • Gunnison Gorge Wilderness $3 day-use fee.

    • Purchase online here with the free wifi at the North Rim ranger station.

Gunnison Gorge Wilderness

Camping

There are several camping restrictions:

  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, you can only camp at:

    • Dispersed camping in Inner Canyon if doing Pinyon Draw side quest.

    • Designated camping at the campground ($15, first come first served) near ranger station.

  • Gunnison Gorge Wilderness is effectively day-hiking only:

    • Camping is only allowed at designated sites along the Gunnison River and require a permit that is unobtainable (due to being located at a trailhead on the opposite side of the canyon).

Dispersed camping inside Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area is allowed. You will likely want to camp near the wilderness boundary so you can make it to Pleasure Park the next day.

At the end of this segment, you will likely want to camp at Gunnison River Pleasure Park, which costs $15, since Segment 2 starts with a roadwalk along private property.

Gunnison Gorge Wilderness

Water

The only reliable water sources in this segment are:

  • The water fountain at the North Rim ranger station.

    • This fountain is shut off roughly early October to early May. If this may impact you, call the park at 970-641-2337 to confirm its status.

  • The Gunnison River.

    • Accessible if doing Pinyon Draw side quest, and near the end of Gunnison Gorge Wilderness.

This is roughly 22.6 miles between water sources, and you will likely need to camp in-between.

Gunnison Gorge Wilderness

Other Considerations

Human waste:

  • You are not allowed to bury human waste along this entire segment.

    • There is a privy near the North Rim ranger station and another near Pleasure Park.

    • If you need to go elsewhere, you must pack it out with a WAG bag (there are also free doggie bags near ranger station).

River Ford:

  • The end of this segment involves fording the swift and potentially hazardous North Fork of the Gunnison River. If water levels are too high, you may need to arrange or improvise a ferry from a rafter or the nearby fishing outfitter.

Leave No Trace:

  • Please hike and camp on durable surfaces. Gunnison Gorge Wilderness is home to cryptobiotic soils that take years to grow and should not be trampled. “Don’t Bust the Crust”