Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Rim Rock Trail

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Rim Rock Trail

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is, in my opinion, a very underrated National Park. It is located in western Colorado and on my first visit I was really impressed. One of the trails that gives you a lot of bang for the buck is right there at the Visitor Center. The Black Canyon Rim Rock Trial is an easier trail that gives you amazing views of the canyon.

The Trail

The Black Canyon Rim Rock Trial starts right at the main visitor center and it isn’t really that challenging. It connects the Visitor Center to the campground so it is used by a lot of people and is really good shape. There are some sections that get a little steep but for the most part it is straight path with several small hills.

The trail from the both sides start in a bit of a wooded area that hides the real gem of the hike, the view. And it doesn’t take long! About a quarter of a mile in the trail views open up to a beautiful vista of the canyon.

From here the view just gets better and better and the hardest part is not stopping to stare! (Which I did for most of the hike!) Honestly, the hike itself wasn’t super special so I would rather spend more time on…

The View

The view is really spectacular. It was one of those, sit down on this rock because I’m going to stare at this beauty for a long time, views. As I said, the more you hiked the better it got. In the beginning you can see across the canyon which is cool.

But then it just keeps getting better and better. As you walk toward the middle of the trail you line right up with the curve of the canyon and that, for me was the most breathtaking part.

The images don’t do the view justice, to see it in person is pretty magnificent. I will give a big warning that if you are hiking with small children, or are easily distracted, please be careful. There is no protection around the ledge and the view is very distracting.

Mile for mile this has some of the best views of any hike I have been on. It is short and to the point, the point being amazing views of a pretty amazing canyon!

Video of Black Canyon of the Gunnison Rim Rock Trail

I have created a time-lapsed video of the Black Canyon Rim Rock Trail to give you a feel for what it is like. I call these time lapsed versions of the hikes my hikers edits. If you enjoy the video, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. It is free to subscribe and you will get the latest updates.

Distance and Elevation

If you don’t have the AllTrails app you might want to check it out, I really love mine. It records your progress and is a great way to search for hikes that are nearby and gives you difficulty measurements. According to AllTrails today’s hike was around 1.8 miles and had a total elevation gain of about 207 feet including undulations. That put the high point at around 8,364 feet. I was also moving for a total of 53 minutes.

I am a Pro member of AllTrails and love it. If you are interested in the platform, please consider using my affiliate link for AllTrails. It gives me a small commission with no extra cost to you.

Effort

This is a bit of a tricky trail to judge effort. On one hand it is really short, 1.79 miles as an out and back if you don’t go all the way to the campground, but there are some 11% grade incline moments. I am still going to keep it as an easier hike but just keep in mind it might be a challenge for some. One big warning, there are no guardrails and some steep drops so be careful with any children or pets that might join you!

Terrain

The path is well worn and hard dirt and rock for the most part. Nothing is too tricky or challenging. It is a completely exposed trail though so make sure you are protected from the weather.

Access to The Black Canyon of the Gunnison Rim Rock Trail

The Rim Rock Trail is located in Black Canyon National Park. The trail is located at the main visitor center. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is part of the National Park system and there is a $30 per vehicle charge for entry. There are also several annual passes that would qualify. Check the NPS website for more pass information.

Wrapping up The Black Canyon of the Gunnison Rim Rock Trail

This was such an amazing hike. I did as the last thing I did in the park. Even though I had already seen the canyon all morning, I was still blown away by this view. The trail is short and not too challenging and just has views for days. Honestly, you don’t even have to finish the trail to enjoy it. Just hike out about halfway and find a good rock to enjoy the beauty of the Black Canyon.

I have added this hike and all of my hikes to my interactive map page that you can find here. If you have a suggestion or comment you can email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com. Or follow me on any of the below social media platforms. Happy Hiking!

Gallery of Black Canyon of the Gunnison Rim Rock Trail