Kneeling Camel Overlook

A full Black Canyon view just steps from your car - with the Deadhorse Trailhead right next door.

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction
Scenic Overlook0 ft$30 park entryNo permit needed

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.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
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.
Parking Availability
Parking area directly adjacent to the overlook; lot capacity is not published by NPS. The lot also serves Deadhorse Trail hikers.
GPS Coordinates
38.56222152709961, -107.67749786376953

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Scenic Overlook
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 Youll 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.
Unique Characteristics
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.
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.
Photography Spots
The overlook adjacent to the parking area is the designated Scenic View/Photo Spot for the canyon view.
Best Viewpoints
The overlook itself - it sits adjacent to the parking area, so the primary canyon view is only steps from where you park.
Geological 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.

Facilities, fees & access

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.
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
No
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Interpretive Signs
No
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.
Accessibility Level
Drive-up view - the overlook is adjacent to the parking area and very little walking is required
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.
Family Friendly Notes
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.

Safety

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.

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.
Connecting Trails
Deadhorse Trail - its trailhead is just east of the overlook parking area.
Trailheads Here
Deadhorse Trail - the trailhead is just east of the parking area; park at the overlook to hike it.

Planning advice

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.
Tips Advice
  • 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.

More details

Elevation Feet
0
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

Can I start a hike from here?

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

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.

Crawford State Park

Reservoir amid tilted hills shows the Gunnison uplift; drive-up access and year-round boating.

Painted Wall Overlook

Stand at the rim facing Colorado's tallest cliff - a 2,250-foot wall dropping river to rim.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.