High Point Overlook

From the end of the South Rim Drive, High Point Overlook hands you a rim-country vantage where the Black Canyon's dark Precambrian walls drop toward the Gunnison River. This is the last overlook on the drive and the trailhead for the Warner Point Nature Trail, so it works as both a destination and a launch point. NPS lists a picnic table, vault toilet, and photo spot here - a practical turnaround with real scenery attached.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 38.562446089, -107.742015785

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Other South Rim overlooks in the park include Sunset View Overlook, Dragon Point Overlook, Painted Wall Overlook, and Cedar Point Overlook.
Nearby Facilities: On site per NPS: picnic table, vault/composting toilet, trailhead. The South Rim is open 24 hours a day.
Tips Advice: - This is the final overlook on the South Rim Drive - budget time for the stops before it rather than racing here. - The Warner Point Nature Trail starts at this overlook; NPS lists a trailhead among the amenities, so bring footwear that can handle dirt tread if you plan to walk it. - A vault toilet and picnic table are on site - the practical place for a break at the far end of the drive. - Standard canyon-rim physics apply: stay back from unfenced edges.
Insider Tips: - Pair the overlook with the Warner Point Nature Trail - the trailhead is right here, so one parking stop covers both. - Because it is the last overlook on the drive, it makes a logical lunch stop: the picnic table is on site.

More details

Park Area: South Rim
Family Friendly Notes: Picnic table and vault toilet make it a workable family stop, but this is canyon-rim country - keep kids close near edges.
Attraction Type: Scenic Overlook
Elevation Feet: 0
Accessibility Level: Drive-up view
How To Get There: Follow the South Rim Drive to its end; High Point is the last overlook on the drive, per NPS.
Entry Fees: Covered by park entrance fee: $30 private vehicle (7-day pass), $25 motorcycle, $15 per person on foot or bicycle. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) accepted.
Main Features: Canyon-rim viewpoint at the end of the South Rim Drive; trailhead for the Warner Point Nature Trail.
What Youll See: Views from the rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, plus the start of the Warner Point Nature Trail. NPS flags it as a scenic view and photo spot.
Unique Characteristics: Its position: the last overlook on the South Rim Drive and the only one doubling as the Warner Point Nature Trail trailhead.
Safety Considerations: Canyon-rim terrain: treat any unfenced edge as a hard boundary - the hazard here is gravity, not wildlife. Park guidance: keep 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from other wildlife.
Photo Opportunities: NPS lists this as a scenic view/photo spot; the rim vantage at the end of the South Rim Drive is the composition.
Photography Spots: The rim overlook itself - NPS designates it a scenic view/photo spot.
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault/composting toilet
Picnic Areas: 1
Interpretive Signs: 0
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Warner Point Nature Trail (trailhead at this overlook, per NPS).
Connecting Trails: Warner Point Nature Trail begins at this overlook.
Geological Formation Type: River-incised canyon rim (erosional)
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Source data is limited to official NPS information, so visitor sentiment cannot be synthesized here. Functionally, the site serves two audiences: drive-and-look visitors ending the South Rim Drive, and hikers starting the Warner Point Nature Trail.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth driving to the very end of the South Rim Drive for this?

If you are already doing the South Rim Drive, yes - High Point is the last overlook and the only one that doubles as the Warner Point Nature Trail trailhead, so you get a view and a hike option from one parking stop.

Do I need to hike to get the view?

No. High Point is a drive-up overlook. The Warner Point Nature Trail is optional - it starts here for those who want to walk farther.

Are there restrooms, or should I go before I drive out?

There is a vault/composting toilet at the overlook per NPS, so you are covered - just do not expect flush plumbing or running water.

Can we eat lunch there?

Yes. NPS lists a picnic table at the site, and its end-of-road position makes it a natural break point before you turn around.

Is it safe to bring young kids?

It is a drive-up stop with a picnic table, so logistically yes - but this is canyon-rim terrain. The governing hazard is gravity: keep children in hand near any edge.

Do I pay extra to visit this overlook?

No separate fee. Park entrance covers it: $30 per private vehicle for 7 days, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person on foot or bicycle; the $80 America the Beautiful pass also works.