***PARK ACCESS IMPACTED BY SOUTH RIM FIRE.***
South Rim and East Portal remain fully closed due to the active South Rim Fire, which began on July 10, 2025, and has burned over 4,200 acres. Containment efforts are ongoing. The North Rim is open, but conditions may change—please check the official NPS website before your visit.
Are you ready to step back in time? Travel through the depths of Black Canyon, where sheer cliffs and roaring waters hold stories of daring explorers, heartbreaking struggles, and astonishing feats of engineering.
Experience it all along the breathtaking heights of Rim Drive and the dramatic depths of East Portal Road.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Watch the sun dip behind cliffs at the peaceful Sunset View overlook.
• Stand at Gunnison Point for dramatic views of the canyon’s steep walls.
• Stop at Dragon Point to spot dark volcanic rock among canyon layers.
• Look deep into the gorge from Chasm View’s thrilling rocky edge.
• Drive to Gunnison East Portal for riverside views and picnic spots.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is located in western Colorado, near the city of Montrose. The park sits along the Gunnison River and features steep, dramatic cliffs. It has both a South Rim and a North Rim entrance.
You can’t drive through the entire canyon, but scenic drives are available along the South and North Rims. The South Rim Road offers multiple overlooks and is open to private vehicles. East Portal Road leads into the canyon but is steep and seasonal.
The Black Canyon was carved by the Gunnison River over millions of years. The river cut through hard volcanic rock, creating narrow, deep cliffs. Erosion and uplift shaped its dramatic landscape.
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
This tour has 17 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops, and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go!
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.
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.
No, the tour is one-way.
Yes, you can join along the route.
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.