Gunnison Point Overlook

From Gunnison Point you look straight into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the river-cut gorge that gives the park its name. The overlook sits beside the South Rim Visitor Center, and a short walk on an unpaved trail brings you to the viewing area. Two trails start here: the Rim Rock Trail toward South Rim Campground and the Oak Flat Trail, which loops below the canyon rim for a different angle on the walls.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 38.5553698629405, -107.688203710802
Accessibility: The final approach to the overlook is a short walk on an unpaved trail from the South Rim Visitor Center, so expect a natural-surface path rather than pavement.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Other South Rim overlooks in the park include Pulpit Rock Overlook, Chasm View Overlook, Painted Wall Overlook, Cedar Point Overlook, and Sunset View Overlook at Black Canyon.
Nearby Facilities: South Rim Visitor Center at the overlook; vault/composting toilet on site; South Rim Campground via the Rim Rock Trail.
Best Time To Visit: The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, so you can time this overlook for the light you want; pairing the view with a visitor center stop is easiest during center hours.
Tips Advice: Start at the South Rim Visitor Center, which sits right at Gunnison Point; the overlook is a short walk on an unpaved trail.
Watch your footing on the unpaved approach and stay back from the rim edge.
Use the two on-site trailheads: Rim Rock Trail heads to South Rim Campground, and Oak Flat Trail loops below the canyon rim.
Give wildlife room: at least 25 yards from most animals and 100 yards from bears.
Insider Tips: Treat Gunnison Point as your orientation stop: the visitor center is right here, so get trail and road conditions before exploring farther along the rim.
If the rim-top view leaves you wanting more, the Oak Flat Trail from this point loops below the canyon rim.
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, so you can return after dark for night skies.

More details

Park Area: South Rim
Family Friendly Notes: The short walk from the visitor center makes this an easy first canyon view with kids, but the rim has serious drop-offs, so hold hands near edges and keep everyone on the trail.
Attraction Type: Canyon Overlook
Elevation Feet: 0
Accessibility Level: Short walk on an unpaved trail
How To Get There: Gunnison Point is at the South Rim Visitor Center in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. From the visitor center, a short walk on an unpaved trail takes you to the overlooks.
Seasonal Access: The South Rim is open 24 hours a day.
Entry Fees: Park entrance fee applies: $30.00 per private vehicle (7-day pass), $25.00 per motorcycle, or $15.00 per person on foot or bicycle. The $80 America the Beautiful annual pass also covers entry.
Main Features: A canyon-rim viewpoint into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, reached by a short unpaved walk from the South Rim Visitor Center, with two trailheads (Rim Rock and Oak Flat) on site.
What Youll See: The walls of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison from the South Rim; hiking the Oak Flat Trail from this point takes you on a loop below the canyon rim for a closer look at the upper canyon.
Unique Characteristics: It is the overlook at the South Rim Visitor Center, making it the natural first look into the canyon for South Rim visitors, and one of the few points here with a trail (Oak Flat) dropping below the rim.
Safety Considerations: Gravity is the hazard here: you are on the rim of a deep river-cut canyon, so stay back from edges and keep children close. The walk to the overlook is on an unpaved trail, so expect uneven footing. Keep at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from other wildlife.
Best Viewpoints: The overlooks a short walk from the South Rim Visitor Center; for a below-the-rim perspective, the Oak Flat Trail loop starts here.
Photo Opportunities: This is a designated scenic view and photo spot. Shoot from the overlook at the end of the short unpaved trail; the Oak Flat Trail loop offers below-the-rim compositions.
Photography Spots: The rim overlooks a short walk from the South Rim Visitor Center; the Oak Flat Trail loop adds below-the-rim angles on the canyon walls.
Stargazing Quality: The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, so night access is possible; the park offers stargazing programs (see Stargazing at Black Canyon).
Visitor Center Present: 1
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault/Composting
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Rim Rock Trail (heads to South Rim Campground) and Oak Flat Trail (a loop below the canyon rim) both start at Gunnison Point.
Connecting Trails: Rim Rock Trail connects Gunnison Point to South Rim Campground; Oak Flat Trail makes a loop below the canyon rim from the same point.
Nearby Services: The South Rim Visitor Center is at Gunnison Point, with a vault/composting toilet on site; South Rim Campground is reachable via the Rim Rock Trail.
Geological Formation Type: River-cut canyon (rim overlook)
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Visitors generally treat Gunnison Point as the canyon's front door: it pairs the first big view with the South Rim Visitor Center. The short unpaved walk surprises some who expect a drive-up view, but most find it a quick, worthwhile stop.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is Gunnison Point worth stopping at, or should I drive straight to other overlooks?

Stop here first. The South Rim Visitor Center is at Gunnison Point, so you get your first canyon view and current park information in one stop before heading to other overlooks like Painted Wall or Chasm View.

Can I drive right up to the view?

Not quite. The overlook is a short walk from the South Rim Visitor Center on an unpaved trail, so plan on a brief walk over natural surface rather than a drive-up view.

Do I need a permit or special ticket to visit?

No permit is needed for the overlook itself; the standard park entrance fee applies, which is $30.00 per private vehicle for a 7-day pass, $25.00 per motorcycle, or $15.00 per person on foot or bicycle.

Are there restrooms at Gunnison Point?

Yes, there is a vault/composting toilet at the site, and the South Rim Visitor Center is right here as well.

Can I hike from Gunnison Point?

Yes. Two trails start here: the Rim Rock Trail, which heads to South Rim Campground, and the Oak Flat Trail, which takes you on a loop below the canyon rim.

Is it safe to bring young kids?

Yes, with supervision. The walk from the visitor center is short, but this is a canyon rim with major drop-offs, so keep children close and stay on the unpaved trail.

Can I visit at night for stars?

Yes. The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, and the park offers stargazing activities, so returning to Gunnison Point after dark is an option.