Hi! I’m Allie and I sold everything in 2020 to live solo in my RV full time. Traveling the United States, I camp mostly in public lands for free as I hike, bike and seek out quiet spots in nature.
5.25.22 Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Hiking Warner Point Trail on the South Rim
I arrived in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park around 8 AM. I had been staying at the OHV trailhead just outside Montrose, Colorado for a few days to wait for my camping reservation day to come.
I had previously been to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in 2021 and remember parking for RVs is very limited so heading in early was a must to get a spot at the end of the road along the south rim of the park called High Point, there are 3 large vehicles parking spots here.
There isn’t a lot of hiking in this National Park but what you do get to hike is simply beautiful! And the views from above are breathtaking!
Since there’s a lack of hiking trails on the south rim we headed directly to one of the longer ones called Warner Point. This trail is located, like stated above, at the end of the south rim road. It’s labeled as an easy hike and about 2 miles out and back.
I enjoyed a warm morning stroll (ok, at times it was quite the hike uphill) through junipers and wildflowers. Every so often we’d get a glimpse through the trees of the valley below where we camped the night before.
About 1 mile out you come to the end of the trail and a magnificent view of Black Canyon of the Gunnison! And the Gunnison River 1800 feet below! I didn’t get too close to the edge (or even 10 feet) since my fear of heights keeps me back but if you are one of the fortunate ones that doesn’t care you can approach the edge to get the true feel of how deep and steep this canyon truly is.
I took my time heading back since I was able to snag a camp spot in the park yet couldn’t check in until later that morning.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison South Rim Campground
If you get a chance to stay in a national park, snag it.
This is where all animals are protected and, frankly, they don’t seem much scared of humans. Sure, this is not a good thing humans in the case bears, elk, buffalo or moose since these animals can be rather dangerous if approached. So, DON’T APPROACH THEM. (Here is a guide to how far you need to stay from wildlife like these.)
But it can also be a very rewarding experience to witness elk grazing peacefully, buffalo roaming (I had to go there) or grizzly fishing. Black Canyon doesn’t have buffalo or grizzly but you can get a glimpse of sweet mule deer!
National Parks are also some of the most magnificently beautiful locations in the United States, who wouldn’t want to enjoy that beauty day and night with no rush to leave?
I was excited to stay in the park! But the only wildlife I saw was a little yellow bird that would not leave me alone – the whole time I was there. As soon as the RV arrived in the camp site this yellow guy hovered all around and even landed on the side mirrors a few times – as I sat right there with the window open!
I had actually read about him on the reviews online, apparently he’s a Black Canyon South Rim Campground superstar or should I say heckler? Ha ha!
Anywho, I had a wonderful time staying in the South Rim Campground and was able to ride my bike a bit and enjoy the wonderful weather.
Did I also mention I hiked down the canyon!? Hardest hike I’ve ever done!
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