Gunnison Point

The short trail from the South Rim Visitor Center leads to Gunnison Point, where a railed overlook opens onto the gorge. The walls plunge steeply toward the Gunnison River far below, and the dark, shadowed depths convey at once why this is called the Black Canyon.

It is an ideal orientation stop: convenient, dramatic, and paired with the visitor center's exhibits, which explain the canyon's remarkable geology and human history. From here you can decide which of the other South Rim overlooks and trails to explore next.

Gunnison Point works well as the starting point for a South Rim visit. After taking in the view, browse the visitor center, check current road and trail conditions, and ask rangers about programs and the inner-canyon routes if you are interested in a deeper adventure.

As at every overlook here, the edges are sheer and some are unfenced, so stay well back from the rim and keep children close. The South Rim Drive and its overlooks are generally open spring through fall, closing with winter snow, so it is worth confirming current conditions before your trip.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Gunnison Point is a scenic overlook in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, reached by a short walk from the South Rim Visitor Center. It offers the classic first view of the canyon: a railed vantage above the sheer, shadowy gorge, where the dark walls drop away to the Gunnison River far below. Because it sits right at the visitor center, it is the natural place to begin a visit, letting you take in the canyon's depth and steepness and then explore the exhibits and talk with rangers to plan the rest of your day. For many visitors, this first look down into the canyon is the moment the scale of the place truly registers.

Gunnison Point is located at the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, near Montrose, Colorado, just a short walk from the South Rim Visitor Center. This makes it one of the easiest overlooks to reach in the park and a natural first stop. From the visitor center, a brief trail leads out to the railed overlook above the gorge. Because of its location, it pairs perfectly with the visitor center's exhibits and ranger information, so you can enjoy the view and then get oriented for the rest of your visit. The South Rim, including Gunnison Point, is generally accessible from spring through fall, with winter snow closing the South Rim Drive.

Yes, Gunnison Point is an ideal first stop in Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Its location right beside the South Rim Visitor Center makes it convenient, and the short walk to the railed overlook rewards you with a dramatic first view down into the gorge, which helps you grasp the canyon's remarkable depth and steepness. Starting here also lets you take advantage of the visitor center's exhibits, maps, and rangers, so you can learn about the canyon and plan which other overlooks and trails to visit along the South Rim Drive. Beginning your visit at Gunnison Point, then working your way along the rim to viewpoints like Chasm View and the Painted Wall, is a great way to experience the park.

Near Gunnison Point, at the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, there is plenty to do. Right beside the overlook is the South Rim Visitor Center, with exhibits on the canyon's geology, ecology, and history, plus rangers who can answer questions and describe programs. From here, the South Rim Drive leads to a series of other overlooks, each offering a different perspective into the gorge, including Chasm View and the Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado. Short rim trails and, for the adventurous and well-prepared, steep inner-canyon routes are also accessible from the South Rim. Gunnison Point is the perfect base from which to explore the rest of the park's rim.