Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: 7 Hidden Trails Even Locals Haven’t Hiked (Yet)

🔍 Tired of crowded overlooks and paved walkways? Want to discover the raw, unfiltered heart of Black Canyon?

95% of visitors never leave the South Rim drive. But tucked into shadowy crevices and steep draws are hidden trails that reveal a side of the canyon most people never imagine exists.

These aren’t marked on maps. Some require permits. Others are whispered about in trail journals and old ranger logs. What they all share? Solitude, difficulty, and unforgettable beauty.

If you’re an experienced hiker or a thrill-seeker ready to step off the beaten path, this guide is for you.

🧭 Quick Comparison: The 7 Hidden Trails

⚠️ Important Notes Before You Begin:

• These trails are not maintained. Expect rough, exposed terrain and no signage.
• You’ll need a GPS or offline navigation app.
• Permits are required for some routes — but not always clearly published online.
• Cell service is unreliable or non-existent.

🥾 Trail 1: Curecanti Creek Route

Overview:

Hidden beneath a forgotten dirt road, the Curecanti Creek Route descends sharply into one of the quietest corners of the canyon. This trail is rarely mentioned in park brochures, and for good reason — it’s tough, steep, and demands sure footing.

But if you’re up for the challenge? You’ll be rewarded with an almost surreal experience: solitude, stunning rock walls, and cold, crystal-clear pools tucked beside the Gunnison River.

📍 Access & Navigation:

• Trailhead Access: The trail begins near Pioneer Point, but the actual entry is via an unmarked dirt turnoff (4WD recommended).
• GPS Coordinates for trailhead: 38.4664° N, 107.6512° W
• Navigation tip: Download an offline map via Gaia GPS or AllTrails before you arrive — the signage is minimal and there’s no reception.

🧗‍♂️ Trail Conditions:

• Distance: ~3.5 miles round-trip
• Elevation Change: ~900 ft descent
• Difficulty: Hard (especially on the return ascent)
• Terrain: Loose rock, slippery creek crossings, tight switchbacks
• Gear Tip: Use trekking poles on the way up — the incline is brutal after a long day.

🏞️ What You’ll See:

• As you descend, the towering walls of the canyon close in dramatically, casting long shadows even during midday.
• The final stretch leads to a secluded section of the Gunnison River, where erosion has carved smooth basins and shallow pools ideal for soaking your feet (or even a full-body plunge if you’re brave).
• In spring and early summer, the creek runs full — and the area bursts with wildflowers, mossy boulders, and small waterfalls.

⚠️ Safety Notes:

• Rockfall is possible — especially near overhangs.
• Rattlesnakes have been spotted sunning themselves near the trail in late spring.
• Avoid after rain — the steep grades become dangerously slick.

🧠 Insider Tip:

This trail stays relatively shaded, making it a great choice for mid-day heat, but a headlamp is wise in case you underestimate the return time. Start early and pace yourself — the climb back is no joke.

🥾 Trail 2: Deadhorse Trail (North Rim)

Overview:

Closed for several years due to a rockslide, Deadhorse Trail quietly reopened without any fanfare — and has remained one of the most underrated experiences in the entire park. Running along the North Rim, this trail delivers jaw-dropping views with very little foot traffic.

Unlike the South Rim’s busier lookouts, this path offers a raw, panoramic perspective of the canyon, with exposed rock faces, high-desert vegetation, and frequent sightings of raptors circling overhead.

📍 Access & Navigation:

• Trailhead Access: Located near the North Rim Campground (but unmarked — look for a faint path just past the last campsite).
• GPS Coordinates for start: 38.5765° N, 107.7413° W
• Navigation tip: Use offline trail apps to stay on track. The path fades in places.

🧗‍♂️ Trail Conditions:

• Distance: ~5 miles round-trip
• Elevation Change: Minimal elevation gain, but some uneven terrain
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Rocky ground, loose gravel, brushy sections near the overlook
• Gear Tip: Bring a wide-brimmed hat and sun protection — there’s little shade on this rim.

🏞️ What You’ll See:

• Midway through the trail, you’ll approach a cliff-edge clearing with a direct line of sight to the Curecanti Needle — a striking vertical spire that photographers dream of.
• The trail’s remoteness means you’re likely to spot golden eagles, peregrine falcons, or even mule deer grazing on the rim’s edge.
• Spring and fall bring incredible light conditions for sunrise/sunset photography.

⚠️ Safety Notes:

• No guardrails, fences, or maintained overlooks — watch your footing near cliff edges.
• Avoid on windy days — the gusts can be strong and sudden.
• Check in at the North Rim ranger station to let someone know your plan (optional, but smart).

🧠 Insider Tip:

Because of its orientation, Deadhorse Trail gets golden-hour glow late in the day — perfect for photographers and solitude seekers. Bring a tripod and stay a little later to enjoy the quietest sunset in the park.

🥾 Trail 3: The Notch

Overview:

The Notch is perhaps the most elusive and thrilling hike in Black Canyon — a route so secretive that you won’t find it on the park’s official maps. It’s known mostly by word of mouth among seasoned climbers and backcountry rangers.

With steep rock faces, exposed ledges, and sections requiring fixed ropes, this trail is for experienced adventurers only. But for those who make it? The payoff is an unmatched vertical view into the canyon’s narrowest, deepest sections — a scene so intense it feels surreal.

📍 Access & Navigation:

• Trailhead Access: Begins near the base of the North Rim ranger housing area. It’s completely unsigned.
• GPS Coordinates: Only shared at the ranger station upon permit approval.
• Permit Required: Yes — request via phone or in-person (this is a “backdoor” system not listed online).
• Navigation Tip: A paper map and offline GPS are essential — trail markings are nonexistent.

🧗‍♂️ Trail Conditions:

• Distance: ~4 miles round-trip
• Elevation Change: ~1,200 ft
• Difficulty: Very Hard / Technical
• Terrain: Scrambling, rope-assisted climbs, narrow ledges
• Gear Tip: Climbing gloves, helmet, and confidence with exposure are non-negotiable.

🏞️ What You’ll See:

• As you descend, the walls tighten dramatically, with sheer cliffs on both sides — this is one of the narrowest zones in the entire canyon.
• Near the midpoint, you’ll reach “The Window” — a natural opening in the canyon rim offering a jaw-dropping vertical view all the way to the Gunnison River below.
• The silence is eerie, broken only by the sound of wind funneling through the stone corridors.

⚠️ Safety Notes:

• Fixed ropes on the final section are not officially maintained. Test everything before trusting it.
• No cell service — if something goes wrong, rescue could take hours.
• Not recommended in wet or icy conditions — the descent becomes treacherous.

🧠 Insider Tip:

If you’re serious about attempting The Notch, visit the North Rim ranger station early in your trip. The backcountry permit is usually granted on a case-by-case basis and they may limit access based on weather or recent trail conditions.

🥾 Trail 4: SOB Draw

Overview:

The name says it all: SOB Draw is a short, brutal descent into Black Canyon’s ancient geological underbelly. Originally used by 19th-century silver and copper miners, this faint route plummets into a rugged chute filled with scree, loose boulders, and sharp ledges.

Unlike The Notch, there’s no rope here — just raw terrain and gravity. It’s the kind of route that chews up boots and tests nerves, but offers one of the most direct and dramatic descents to the Gunnison River.

📍 Access & Navigation:

• Trailhead Access: Near the East Portal entrance on the South Rim. The actual access point is off an old maintenance road used by the mining crews.
• GPS Coordinates (approx): 38.5560° N, 107.6808° W
• Navigation Tip: There is no marked trail — only cairns left by other hikers. Download GPS offline maps and do not attempt without satellite guidance.

🧗‍♂️ Trail Conditions:

• Distance: ~2 miles round-trip (feels longer due to terrain)
• Elevation Change: ~1,300 ft
• Difficulty: Extreme
• Terrain: Loose rock, sliding scree, narrow ledges, exposure
• Gear Tip: Heavy-duty boots with ankle support, climbing gloves, and knee protection.

🏞️ What You’ll See:

• As you descend SOB Draw, you’ll notice how the canyon walls shift color — dark Precambrian rock gives way to mineral-streaked veins from old mining operations.
• At the bottom: a wild, churning section of the Gunnison River, accessible to almost no one else. You may be the only soul within miles.
• If you’re lucky, you’ll spot bighorn sheep or even river otters navigating the boulders near the water.

⚠️ Safety Notes:

• Do not attempt in dry summer months unless it rained recently. The soil becomes dusty and slippery, making descent dangerous.
• No shade at the start or finish. Heatstroke is a real risk mid-summer.
• It’s not uncommon to crawl on all fours during parts of the descent.

🧠 Insider Tip:

Most injuries on this trail happen on the way back up — climbers underestimate the effort after relaxing by the river. Budget double the time for ascent, and bring at least 2 liters of water per person.

🥾 Trail 5: Cross Fissures Route

Overview:

If you’ve ever wanted to hike through the fault lines of the Earth, the Cross Fissures Route is your opportunity. This surreal loop leads through a series of deep, narrow cracks formed by prehistoric seismic activity — a geological phenomenon unique to this section of Black Canyon.

It’s dark, cool, and often silent — as if the canyon itself is holding its breath. You’ll be crawling, squeezing, and occasionally climbing through stone — not walking on top of it. Claustrophobics, beware.

📍 Access & Navigation:

• Trailhead Access: Begins near Warner Point on the South Rim Road. Look for an unmarked side path behind the overlook.
• GPS Coordinates: 38.5459° N, 107.6985° W
• Navigation Tip: Bring a headlamp or flashlight even during the day — the deeper fissures are nearly pitch black inside.

🧗‍♂️ Trail Conditions:

• Distance: ~3 miles (loop)
• Elevation Change: Minimal (but vertical crawling involved)
• Difficulty: Hard
• Terrain: Tight rock corridors, uneven footing, crawling/scrambling required
• Gear Tip: Wear long sleeves and durable pants — sandstone and schist will tear skin and clothes if you slip.

🏞️ What You’ll See:

• The route winds through interlocking cracks, some so narrow you must turn sideways to pass.
• Look closely at the walls — they’re lined with crystalline deposits and ancient fault textures.
• Above you, narrow shafts of light filter through gaps in the stone, illuminating dust motes and casting otherworldly shadows.
• You may encounter cave crickets, lizards, or even the occasional bat clinging to cooler crevices.

⚠️ Safety Notes:

• No exit points midway — once you enter, you must finish the loop.
• Do not attempt in wet conditions. Rocks become slick and dangerous.
• Cell service is nonexistent. Let someone know before entering.

🧠 Insider Tip:

Bring a backup headlamp, even if you think you won’t need it. Several hikers have gotten disoriented in the darker corners, and the flashlight app on your phone may not be bright enough. The temperature drops inside the fissures — it’s a welcome break in summer, but a shock in early spring.

🥾 Trail 6: The Catwalk

Overview:

Imagine walking on a natural stone ledge, just inches wide, with a 1,800-foot drop to the river below. That’s The Catwalk — a terrifyingly beautiful traverse along a rock shelf carved by wind and water over thousands of years. It’s one of the park’s most secretive and visually dramatic routes, known only by name in local legend and climbing circles.

Not officially designated or maintained, The Catwalk is more of a scrambler’s path than a hiking trail. But if you have the balance and nerve, it offers some of the most cinematic views in the entire canyon.

📍 Access & Navigation:

• Trailhead Access: Unmarked path near Gunnison Point Overlook on the South Rim. Locals refer to it as “the drop to nowhere.”
• GPS Coordinates (approx.): 38.5443° N, 107.7004° W
• Navigation Tip: Do not attempt without an offline GPS app (like Gaia GPS or FATMAP). The route splits in multiple places and getting off-track can be dangerous.

🧗‍♂️ Trail Conditions:

• Distance: ~1.5 miles round-trip
• Elevation Change: 400–500 ft, mostly lateral with some scrambling
• Difficulty: Hard
• Terrain: Cliff-edge ledges, eroded paths, occasional handholds only
• Gear Tip: Climbing helmet is mandatory. Rockfall is frequent, and the path crumbles at points.

🏞️ What You’ll See:

• As you edge along The Catwalk, the entire width of the canyon opens up in front of you — sheer cliffs, twisting walls, and the Gunnison River glowing far below.
• The shelf itself is barely wider than your boots at times. You’ll see swirls of pink and orange granite, exposed by millennia of erosion.
• If you’re lucky (and steady), you’ll reach a natural stone balcony called “Eagle’s Nest”, which juts out over an open drop and offers a perfect place to rest — or take an unforgettable photo.

⚠️ Safety Notes:

• Not maintained, not official, and absolutely unforgiving. One misstep could be fatal.
• Best attempted early in the morning before winds pick up.
• Wear gloves with grip and avoid large backpacks that could throw off your balance.

🧠 Insider Tip:

If you’re unsure about your ability to handle this level of exposure, don’t go alone — or better yet, skip this route and stick to Deadhorse or Curecanti. Locals say The Catwalk has a “point of no return” — if you’re nervous halfway in, turn back before that point.

🥾 Trail 7: Ute Trail

Overview:

The Ute Trail is more than a hike — it’s a journey through time. Once used by the Ute people to descend into the canyon for fishing, gathering, and ceremonial purposes, this route follows a winding ridge before descending into a hidden corridor near the river.

It’s a spiritual experience for many, filled with silence, stunning views, and petrified traces of the past — including rumored petroglyphs and rock markings left behind over centuries.

📍 Access & Navigation:

• Trailhead Access: Begins near High Point Overlook on the South Rim Road.
• GPS Coordinates: 38.5388° N, 107.7047° W
• Navigation Tip: While technically unmarked, look for stacked stones and shallow etchings along the ridge — subtle signs that still guide the way.

🧗‍♂️ Trail Conditions:

• Distance: ~4.5 miles round-trip
• Elevation Change: ~800 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Ridge trail + canyon descent; sections can be brushy and narrow
• Gear Tip: Bring binoculars and a camera — this trail is great for wildlife spotting and wide canyon panoramas.

🏞️ What You’ll See:

• As you start, the trail follows a rolling ridgeline, with sweeping views of the South Rim, then gradually winds into a more secluded descent.
• Near the canyon walls, watch for flat-faced boulders with faint petroglyphs — spiral patterns, animal outlines, and symbols believed to mark water sources or ceremonial spots.
• Along the way, you may encounter mule deer, foxes, or red-tailed hawks riding the thermal currents.

⚠️ Safety Notes:

• No shade on the ridgeline — bring sun protection and hydrate well.
• Don’t disturb or touch any petroglyphs or stone stacks. These are sacred markers with historical and spiritual significance.
• Avoid during lightning storms — the ridge is exposed and unsafe in thunder weather.

🧠 Insider Tip:

Hike this one in the early morning, when the sun is low and golden across the canyon — and when you’re more likely to have it to yourself. Park rangers often say: “The Ute Trail is for those who want to feel the canyon, not just see it.”

👉 7 Ways to Car Camp Like a Canyon Hermit (No Permits, No Regrets) — explore stealth camping strategies for the same area.

🧳 Final Tips Before You Go Off the Grid

Black Canyon’s hidden trails aren’t like hikes in Yosemite or Zion. They’re raw, wild, and often completely unmarked. That’s part of the thrill — but it also means preparation is everything.

Here’s what you absolutely shouldn’t leave behind:

✅ Essentials for Hidden Trails:

• Offline GPS app (Gaia GPS, AllTrails+)
• Topographic map (physical backup)
• Climbing helmet (especially for SOB Draw and The Catwalk)
• Gloves + long sleeves (for crawling routes like Cross Fissures)
• At least 2 liters of water per person
• Food, headlamp, first aid kit
• Backcountry permit for The Notch (apply in-person)

💡 Pro Tip: Let someone know your route before you go. These trails are beautiful, but they’re also serious wilderness.

🚐 Prefer to Explore Without the Risk?

If you love the idea of epic views, hidden places, and dramatic landscapes — but aren’t ready to scramble, rope-climb, or brave snake-infested scree — there’s a better way.

👉 Try this immersive, multi-park guided tour instead:

🎒 7-Day National Parks Tour from Denver (GetYourGuide)

✅ Includes Black Canyon of the Gunnison
✅ Covers Canyonlands, Arches, and more
✅ Transportation, park entry, and expert guides included
✅ Great for couples, solo travelers, and families

This is a fantastic option if you want to experience national park magic without extreme physical demand — or if you’re short on time and want to see the best of the Southwest in one epic journey.

🏁 Conclusion: Is It Worth the Risk?

Black Canyon of the Gunnison isn’t a park for everyone — and these trails even less so.

But if you’re willing to prepare, to navigate without signs, and to respect the silence and power of this ancient canyon… you’ll see things no overlook could ever show you.

You’ll walk where few have walked.
You’ll earn every step.
And you’ll come back changed.

Now it’s your turn.
Which of these trails will you attempt first? Or will you take the scenic route with a guide and let someone else do the navigating?

Either way — Black Canyon is waiting.

Disclaimer:
This post is for informational purposes only. Always check local conditions before hiking. Some links may be affiliate links — we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

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