Warner Point Nature Trail

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

This 1.5 mile roundtrip hike is rated as moderate by the National Park Service, and is perfect for a family trek. The trailhead is located at the end of South Rim Road at the High Point Overlook, it is here that you can pick up the trail guide entitled “A Walk with Mark Warner” or grab one at the South Rim Visitor Center before starting off down the trail.

This shady trail offers the hiker a glimpse into the natural world of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison by providing access to many tree species, animals, and outstanding views. Trees such as mountain mahogany, pinyon pine, Douglas fir, Gambel oak, and juniper graciously provide shade for the weary hiker, and strategically placed benches offer a different kind of respite.

As you near the end of the trail you will notice that the views start to open up, to the south you can see the San Juan Mountains, and the Uncompahgre Valley, and to the north the West Elk Mountains. However, nothing compares to the view at the very end of the trail, there stretched out before you is the Black Canyon and its creator the Gunnison River.