Discover Black Canyon’s wonders on a self-guided audio tour. Explore Gunnison Point, Chasm View, and more. Perfect for multiple trips!
- Dragon Point - Are you wondering where this spot gets its fearsome name? Well, some say the pegmatite on this part of the Painted Wall looks like a dragon!
Note: This 13-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in 3-4 hours.
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Entrance Station - The park’s Entrance Station is just ahead. Once you’re through, continue driving straight along the Rim Drive.
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Tomichi Point - Once you’ve parked, walk over to the overlook and enjoy the view. Listen to the stories in the Learn More to hear more about the view you’re seeing and how it came to be.
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Pulpit Rock Overlook - Into the parking area ahead and follow the trail to the overlook. This easy trail takes only two minutes and offers a great view of the Gunnison River.
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Warner Point Nature Trail - At over 8,000 feet high, it’s the highest elevation on the park’s south rim. So get those cameras ready!
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Gunnison River - The story of this canyon’s formation doesn’t end with the Laramide Orogeny. The next part of the tale is one of fire and water. First, the fire:
About 30 million years ago, huge volcanoes erupted on either side of the cracked earth. The same tectonic pressure that had cracked the surface caused all that volcanic chaos. The ash and lava blanketed this region and filled in the crack.
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Cross Fissures View - This half-mile loop is directly across from the infamous Narrows that spelled the end for Kolb and Pelton and many others. Be sure to make the easy 15-minute over to the edge if you want to see the spot where they met with disaster.
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South Rim Visitor Center - Our next story is actually behind the Visitor Center. When you’re ready, exit the car and walk through the building.
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Gunnison River Expeditions/ North Rim Hunt Club - Gunnison and his troops came here to secure a railroad route in the 1850s. Everything was going swimmingly—until Gunnison got to the canyon we’ll soon see.
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Devils Lookout - This easy, half-mile trail ends at an overlook straight over the raging whitewater of the Gunnison.
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Chasm View Trail - Here, we can access two vistas. The first is right next to the turnout: Chasm View. The trail to Chasm View is only a couple hundred feet, but it’s steep! I’d definitely recommend trying it. It’s also a great spot for watching rock climbers hang on the north wall of the canyon.
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Painted Wall - Igneous intrusions happen when hot magma is injected into rock, but doesn’t form enough pressure to burst out. Instead, it gets stuck in the crevices and hardens. These intrusions formed over a billion years ago.
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Cedar Point - The trail to this overlook is an easy one - is just under half a mile and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of Gambel oaks, which hang out on the canyon rim. It’s also a great place to spot wildflowers in the spring! If you decide to visit, keep an eye out for those lignotubers I mentioned earlier.
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Sunset View - Sunset View is just ahead. Turn into the parking lot on our right and follow the very short path to the overlook. This is a must-see, even if it’s not sunset time yet!
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Marvel at the awe-inspiring depths of Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado with this self-guided driving tour. This drive features stunning views along the canyon’s south rim, from Gunnison Point to Chasm View and the breathtaking Painted Wall. Along the way, you’ll discover how the canyon formed and hear dramatic tales of those who have tried and failed to navigate its tumultuous waters over the years.
Purchase one tour per car, not per person.
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.
New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
- Please be advised that the remaining hours of this tour will be dedicated to travel time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
