Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• The tour lasts around 5 hours, covering 17 stops with 38 narration points.
• Begin from Montrose or Cimarron; both are short drives to the park entrance.
• Wear layered clothes and long pants—temperatures vary, and poison ivy is common.
• Bring bug spray and plenty of water; elevation is over 8,000 feet.
• All wilderness hikes need a permit—reserve in advance or get one onsite.
• The best time to visit is late spring through early fall; roads close in winter.
• This tour covers only the South Rim; the North Rim is not included.
• The park is peaceful and less crowded—great for travelers avoiding large tourist spots.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

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Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route.

All wilderness hikes for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park require a wilderness use permit, including day hikes. (Some examples are Tomichi, Gunnison, and Warner.) 

They can be obtained on Recreation.gov in advance or at the visitor center the day before.

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.

• Black Canyon General Store: 
  • Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Get Packing!

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​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Layered clothing
• Bug Spray
• Lots of Water
• Long Pants (for inner canyon hikes)

Best Time to Visit     

Late spring, summer, and early fall are all good times to visit. The canyon road is closed to vehicle traffic in the winter months.

Safety Information 

Inner Canyon hikes come with a few challenges—watch out for poison ivy, which grows abundantly along the trails. Wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes can help protect against exposure.

Also, keep in mind that the Black Canyon sits at over 8,000 feet in elevation. If you're not used to higher altitudes, take it slow, give yourself time to acclimate, and stay hydrated. 

Additional Need to Know Information

This tour only covers the South Rim and does not go to the North Rim at all. And also to remember that the roads are closed in winter.

Leave No Trace 

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and create memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

Take the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Audio Tour with Shaka Guide and explore at your own pace with stories, directions, and must-see stops along the way.

Still planning? Check out our Black Canyon Itinerary to prep for an epic day.

Need help? Email us anytime at aloha@shakaguide.com!

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