モントローズ郡の峡谷・トップ8

Gunnison Point is a wonderful overlook situated just behind the South Rim Visitor Center. It offers incredible views of the Black Canyon.

A short and fairly easy hiking loop from the visitor center. There is definitely a couple of steep sections, though! This is why I recommend hiking CCW.

If you want to hike to the inner canyon you need a wilderness permit, which can be obtained at the North Rim Ranger Station, and the right gear to get down there. Microspikes are recommended during early spring, fall, and winter. Hiking poles can also be very useful. If you plan to camp at the river, don't forget your overnight gear. That being said, on the North Rim this is the 'easiest' inner canyon hike according to the NPS. This does not mean it is easy though. There are several ledges, lots of loose rocks, and steep terrain to conquer. Next to that, it is very common for there to be a lot of poison ivy on the trail. So dress and prepare accordingly. Talk to a ranger and do your own research before you venture out. The Pinyon Draw is a 1.75-mile hike (one way) with 1800 ft. of vertical drop. There are 2 miles of river access and six campsites. The descent should take you around 2 hours and the ascent about 3 hours. Info about wilderness permits: https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/innercanyon.htm Warner Point Orientation Video: https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=E07F5D13-305A-401F-825E-28271AB80E44

Exclamation Point is an incredible viewing point just off the North Vista Trail. This is the final destination for some hikers, but it is possible to continue toward Green Mountain to find a view from higher up.

Green Mountain is the only 'summit' hike in Black Canyon National Park which gives you a different perspective of the canyon than any other hike in the park. Views of the canyon are not as immersive as when you are up close but it does give you an opportunity to get a view of the entire park and canyon at once. On the way to Green Mountain, you'll pass Exclamation Point, which is a fantastic viewing point of the canyon up close.

The Visitor Center is open year-round, but be aware that the opening times can vary by season. As with most NPS Visitor Centers, you can expect rangers, exhibits, and a bookstore. The visitor center is located near multiple hiking trails, including Gunnison Route and Tomichi Route that require Wilderness Permits which are available in limited quantities here. There is also a self-registration kiosk for this purpose in case the Visitor Center is closed. Keep in mind that during the summer the parking lot might be full.

Gunnison Point is a wonderful overlook situated just behind the South Rim Visitor Center. It offers incredible views of the Black Canyon.

If you want to hike to the inner canyon you need a wilderness permit, which can be obtained at the South Rim Visit Center, and the right gear to get down there. Microspikes are recommended during early spring, fall, and winter. Hiking poles can also be very useful. If you plan to camp at the river, don't forget your overnight gear. That being said, this is the easiest of all the inner canyon hikes. This is the only hike that takes you to the canyon floor that offers a chain to help on steeper sections. That does not mean this is for everybody. It is still a very tough and strenuous hike/scramble. The Gunnison Route is 1.5 miles long with a vertical drop of 1800 ft. Expect a round trip to be between 3 and 4 hours. For campers, there are 0.75 miles of river access, three campsites, and an outhouse upstream. Before you venture out on an inner canyon hike/scramble you have to realize they all come with a risk. They are very strenuous, there could be poison ivy everywhere, there are very loose rocks, big ledges to climb down and up to, and routing is difficult. Talk to a ranger and do your own research before doing them. Info about Wilderness Permits: https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/innercanyon.htm