Black Canyon South Rim Permit: Route and Dates
Black Canyon South Rim permits are booked by advance reservation in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The route covers 2.8 miles.
This guide covers the Black Canyon South Rim Wilderness permit.
$6 reservation fee + $4 per person
Permit Cost
1-3 nights
Duration
2.75 miles
Distance
2,722'
Elevation Gain
expert
Difficulty
About Black Canyon South Rim
One permit, one route, one entry date. Pick Gunnison or Warner, drop up to 2,722 feet of loose scree to the river, and camp at the bottom for up to three nights.
The Black Canyon South Rim route
- Distance
- 2.75 miles
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Elevation gain
- 2,722 ft
- High point
- 8,303 ft
- Low point
- 5,590 ft
- Trip length
- 1-3 nights
- Difficulty
- expert
Entry points: South Rim Visitor Center (Gunnison Route), High Point (Warner Route)
Western Colorado. Nearest town: Montrose
Points along the route
- South Rim Visitor Center8,150 ft
- Gunnison Route chain sectionMile 0.6, 7,314 ft
- Gunnison Route river campMile 1.5, 6,323 ft
- Warner Point trailhead8,276 ft
- Warner Route river campMile 2.75, 5,590 ft
- Tomichi Point8,247 ft
- Painted Wall
Black Canyon South Rim permit detailsandAll Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park permits
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Pro Tips
Do not print or download the permit until you are sure. Printing issues it, and after that no changes, cancellations or refunds are possible.
The Tomichi Route is closed to all use until further notice after the 2025 South Rim Fire. Gunnison and Warner remain open.
Turn around and look behind you on the way down. Rangers say memorizing trees and boulders is the difference between a clean exit and getting off route.
Winter permits are walk-up at the South Rim Visitor Center under the same daily quotas, which is the easiest way into this canyon.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Black Canyon South Rim permit?
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Black Canyon South Rim permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Black Canyon South Rim?
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May through October, which is the reservation season. Most South Rim routes are snow-covered from November to April, when permits switch to first-come first-served at the visitor center.
How long is the Black Canyon South Rim route?
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The route is 2.75 miles, as an out-and-back. Plan on 1-3 nights.
How difficult is the Black Canyon South Rim route?
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Scramblers comfortable on steep loose ground who can find their own way back up an unmarked gully.
Where does the Black Canyon South Rim route start?
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The permit covers 2 entry points: South Rim Visitor Center (Gunnison Route), High Point (Warner Route).
What gear do I need for the Black Canyon South Rim route?
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Essential gear includes: 4 liters of water per person per day, or a filter and the plan to reach the river, Gloves. The gullies are loose rock and you will use your hands, Boots with real tread for descending scree with a pack, WAG bag or another solid waste containment system, Headlamp, since these routes take longer than people expect.
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