Tour stop
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour
About The Tour
***PARK ACCESS IMPACTED BY SOUTH RIM FIRE.***
Both the South Rim and East Portal areas were affected by recent fires, but have since reopened to visitors (weather permitting). Some trails and services may still be limited as crews continue repairs and the landscape begins to recover.
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.
• Take a scenic drive to the remote North Rim and experience the rim less traveled.
Both the South Rim and East Portal areas were affected by recent fires, but have since reopened to visitors (weather permitting). Some trails and services may still be limited as crews continue repairs and the landscape begins to recover.
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.
• Take a scenic drive to the remote North Rim and experience the rim less traveled.
About the tour
***PARK ACCESS IMPACTED BY SOUTH RIM FIRE.***
Both the South Rim and East Portal areas were affected by recent fires, but have since reopened to visitors (weather permitting). Some trails and services may still be limited as crews continue repairs and the landscape begins to recover.
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.
• Take a scenic drive to the remote North Rim and experience the rim less traveled.
Both the South Rim and East Portal areas were affected by recent fires, but have since reopened to visitors (weather permitting). Some trails and services may still be limited as crews continue repairs and the landscape begins to recover.
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.
• Take a scenic drive to the remote North Rim and experience the rim less traveled.
STARTING POINTS
-Montrose, just outside of town, heading east on US-50
-Cimmaron, about 5 minutes outside of town, heading west on US-50
RECOMMENDED START TIME: 8:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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1. Welcome to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour Preview
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2. Does Time Travel Void My Rental Warranty?
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3. That Son of a Gunnison
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4. A Trickle in the Dark
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07:19
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5. A Light from Above
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04:37
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour Map
Explore Tour Map
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Crystal Dam
Tour stop
East Portal Gunnison Tunnel
Tour stop
High Point
Tour stop
Warner Point
Tour stop
Warner Point Nature Trail
Tour stop
Sunset View
Tour stop
Dragon Point
Meet the Creators
Rachel Ennis
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour
Rachel Ennis
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Rayne Warne
Writer & Managing Editor
Favorite Quote:
"Stories are machines inhabited by a god." - Bonnie Friedman
Matt Caracciolo
Writer & Editor
Favorite Quote:
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." --J.R.R. Tolkien
Myra Morehart
Producer
Favorite Quote:
"The man who's too afraid to die is too afraid to live." - Clark Gable as Gay Langland in The Misfits.
Purchase Options
1.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour
$ 9.99
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts, and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride.
Important Update!
Hi Shaka Guiders!
Tomichi Point and Gunnison Point still give you Black Canyon’s dramatic depth and sweeping winter views. Allow about 1–3 hours for this shorter tour portion, including local driving, overlooks and the South Rim Visitor Center when access allows.
In winter, South Rim Drive closes beyond the visitor center, and East Portal Road and North Rim Road also close. The full driving itinerary and its farther overlooks cannot be followed by car. Longer skiing or snowshoe outings are separate plans requiring appropriate equipment and conditions.
Check official winter access guidance and current park conditions while planning and before departure. If the complete overlook drive is your goal, I recommend visiting in its open season.
Rachel
Black Canyon narrator & tour writer
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- More than a map and directions — your tour, fully guided
- Audio storytelling that plays as you drive
- Music and immersive sound to upgrade your drive
- Human-created, professionally narrated tours
- Pre-planned route with turn-by-turn directions
- Itinerary mapped out with must-see stops
- Expert travel tips
- Offline access – works without data or wifi
- Flexible, self-paced experience
- One purchase per vehicle (not per person)
- Lifetime access (tours never expire)
- Reliable customer support
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Meals
- Attraction admission or park entrance fees
- Parking fees
- Live tour guide or in-person services
- Trip planning or booking services
- Fully customizable navigation like Google or Apple Maps
- On-demand route planning or custom directions
- Open-ended navigation tools
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour go?
This tour visits both the North and South Rims of the canyon. This tour has 24 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!
2. What should I pack for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour?
Layered clothing
Bug Spray
Lots of Water
Long Pants (for inner canyon hikes)
Bug Spray
Lots of Water
Long Pants (for inner canyon hikes)
3. What should I budget for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour?
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.
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.
4. What are the park hours for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour?
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
The park itself is open 24 hours a day.
However, tour stops have seasonal hours of operation, with most of the canyon's roads closing in winter. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation, generally maintaining standard business hours.
Black Canyon General Store: Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The park itself is open 24 hours a day.
However, tour stops have seasonal hours of operation, with most of the canyon's roads closing in winter. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation, generally maintaining standard business hours.
5. Can I take the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour in the opposite direction?
No, the tour is one-way.
6. Can I join the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour along the route?
Yes, you can join along the route. You’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great time!
7. Are there vehicle restrictions in Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
Most park roads are accessible to passenger vehicles. However, vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited on East Portal Road, and large RVs or trailers are not recommended on the North Rim’s narrow gravel road. Seasonal snow closures also affect North Rim access.
8. How is Shaka Guide Different from Other Navigation Apps?
Shaka Guide isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s like having a local tour guide in your pocket.
As you walk, the app shares stories, history, local insights, and directions based on where you are. We’ve planned the route for you, but you can still explore at your own pace, pause the tour, skip stops, or spend more time wherever you like.
It’s not just about getting there—it’s about discovering the stories behind the places you’re visiting.
As you walk, the app shares stories, history, local insights, and directions based on where you are. We’ve planned the route for you, but you can still explore at your own pace, pause the tour, skip stops, or spend more time wherever you like.
It’s not just about getting there—it’s about discovering the stories behind the places you’re visiting.
9. Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
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:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.