South Rim

 

Pulpit Rock Overlook (above) is one of 12 overlooks along the South Rim of Black Canyon.

NPS photo

 

Related Pages

• Places to Go
• East Portal
• North Rim

South Rim is the busier, more developed side of the park. It offers a paved scenic drive, year-round visitor center, overlooks, hiking trails, ranger programs, and a large campground.

Getting Here

The South Rim is 7 miles north on CO Highway 347 from the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 east of Montrose.

Roads

All roads on the South Rim are paved. In winter and early spring, the South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles just past the visitor center. Road construction during 2024 and 2025 will cause delays and reduced parking. Please see the news release for more information. 

 

 

South Rim Visitor Center

The visitor center is open all year, but opening and closing times vary by season. The visitor center is staffed with rangers and has exhibits, the park film, and a bookstore. Three hiking trails and Gunnison Point Overlook may be accessed from the visitor center. Maps, newspapers, junior ranger books, and wilderness permits are available within the visitor center. There is a self-registration kiosk for wilderness permits when the visitor center is closed. The visitor center has car parking and some trailer/ RV parking. In the summer, the parking lot often fills.

Location: 7 miles north on CO Highway 347 from the intersection with U.S. Highway 50.
GPS: N 38.5550 W -107.6866

 

Water

In the summer months, water fill-up stations are available in the campground and at the visitor center. All of the water on the South Rim is trucked in, so we ask that you use the fill-up stations conservatively and be prepared with your own water. Water is not available during spring, fall, or winter.

Overlooks

There are 12 overlooks you can visit by car, and more along the hiking trails.

 

Chasm View, one of the 12 overlooks along the South Rim

NPS/D. Goodman

 

 

Inner Canyon Use

Exploring the inner canyon from the South Rim requires skill, experience, and preparation to be successful. Routes are not recommended for visitors with health conditions, such as heart or lung issues. Wilderness routes are not trails; they are unmarked, very steep with loose rock, and physically demanding.

The inner canyon is also a designated wilderness area and requires a permit to enter. Permit availability and process varies by season and activity.

 

 

Camping

Loading...

Loading...

Loading...

Loading...