Be ready for a very satisfying challenge when you hike the Gunnison Route Trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado. Since I was RV camping in the park I figured I’d hike to the bottom of the canyon, I quickly found out this is a feat that should not be taken lightly.
Table of Contents
Which Hiker Do I Write For
I tailor my hiking reviews to over 50 hikers. This is not to say the hike will be easy or short, older hikers are very capable, I’ve seen 70 year old hikers that can out hike most people. But what I am putting out there is special considerations for our older bodies.
You might notice I have a trail difficulty rating number listed below, please see my Hiker Resource Page to see how I come to this rating.
Basic Trail Information for Bruin Bluff Trail Loop
- Trail Name : Gunnison Route Trail
- Location : Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, United States
- Length : 1.7 miles
- Difficulty : Very Strenuous / Class 3-4 scramble
- Duration : 4-5 hours
- Elevation Gain : 1771
- Type of Trail : Out and back
- Who I Recommend this to : Very experienced and fit hikers
- What season did I go : Early Summer
- Gear Recommendations : Long pants, gloves (for cables and scramble), water filter
- Special Requirements : Need a permit from Recreation.gov during peak season
- Must see feature : bottom of the canyon and Gunnison river
Location of the Gunnison Route Trail
My Experience on the Gunnison Route Trail
Don’t be fooled by the short length of this hike, the Gunnison Route Trail is satisfyingly challenging scramble labeled as a hike.
I read the trail down the canyon was tough but doable for most hikers. I feel I classify as “most hikers” since I’ve done my fair share of climbs and scrambles so I figured I’d make an attempt at it.
Getting the Permit to Hike Down Black Canyon of the Gunnison
To access the bottom of this beautiful national park by foot, you’ll need a back country permit. At the publication of this post that permit is only issued the day before after 4 PM at the visitor’s center AND to only 15 people.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is not one of the more popular national parks so I figured getting the permit wouldn’t be a problem. I was wrong. Arriving at the visitor’s center at 4:15 PM, 15 minutes after the permits are released, almost proved to be a mistake! I was able to barely secure the last 2 permits for the next day! Moral of the story : get there early.
Scrambling Down Black Canyon of the Gunnison
The route down the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is only .8 miles. Sure, only about a mile, of scree (loose rock) and, according to my Alltrails recording, average grades of 40-70%. If I knew this before taking on this adventure would I have still done it? Hell ya!
To call this scramble a “hike” is a stretch.
Sure, I started off on my feet yet once I passed what I now refer to “the point of no return sign” the trail begins to wind down. First the switchbacks for a short spell and then the “3 point contact” phase begins, this is any combination of hands, feet and butt in contact with the ground. This method of getting to the bottom was to my 50 year old advantage since falling incurs more pain and longer recovery periods.
As I descended I recalled the ranger at the visitor center mentioning “this is not a trail but a route“. I didn’t ask her to clarify, maybe I was too sacred to know. But I now know that she basically meant I was following a water route.
There were two 80-foot chains that I didn’t really need on the way down since my butt works just as well for me as a method to advance down. Yet the chains did come in handy on the way back up.
Despite the struggle this is an amazing adventure! It took me a little over 4 hours to complete the 1.7 mile jaunt and that was spending about 30 minutes at the bottom enjoying the Gunnison River.
That last images of of me at the end of the hike – freaking tired!
Did I enjoy this “hike”? Hell ya. I can’t help but feel strong at 50 to have completed a trip the young men on the route said was “no joke”.
Would I do it again? Hell no. Ok, well, maybe. Wanna go with me?
Helpful Hiker Gear and Tools
Suggested gear for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- Extra water or filter water at the bottom
- Pants to protect your legs and knees
- Gloves for the rocks, scree and cables
Online Resources for this Trail
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP website
- Permits for the Gunnison Route Trail at Recreation.gov (required for this hike)
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Rest. This trail is no joke and will make you tired but a very rewarding tired.
- Check out the South Rim Visitor’s Center
- Visit the town of Montrose. Take in the Riverbottom Park for a nice stroll and find lodging and groceries here.
- Visit the Museum of the Mountain West
FAQs for Gunnison Route Trail for Older Hikers
Yeah, this one isn’t a casual walk. The Gunnison Route is steep, loose, and rugged from the second you start descending into the canyon. You’re scrambling more than you’re hiking, and the famous chain section only helps so much. It’s absolutely doable for fit, confident hikers, but beginners usually find it intense. Expect a strenuous climb back out and a full-body workout.
Go light but smart. Grippy hiking shoes, plenty of water, sun protection, and gloves for the chain section make a big difference. Trekking poles help some people on the way down, but they can be a pain during the scramble. Snacks, a small first-aid kit, and a daypack that sits comfortably against your back will keep you set for the slow, steep climb out.
Late spring through early fall is the sweet spot. Snow and ice make this trail dangerous, so most folks wait until the canyon walls are dry and the temps are warm. Mornings are always better—cooler, quieter, and you avoid that brutal midday sun on the way back up.
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
Here at AllieRambles I explore what it means to rebuild and chase freedom in your 50s and beyond—because life doesn’t end at midlife, it begins.
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