🏔 Wilderness
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Backcountry
About This Permit
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the steepest, darkest gorges in North America — 2,700 feet deep with walls closing to 40 feet wide in places. Inner canyon backcountry permits are required and quota is extremely limited. All descents are technical scrambles (no maintained trails), making this one of the most adventurous permits in the national park system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the inner canyon routes technical?
Yes — all descent routes involve steep, loose scrambling with no maintained trails, and most require a rope for at least one section. Routes are rated Class 4–5. Rangers strongly recommend prior experience with technical terrain. The permit briefing includes mandatory safety information.
How do I get a Black Canyon inner canyon permit?
Permits are available on recreation.gov and at the South Rim Visitor Center. Advance reservations are recommended for spring and fall. Walk-up permits are sometimes available at the visitor center the morning of your descent.
Where do you camp in the inner canyon?
Designated zones along the Gunnison River — no facilities, no maintained trails, no reliable water other than the river (treat all water). Camping in the canyon bottom is a genuine wilderness experience with genuinely serious access.
Key Facts
- State
- CO
- Season
- Year-round; inner canyon most accessible April – October
- Quota
- 6 inner canyon camping zones; 1–2 parties per zone per night
- Trailhead
- South Rim Visitor Center; North Rim (gated road in winter)
- Entry Point
- Inner canyon via technical descent routes (Warner, Tomichi, or SOB)
- Difficulty
- 3/5(Competitive)
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