The Pulpit Rock Trail at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
near Montrose, Colorado is an easy 0.2-mile out-and-back trail that
features one of the best viewpoints in the park.
Walk
This short trail leads to the park's most-popular viewpoint, Pulpit Rock. The trail begins at the main parking turnout and leads out toward the canyon's south rim. This route leads hikers to an offshoot vista of the Black Canyon and Gunnison River -- we waited here to let Pulpit Rock thin out a bit due to the large crowd at the overlook when we first arrived. The view from this first vista is just as nice as Pulpit Rock's, if not slightly better, as it gives more views of the river below. The route then leads out directly to the precipice that is Pulpit Rock. From the Pulpit Rock overlook, hikers will get panoramic views of the Black Canyon, the Gunnison River, and jagged cliffs that tower within the canyon. From here, you can also see the visitors center -- for hikers who spent part (or most) of their day exploring around the canyon, Pulpit Rock provides a spot to peer into different parts of the south rim where you may have been exploring earlier.
After exploring Pulpit Rock, the trail leads back to parking for a very short 0.2-mile walk.
Other South Rim Trails
Black Canyon Gunnison National Park's south rim is by far the most popular section of the park for visitors to explore. For popular day hikes, consider checking out Gunnison Point for stunning canyon views or hike the adjacent Oak Flat Loop Trail that descends into the gorge. You can then hike the Uplands Trail to reach the Rim Rock Trail which runs along the south rim and provides stunning views of the canyon along the way. To the west, at the end of the park's road, lies the Warner Point Trail which provides hikers with another moderate hike to a overlook that sits above the deepest section of Black Canyon. The rest of the trails along the south rim are very short hikes or simply peaceful nature walks that lead to views. Plan your trip to the Black Canyon by checking out our guides to each of the short overlooks along the south rim - starting from west to east: Sunset View, Dragon Point, Cedar Point, Painted Wall View, Chasm View, Devil's Overlook, Rock Point, Cross Fissures View, and Pulpit Rock.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on this trail only if leashed and must be cleaned up after. Note that dogs are only allowed in parking lots, campgrounds, on paths to overlooks (like this one), the Rim Rock Trail, and the Chasm View Nature Trail. Dogs are not permitted on any other trails in the park. You can read all of the rules and regulations for pets at the park here.
Parking
Hikers will find a parking turnout at the coordinates provided, located along South Rim Road in the park. The lot is large enough to fit less than a dozen vehicles as of June 2024.
Warnings
Steep cliffs: Despite the abundance of safety precautions (i.e. fencing), this trail leads to cliffs that might drop 2,000-feet or more into the Black Canyon. Be aware of your surroundings.
Sun exposure: This trail has very-little shade and also sits at about 8,000-feet above sea level which increases the UV index. It's smart to wear sunscreen and bring extra sun protection when hiking this trail and other trails at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Elevation sickness: This trail brings hikers through an altitude of about 8,000-feet above sea level. Around the 7,000-foot mark above sea level, you may start to experience symptoms of elevation sickness including shortness of breath, headaches, muscle aches, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, or vomiting if you are not fully acclimated. If you're experiencing bad altitude sickness symptoms, the smartest move is to get to lower elevation as soon as possible.
Walk
This short trail leads to the park's most-popular viewpoint, Pulpit Rock. The trail begins at the main parking turnout and leads out toward the canyon's south rim. This route leads hikers to an offshoot vista of the Black Canyon and Gunnison River -- we waited here to let Pulpit Rock thin out a bit due to the large crowd at the overlook when we first arrived. The view from this first vista is just as nice as Pulpit Rock's, if not slightly better, as it gives more views of the river below. The route then leads out directly to the precipice that is Pulpit Rock. From the Pulpit Rock overlook, hikers will get panoramic views of the Black Canyon, the Gunnison River, and jagged cliffs that tower within the canyon. From here, you can also see the visitors center -- for hikers who spent part (or most) of their day exploring around the canyon, Pulpit Rock provides a spot to peer into different parts of the south rim where you may have been exploring earlier.
After exploring Pulpit Rock, the trail leads back to parking for a very short 0.2-mile walk.
Other South Rim Trails
Black Canyon Gunnison National Park's south rim is by far the most popular section of the park for visitors to explore. For popular day hikes, consider checking out Gunnison Point for stunning canyon views or hike the adjacent Oak Flat Loop Trail that descends into the gorge. You can then hike the Uplands Trail to reach the Rim Rock Trail which runs along the south rim and provides stunning views of the canyon along the way. To the west, at the end of the park's road, lies the Warner Point Trail which provides hikers with another moderate hike to a overlook that sits above the deepest section of Black Canyon. The rest of the trails along the south rim are very short hikes or simply peaceful nature walks that lead to views. Plan your trip to the Black Canyon by checking out our guides to each of the short overlooks along the south rim - starting from west to east: Sunset View, Dragon Point, Cedar Point, Painted Wall View, Chasm View, Devil's Overlook, Rock Point, Cross Fissures View, and Pulpit Rock.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on this trail only if leashed and must be cleaned up after. Note that dogs are only allowed in parking lots, campgrounds, on paths to overlooks (like this one), the Rim Rock Trail, and the Chasm View Nature Trail. Dogs are not permitted on any other trails in the park. You can read all of the rules and regulations for pets at the park here.
Parking
Hikers will find a parking turnout at the coordinates provided, located along South Rim Road in the park. The lot is large enough to fit less than a dozen vehicles as of June 2024.
Warnings
Steep cliffs: Despite the abundance of safety precautions (i.e. fencing), this trail leads to cliffs that might drop 2,000-feet or more into the Black Canyon. Be aware of your surroundings.
Sun exposure: This trail has very-little shade and also sits at about 8,000-feet above sea level which increases the UV index. It's smart to wear sunscreen and bring extra sun protection when hiking this trail and other trails at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Elevation sickness: This trail brings hikers through an altitude of about 8,000-feet above sea level. Around the 7,000-foot mark above sea level, you may start to experience symptoms of elevation sickness including shortness of breath, headaches, muscle aches, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, or vomiting if you are not fully acclimated. If you're experiencing bad altitude sickness symptoms, the smartest move is to get to lower elevation as soon as possible.
