Reservations are for South Rim wilderness routes ONLY (Gunnison, Warner, Tomichi). North Rim permits are not available online.

Black Canyon wilderness routes are primitive, rugged, very strenuous experiences--not established trails (there are no maintained or marked trails into the inner canyon). Routes follow very steep gullies and rock chutes to the bottom of the canyon, mainly loose dirt and rocks. Routes are nontechnical but are mostly steep scrambles. NOTE: Pets are not allowed.   

Routes typically take from 4 to 8 hours to complete, round-trip. Individual fitness levels and canyon temperatures will affect hiking times.   

All routes are unmarked. Navigating down the routes is somewhat intuitive, but coming back up can be very confusing. Getting “off route” is a common issue. On the way down, hikers should turn around and look behind them often, memorizing prominent landmarks such as trees and rocks. If you have not hiked these routes before, we strongly recommend reviewing specific route info on the park webpage and/or speaking with a ranger at the visitor center.  

Due to the elevation difference, inner canyon temperatures are 5-10° F warmer than the rim. Hikers should have access to 4 liters of water per person, per day. A water filter or treatment option can help lighten the load. The only water access is at the river, at the bottom of the canyon. Summertime hikers should start their trip as early as possible (with enough daylight to see). Heat exhaustion is the most common injury on the routes.   

A Black Canyon wilderness route experience should be approached with caution. If a hiker becomes injured, help is not immediate. It will take many hours to over a day for a rescue to be mobilized. Hikers should be prepared for self-rescue and unplanned overnights. DO NOT go beyond your capabilities; TURN BACK if necessary.   

Your safety is YOUR responsibility.

Camping along the river is possible (fires, except for camp stoves, are prohibited). Maximum 3 nights. Bears are active much of the year; use of bear-proof canisters highly recommended.   

The river is swift, cold, and deep — NOT recommended for swimming or wading. Through-hiking the canyon or going down one route and up another is not realistic as it requires intimate knowledge of the canyon along with entering the river. All routes eventually “cliff out” as one walks along the river. River access typically does not span more than a mile.  

Most of the South Rim routes are snow-covered from November to April. Drinking water is not available from October to May, so make sure to bring your own.  

Gunnison Route:

• 1.5 miles (2.4 km) one-way 
• 1800 ft (549 m) vertical drop (includes Oak Flat Loop Trail) 
• Descent: 2 hours, Ascent: 2-3 hours  

Tomichi Route:

• 1 mile (1.6 km) one-way 
• 1960 ft (597 m) vertical drop 
• Descent: 2 hours, Ascent: 3-4 hours  

Warner Route:

• 3.5 miles (5.6 km) one-way  
• 2722 ft (829 m) vertical drop (includes Warner Point Trail) 
• Descent: 2-3 hours, Ascent: 4-6 hours