Kneeling Camel Overlook

Q: Do I need to hike to get the view?

No. Per NPS, the overlook is adjacent to the parking area with very little walking required. Hiking is optional - the Deadhorse Trail trailhead is just east of the parking area if you want more.

Q: Is there a separate fee or permit for this overlook?

No separate fee or permit. Your park entrance pass covers it - $30 for a private vehicle (7-day pass), $15 per person on foot or bicycle, or the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass.

Q: Is it safe to bring young kids?

The access is easy - almost no walking - but this is a canyon-rim overlook, so gravity is the real hazard. Hold hands and keep kids back from the edge.

Q: Can I start a hike from here?

Yes. Park here to hike the Deadhorse Trail; the trailhead is just east of the parking area.

Q: Is this a good photo stop?

NPS lists the site as a Scenic View/Photo Spot, and the canyon view is only steps from the parking area - so yes, keep the camera out.

Type

Scenic Overlook

Accessibility

Drive-up view - the overlook is adjacent to the parking area and very little walking is required

Features

Rim-side view into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, reached with very little walking from the adjacent parking area; shared trailhead access for the Deadhorse Trail.

Overview

About This Attraction

From Kneeling Camel Overlook the Black Canyon of the Gunnison opens up almost the moment you leave your car - the overlook sits adjacent to its parking area, so the view costs you very little walking. That makes it one of the lowest-effort ways to put your eyes on the canyon in this park. It also pulls double duty as a trail access point: the Deadhorse Trail trailhead is just east of the parking area. Park once, look into the canyon, then decide whether the trail is calling.

Quick Facts

Type

Scenic Overlook

Access

Drive-up view - the overlook is adjacent to the parking area and very little walking is required

Main Features

Rim-side view into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, reached with very little walking from the adjacent parking area; shared trailhead access for the Deadhorse Trail.

What You'll See

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison from a rim overlook adjacent to the parking area. NPS lists the site as a Scenic View/Photo Spot and a Trailhead.

What Makes It Special

One of the easiest canyon views in the park to reach: the overlook is adjacent to its parking area and doubles as the parking spot for the Deadhorse Trail, whose trailhead is just east.

Safety Considerations

This is a canyon-rim overlook. Gravity is the hazard: stay back from the edge, keep children within arm's reach, and give wildlife room - NPS park guidance calls for 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from other wildlife.

Visitor Tips

The overlook is adjacent to the parking area - very little walking is required to see the canyon, so this is a low-effort stop.
Planning to hike? The Deadhorse Trail trailhead is just east of the parking area - park here for it.
NPS flags this spot as a Scenic View/Photo Spot, so keep the camera handy.
You are on a canyon rim: stay back from the edge and keep children and pets close.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Scenic Overlook

GPS: 38.56222152709961, -107.67749786376953

What Makes It Unique:

One of the easiest canyon views in the park to reach: the overlook is adjacent to its parking area and doubles as the parking spot for the Deadhorse Trail, whose trailhead is just east.

Geology

Formation Type: River-cut canyon (rim overlook)

Scientific Interest:

The overlook puts you at the rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, a river-carved canyon - a straightforward place to study canyon-wall exposure without committing to a hike.

Getting There

Directions:

The overlook sits at 38.56222152709961, -107.67749786376953 in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Park in the adjacent parking area; the overlook is right there, and the Deadhorse Trail trailhead is just east of the parking area.

Access Type: Drive-up view - the overlook is adjacent to the parking area and very little walking is required

Parking: Parking area directly adjacent to the overlook; lot capacity is not published by NPS. The lot also serves Deadhorse Trail hikers.

Entry Fees: No separate fee for the overlook. Park entrance fee applies: $30 private vehicle (7-day pass), $25 motorcycle, $15 per person on foot or bicycle. The $80 America the Beautiful annual pass also covers entry.

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Deadhorse Trail - the trailhead is just east of the parking area; park at the overlook to hike it.

Connecting Trails:

Deadhorse Trail - its trailhead is just east of the overlook parking area.

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

The overlook itself - it sits adjacent to the parking area, so the primary canyon view is only steps from where you park.

Photo Opportunities:

NPS designates this site as a Scenic View/Photo Spot. Compose from the overlook adjacent to the parking area for the canyon view.

Best Photo Spots:

The overlook adjacent to the parking area is the designated Scenic View/Photo Spot for the canyon view.

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Other named overlooks in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park include Balanced Rock Overlook, Chasm View Overlook, Painted Wall Overlook, and the Narrows Overlook.

Insider Tips

This is a two-for-one stop: canyon view at the overlook plus the Deadhorse Trail trailhead just east of the parking area.
Very little walking is required to see the canyon, so it works even if your group is short on time or energy.
Bring binoculars for scanning the canyon walls from the rim - and stay back from the edge while you do.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

The overlook is adjacent to the parking area and very little walking is required to see the canyon. Surface type and grade are not published by NPS.

Family Friendly:

The short, nearly walk-free access makes this an easy stop with kids - but it is a canyon rim, so hold hands and keep everyone back from the edge.

Nearby Facilities:

The parking area adjacent to the overlook also serves the Deadhorse Trail trailhead, just east of the lot. No other on-site facilities are listed by NPS.

FAQs

Is Kneeling Camel Overlook worth stopping for if I'm short on time?

Yes - the overlook is adjacent to the parking area and very little walking is required to see the canyon, so the time cost is essentially just the parking stop.

Do I need to hike to get the view?

Is there a separate fee or permit for this overlook?

Is it safe to bring young kids?

Can I start a hike from here?

Is this a good photo stop?