Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
5.0 / 5 · 1 traveler reviews
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*
Your experience
Stop 1
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.
Stop 2
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!
Stop 3
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
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
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.
Stop 6
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!
Stop 7
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
Stop 8
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
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
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
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.
Stop 12
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.
What’s included
- Tours NEVER expire
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Not included
- Private transportation
- Meals & Refreshments
Meeting and pickup
The meeting point is just outside of town, heading east on US-50
Before you go
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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