The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a small and inpressive national park in the southwest of Colorado. Most of the best things to do in the park involve visiting some of the scenic overlooks and taking some of the short hikes along the top of the canyon rim.

One of the best hikes to explore is the Warner Point Hike at the far end of the South Rim Road. Below you will see details for hiking to Warner Point. If you are looking for more help planning a visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, see our Complete Guide.

Quick Look at the Warner Point Hike

Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation: 450 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking to Warner Point in Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a great hike to see some of the park. The trail led me through some of the park’s most rugged terrain, and the views of the canyon’s deep gorges and sheer cliffs.

What to Know About Hiking to Warner Point

Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall offers the best weather and trail conditions, though the park is open year-round. We visited in late April and the snow had recently melted.

Permits and Fees: No permits are required for the hike, but an entrance fee to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is necessary. You can learn more about fee at the National Park Service.

What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, sun protection, and a camera for capturing the stunning vistas.

Safety Tips: Be cautious near the edge of the canyon as there are no guardrails. Watch for loose rocks and uneven ground.

Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as mule deer, rock squirrels, and various bird species.

Details of Hiking to Warner Point

Start your hike at the Warner Point Trailhead. There is parking and good signage right from the start of the hike. I did this hike in April with my 3 older kids. The Warner Point Trail, which begins as a wide, gravel path ascends rather gradually through a mix of sagebrush and pinyon-juniper forests.

The trail winds and gently climbs and there are a few rocky and uneven sections, so watch your footing. We For the first part of the hike there are limited views, but these increase towards the end. There is one short section that is slightly steeper near the end.

After about 3/4 miles, you’ll arrive at the Warner Point overlook. From here you have excellent views of both the end of the canyon and out west away from the hills. Give yourself some time at the overlook to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery – we stopped for a waterbreak and snack.

Once you’ve soaked in the views, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.