Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

5.0 (one review) 6–7 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

one review

5.0

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience the jaw-dropping cliffs and narrow canyons of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park with this self-guided audio driving tour. A friendly narrator shares stories of daring explorers, canyon geology, and wildlife — all while you drive and listen.

Along the North Rim Scenic Drive, you'll stop at iconic viewpoints like Gunnison Point, Painted Wall View, Chasm View, and Dragon Point, or stretch your legs on the Rim Rock Trail and Warner Point Nature Trail. For a different perspective, descend the dramatic East Portal Road to the river’s edge.

With turn-by-turn directions and engaging stories you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace—without missing a thing. Perfect for road trippers, families, or anyone seeking an immersive national park adventure.

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

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At a glance

Duration: 6–7 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Operated by: Shaka Guide Apps

What is included

Included

Included: Tours NEVER expire
Included: Freedom to explore at your own pace
Included: Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
Included: Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Included: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Included: Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Not included

Not included: Private transportation
Not included: Meals & Refreshments

Itinerary

Stop 1

20 min

Postcards? Check. Fossils? Check. Firewood? Check. This small, locally owned store has it all. But most importantly, don't forget to check out the attache dbuilding to view some stunning local photography.
Rim Rock Trail

one hour

Rim Rock Trail i a relaxingl 1.7-mile out-and-back trail with jaw-dropping views of the canyon and the river way below. It’s an easy hike, so you can enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat. In the warmer mpnths, keep an eye out for wildlife and wildflowers along the way—nature’s little surprises!
Tomichi Point

10 min

Tomichi Point is the perfect introduction to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, offering panoramic views right from the park’s entrance. Unlike some other viewpoints, it’s easily accessible and provides a sweeping perspective of the canyon’s dramatic depths without having to hike or walk.
Stop 4

20 min

The South Rim Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for your Black Canyon adventure, offering stunning canyon views right from its deck. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on the park’s geology, wildlife, and history, along with helpful rangers ready to answer questions and share trail tips.
Stop 5

10 min

Gunnison Point Trail is a short, 0.2-mile paved path leading to one of the park’s most iconic overlooks, right near the visitor center. With its easy access and stunning views of the sheer canyon walls plunging into the Gunnison River, it’s perfect for all visitors, including those looking for a quick, family-friendly adventure.
Gunnison Point

10 min

Gunnison Point is just a short, flat walk behind the visitor center, and trust me - that heart-dropping, stomach-churning view straight down into the depths is unmissable. If you don’t do anything else here, do this!
Oak Flat Trail

2 hours

This moderate 2-mile trail is a great trail for those looking to spend some extra time on and just below the rim. The trail winds through Gambel Oak forest that opens to sweeping canyon vistas
Pulpit Rock Overlook

10 min

Pulpit Rock Overlook offers a dramatic vantage point where the canyon’s steep, rugged cliffs frame the Gunnison River far below. With its easy accessibility and breathtaking perspective, it’s a must-stop for capturing the raw power and beauty of Black Canyon’s unique geology.
Stop 9

10 min

Cross fissures are vertical cracks and fractures found in hard, brittle rock, and formed under intense pressure, such as during the Laramide Orogeny. It’s a quick and accessible stop that offers a unique perspective on the geological drama of Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Stop 10

10 min

Rock Point Trail, which has a roundtrip distance of just over a quarter mile to a canyon jut out overlooking “The Narrows.” The corridor here is the tightest in the canyon– with the walls only 40 feet apart at their base!
Stop 11

10 min

Devil’s Lookout Trail, a half-mile roundtrip that offers unbeatable views directly down to the river. It’s also the location to see a natural phenomena that’s so rare, it goes completely unnoticed by most visitors–the Dragon’s Tongue.
Chasm View Trail

10 min

The Chasm View Overlook starts with a quick stroll through the pinyon-juniper forest, but when you reach the end, you’re rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in the canyon. This overlook sits right at the edge of the steepest, narrowest part of the Black Canyon, where the cliffs drop a dizzying 1,820 feet down to the Gunnison River, separated by a mere 1,100 feet between each wall.
Painted Wall

10 min

The Painted Wall Viewpoint offers a jaw-dropping look at the tallest cliff in Colorado, rising 2,250 feet above the Gunnison River. Its stunning dark rock face is streaked with pale, pinkish pegmatite bands, that create a kind of “painterly” effect.
Stop 14

10 min

The Cedar Point Trail is a moderate, short hike—just under half a mile round trip—that will take you to two beautiful canyon overlooks. The overlooks feature incredible views of the canyon and the Gunnison River winding far below, along with fascinating glimpses of the rugged Cedar Cliffs.
Stop 15

10 min

The walk to the Dragon Point Overlook is just a third of a mile roundtrip, and it’s a great place for seeing pegmatite and for watching the sunset.
Stop 16

10 min

The westernmost viewpoiint on the South Rim, this spot lives up to its name, offering a great view of the sunset over the canyon.
Stop 17

10 min

High Point is the highest overlook on the South Rim, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the distant San Juan Mountains. It’s the perfect spot to begin wrapping up your Black Canyon adventure, with a nearby picnic area to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Stop 18

Passing by

The Warner Point Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile, moderately difficult round-trip hike that offers breathtaking views of Black Canyon, the Gunnison River, and the surrounding valleys. This trail winds through pygmy pinyon-juniper forests, with interpretive signs along the way highlighting the area’s unique plants, animals, and geology. Pro-tip: This trail is pretty exposed, so you might want to head out in the morning or afternoon.
Warner Point

10 min

Warner Point offers a spectacular vantage point at the edge of Black Canyon, showcasing jaw-dropping views of the Gunnison River and the sprawling valleys beyond. It’s the grand finale of the Warner Point Nature Trail, rewarding hikers with some of the park’s most stunning scenery.
Stop 20

one hour

East Portal Drive is a steep, winding road that takes you right down to the Gunnison River, offering a close-up look at the canyon’s towering walls and lush riverside. At the bottom, you’ll find the historic Gunnison Tunnel, an engineering marvel from 1909 that diverts river water to the Uncompahgre Valley—a testament to human ingenuity in this rugged landscape.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The meeting point is just outside of town, heading east on US-50

End point

Black Canyon Corner Store is at the Junction of US-50 and 347.

Using your ticket

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Thank you for purchasing the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Tour.

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

1. Download the Shaka Guide App in the App Store or Google Play Store (or use the link at the bottom of this email)

2. Open the app and sign in/create your account

3. Go to Support → Retrieve Purchases

4. Tap on Redeem Purchases

5. Enter your Redeem Code (10-digit booking reference number on your ticket located under the barcode)

6. Tap on Redeem Purchases

7. Download your tour(s)

Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.

For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

Should you need further assistance or have other questions, email us at [email protected] or call (808) 201-8138

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Additional Starting Point: Cimmaron - About 5 minutes outside of town, heading west on US-50
Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
Tour covers both South and North Rims — visit one or both
South Rim: ~5 hours, 17 stops; starts from Montrose or Cimarron
North Rim: ~3 hours, 9 stops; starts from Black Canyon Road, south of Crawford
Entry fee: refer to NPS website for current rates; wilderness hikes require a permit — reserve in advance or get one onsite
Best visited late spring through early fall — roads close in winter
Elevation exceeds 8,000 feet — bring plenty of water
Wear layers and long pants — temperatures vary and poison ivy is common
Bring bug spray