Riverwood Resort on the Gunnison is blessed with being equidistant to the North and South Rims of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (BCGNP). So, which one do you choose and what do you do? Here are recommendations from our Director of Guest Experiences (aka Resident Explorer).
To know precisely where our recommended activities are located and how to get there, access our Caltopo map here.
Two Entrances
The North Rim is NPS Wilderness – no cell phone towers (or service), few toilets and a nice sense of isolation. The draws (steep hikes to the Gunnison River) have far less scree (loose rock) and generally much steeper. In hiking parlance, the trails are Class III, which means that most people require hands to stabilize and make forward progress. For people who like scrambling, it’s easy to find Class IV & V. The rock quality is excellent in the canyon, though if you ascend out of the canyon towards the top, the rock gets chossy. If you don’t take pictures (mental or digital) of your descent, it’s not too difficult to get off trail and into these more technical areas. Ultimately, there’s only one straightforward way out . The NPS does a good job of extolling the challenges of these hikes. If you are not familiar with this terminology, then you should at least be in good shape and well prepared before attempting these hikes. “This is Colorado. Overconfident tourists die here all the time.”
Choose your own adventure
The opportunities within the BCGNP run the gamut of how our native people enjoyed the land and include hunting[find links], fishing, rock climbing, Nordic skiing. Of course, our indigenous people didn’t have “hikes” because walking was a fact of life, but there are so many hikes that run the gamut from leisurely to the draws that take you from the top of the canyon down to the Gunnison River.
Hikes in the North Rim of the BCGNP
The hikes can be separated into Class I hikes that keep you high on the rim, and Class III terrain that involves some scrambling as you descend to the Gunnison River.
If a leisurely stroll for some great views sounds appealing, then Chasm View Trail will serve you well. If you’re looking for a bit more commitment, then the Green Mountain Summit will take you up to 8564 ft. These are scenic, remote hikes where you maximize your probabilities for wildlife sightings. The difficulty of the Green Mountain hike increases significantly in Summer given the exposure to sun and heat.
My favorite BCOTG hike — and one of my all-time favorites — is Pinon Draw (f/k/a SOB Draw). I estimate that 1/3rd of the hike is Class III on large, stable boulders. The rest is steep dirt and rock with very little unstable scree. It’s 1900’ of vertical over 1 mile, which is an average grade of 38 degrees. The approach from the road to the top of the rim is 0.7 miles.
Navigation is straightforward. On the descent, you can hear the Gunnison River the entire time. The ascent is just slightly trickier because there are several other draws that fan out and ultimately lead to Class V terrain. This is a manageable risk, since you can turn around and find the correct path if you are uncomfortable. It may be nice to know that you have options. Because of the draw’s narrowness, you’re in the sun for < half the time and the river provides a nice cooling effect. Nonetheless, bring extra food and water because it’s a long way back up. I’m old and not in the best shape, so it takes me 2 hours round trip, but it could easily take 4 hours if scrambling and wayfinding skills are not strong, or you’re not trained for the mountains. Plan for six hours to be safe. Also, the campsites and baths once you hit the Gunnison are legendary, so allocate some time for exploration on the river as well.
Long Draw is equally fun. The main disadvantage is that NPS says there is a Class III area that has 10’ of near vertical climbing. I didn’t notice this on my only trip down, but it probably exists to some. The advantages are its narrowness: it’s almost impossible to unintentionally get off course and it’s more shaded than Pinon Draw.
Hikes in the South Rim of the BCGNP
If you don’t value steep hiking or remoteness, then South Rim might be more appealing. The visitor center is useful for those who don’t come with an itinerary. AllTrails also has great descriptions of your options.
The only draw I’ve tried is the Warner Route. It’s less steep than the North Rim hikes previously mentioned. I find it inferior because it has a lot of scree and loose rock. I hear the other South Rim draws are similar.
If you’re interested in a less-committing way to reach the Gunnison River, then consider the Gunnison Gorge hikes for a flatter approach. They’re less than 20 minutes from Riverwood Resort on the Gunnison! Note that you need a high-clearance vehicle and some beginner offroad driving skills to access some of these trailheads. With a Subaru, you can get close.
Packing List
Plan for water sufficient for 6 hours (or 4 hours if you will filter at the River) given the forecasted temperature. SOB Draw does get significant sun for ~3 hours per day. You start at 7757 feet, so it will be cool in the early hours, and the river is a great air conditioner as you approach the bottom.
Since the Rim is far below treeline, the typical 14er packing list for surprise weather is not required. Morning weather forecasts should be quite accurate.
Wag bag (aka blue bag). Not only is this an NPS rule, these are narrow canyons. It would be awful if people did not respect this rule and take their solid waste out.
As a former Boy Scout and current gear head, I like to Be Prepared. Some items worthy of taking (though not required) that you might not take on traditional hikes:
Low cut approach shoes (vs. hiking boots) afford better traction and more mobility on steep rock. They’re not essential and more a matter of preference.
Gloves. soft manicured hands might appreciate them to grab onto rocks and branches
Ace bandages. When I first started training in the mountains, my knees lacked conditioning and would thus start to hurt from the omnidirectional pressure of steep hikes. If this is a risk for you, the bandages will reduce pain, swelling and provide your knees a nice bounce at the bottom of movements.
Navigation devices like a watch or phone are highly inaccurate inside the canyon given its narrowness. The canyon distorts the GPS signal. They are, of course, useful in locating the entrance.
On this Riverwood Caltopo Map, you can see the precise trailheads and approaches for the hikes mentioned here. Because GPS doesn’t work in the narrow canyons, I’ve hand drawn the approximate route.
Disclaimer: The trail recommendations provided are for general informational purposes only. Riverwood Resort makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, safety, or current conditions of the trails described. Some trails may be technical and require advanced skills or equipment. Hikers assume full responsibility for their own safety and well-being. Riverwood Resort is not liable for any injuries, losses, or damages that may result from reliance on this information or from engaging in any hiking activities. Always exercise caution and use personal judgment when exploring the Outdoors.
