Directions:

The trailhead for Warner Point Nature Trail can be found at the western end of the South Rim park road. If you arrive at the park in the morning and want the trail to yourself, you may want to head straight for the trail and work your way back to the visitor center visiting the overlooks. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead.

Hike Description:

The Warner Point Nature Trail is a must do when visiting the South Rim. The trail sees fewer visitors than the loops near the visitor center and provides a stunning view of the Canyon as well as the San Juan Mountains to the south. The hike is relatively easy, though more than just a stroll. The view at Warner Point is tremendous but is mainly focused on the northern terminus of Black Canyon. To see the iconic features of black canyon, such as the painted wall, you need to hike other trails or visit the overlooks.

From the Trailhead, start hiking through sage brush forests. The first attraction that you encounter are the magnificent views to the south of the Sneffels Range and the Cimarron Range. This may be the best view in the park that is not focused on the Canyon itself. Continue down the trail as it descends to a saddle and the views to the east of Black Canyon come into focus. Climb up and down another hill to another saddle, and…one more time, up and down a hill to Warner Point. As you go the Canyon views get better and better until at Warner Point the expansiveness of Black Canyon is fully realized.

Look north to see where Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park becomes Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (BLM). Look to the east to see the deep dark recesses of Black Canyon with the West Elk Mountains rising on the Horizon. Any way you look you are in for a treat. When you are ready, head back along the same route…up, down, up, down, up.

Note: Just before Warner Point, you will see a trail split with a Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness Area sign. Do not go this way unless you are prepared for a difficult inner-canyon experience. If you weren’t plan on it, don’t explore it, you may get in over your head.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is truly one of my favorite National Parks and this hike is a stark reminder of why, from the dark depths, to the snowy peaks, this park highlights the area in a unique way.