Depends on the road's status. When it's groomed as a ski trail, dogs are not permitted on South Rim Drive. In winter road status, leashed dogs are allowed but must stay on the road, and you must pick up after them.

South Rim Ski Trail - XC Skiing

Q: Can I rent skis or snowshoes at the park?

No. Rentals are not available in the park, full stop. Bring your own equipment or rent from a shop before you arrive.

Q: Do I need to be an expert skier?

No. The trail is a groomed road with mild slopes, tracked for both classic and skate technique. Basic ability helps because surfaces can be icy and uneven, and it's out-and-back — you turn around whenever you want, so you're never committed to the full 6 miles.

Q: Does it cost anything or do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required and no fees apply to the activity itself. You'll pay the standard park entrance fee — $30 per private vehicle for a 7-day pass, or $15 per person on foot or bike.

Q: How long is the trail and where do I park?

The groomed section runs 6 miles (4 km) one-way from where South Rim Drive closes beyond Gunnison Point, and it reaches overlooks you can't drive to in winter. Park at the South Rim Visitor Center.

Q: Is this suitable for someone in a wheelchair?

No — the park states the ski areas may be icy, uneven, and have a mild slope, and they are not wheelchair-accessible. Service animals are permitted on South Rim Drive.

Type

Cross-Country Skiing

Season

Winter, when snow conditions allow grooming.

Group Size

Self-guided — go alone or bring your own group. No organized departures.

Overview

About This Activity

When the snow shows up and the rangers have the staff, they groom the closed South Rim Drive into a 6-mile (one-way) skate-and-classic ski trail past overlooks you can't drive to in winter. It's free once you've paid park entrance, quiet, and genuinely scenic — skiers who catch it groomed tend to have the rim nearly to themselves. The catch: grooming happens only as staffing and snow conditions allow, and there are no rentals in the park, so bring your own gear and check current conditions before you commit to the drive.

Highlights

Book If / Skip If

BOOK IF: You own (or can rent outside the park) XC skis or snowshoes and want a free, groomed, low-crowd winter tour of the South Rim. SKIP IF: You need rentals on site, a guide, or a guaranteed trail — grooming depends on staffing and snow, and nothing is rented in the park.

What Makes It Unique

A ranger-groomed skate-and-classic trail on a closed park road — winter access to South Rim overlooks that vehicles can't reach, for the cost of park entrance.

The White Glove Test

There's no service to test — this is the Park Service grooming a road, not an outfitter fitting you for boots. What you can judge is the grooming itself: when the road is in ski trail status, rangers set it up for both skate and classic technique. When it's in winter road status, you get an ungroomed snowy road shared with walkers and bicycles. The 'service' is a webpage: the current conditions page tells you which version you're getting.

The Equipment Check

You're the equipment department. Rentals are not available in the park, so whatever skis or snowshoes you own are what you'll use. The trail accommodates both skate and classic setups when groomed. Given the icy, uneven patches the park warns about, gear with decent edges and fresh wax will earn its keep.

The Smart Move

Check the park's current conditions page for snow and grooming updates the morning you plan to go — the trail only exists in 'ski trail status.' Bring your own gear from a rental shop outside the park if you don't own any, since nothing is rented inside. There's nothing to book, no deposit, no cancellation fee: the only cost of a bad call is the drive.

Best Time to Visit

Winter, whenever the road is in ski trail status. Grooming happens only as staffing and snow conditions allow, so check the park's current conditions page for snow and grooming updates before you drive out.

Activity Tips

Check the park's current conditions page for snow and grooming status before you leave — the trail only exists when rangers have groomed it.
Bring your own skis. Rentals are not available in the park.
Expect icy, uneven surfaces with mild slopes — wax and edge accordingly.
Leave the dog home if the road is in ski trail status; dogs are not permitted on the groomed trail.
Winter services in the park are limited — fuel up and stock up before you arrive.

Unique Discoveries

Details

Activity Details

Type: Cross-Country Skiing

Options: South Rim Ski and Snowshoe Trail: the groomed South Rim Drive beyond Gunnison Point, 6 miles (4 km) one-way, tracked for both skate and classic skiing; snowshoeing is also permitted.

Locations: The groomed section of South Rim Drive beyond Gunnison Point, giving winter access to overlooks along the rim that are otherwise closed to vehicles. Tomichi Point and Gunnison Point overlooks remain open near the trailhead.

Requirements

Skill Levels:

Fitness Level: Moderate — you're propelling yourself up to 12 miles round trip at elevation if you go to the end. Shorter out-and-backs work fine for casual skiers.

What to Wear: Winter layers appropriate for cross-country skiing; no formal requirements stated.

Equipment & Rentals

What's Provided:

A groomed trail when staffing and snow conditions allow — that's it. No equipment is provided and no rentals exist in the park.

What to Bring:

Your own cross-country skis (skate or classic) or snowshoes — rentals are not available in the park. Winter layers, water, and traction sense for icy, uneven stretches.

FAQs

Is it worth the drive if I'm not sure the trail is groomed?

Don't gamble — check the park's current conditions page for snow and grooming updates before you leave. The road is either in 'ski trail status' (groomed for skiing and snowshoeing) or 'winter road status' (ungroomed, open to leashed pets, walking, and bicycles). If it's not groomed, you can still walk or snowshoe the road, so the trip isn't a total loss.

Can I rent skis or snowshoes at the park?

Do I need to be an expert skier?

Does it cost anything or do I need a reservation?

Can I bring my dog?

How long is the trail and where do I park?

Is this suitable for someone in a wheelchair?

📖 National Park Service — Cross-country Skiing at Black Canyon (official page) (checked 2026-07-12) 📖 National Park Service — Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📖 Climate data: Black Canyon Of The Gunnison, Co Us, 8,150 ft (NOAA 1991-2020 normals, station USC00050754) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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