[light upbeat music]
Imagine traversing a
place where remote cliffs, knife edge spires and steep
tumbling slopes are tucked away in a hidden dark world.
A vertical wilderness,
providing a space for stillness among the rugged terrain.
This is a space where the Earth is untrammeled by humankind,
where humankind is a visitor who does not remain.
About half of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
is designated Wilderness.
Park visitors can experience
the natural, untrammeled and undeveloped qualities of this area,
as well as solitude and primitive unconfined
recreation.
Anyone entering the Black Canyon
Wilderness is required to have a Wilderness use permit.
Visitors must get their permit before their trip begins and must comply
with the conditions of the permit and carry it with them on their trip.
To maintain Black Canyon's wilderness character,
a limited number of permits are available for each route each day,
have a backup plan in mind in case your preferred route is full.
Hikers into the canyon should prepare for their trip by becoming familiar
with the route difficulty and conditions, as well as Wilderness regulations.
There are three main south rim routes
and three main north rim routes.
These routes to the river are primitive and unmaintained
class three scrambles.
Unlike developed hiking trails,
they lack stairs and have very few switchbacks.
Special equipment is not necessary,
but be prepared to use both hands and feet.
Hikers will traverse over steep, loose dirt,
rocks and boulders.
Some routes require down climbing.
Most routes descend around 2,000 feet in a mile.
Inner canyon routes are unmarked.
Basic route finding skills are required in order to successfully navigate
the canyon.
Hikers often find their way to the river more easily,
but have trouble staying on route on the ascent.
The Wilderness routes
preserve a primitive hiking experience, therefore cairns
or stacks of rocks are not used as markers.
Hikers must find their own landmarks, such as trees,
large rocks or other landscape features.
Pay special attention when leaving a wooded area.
It is helpful to look behind you
for rocky slopes or rock gullies that intersect with the main route.
These may prove misleading on the way back up.
Day hikers should expect their canyon
experience to last somewhere between a half a day and a full day.
All routes offer a limited amount of river access along the bottom of the canyon.
Hikers may enjoy spending several hours
experiencing this part of the Wilderness.
Each hiker should carry four liters
or one gallon of water with them per day.
Bring a water filter or water treatment system
if you want to refill your bottles at the river.
This is a good idea for day hikers, especially on longer routes
and is essential for overnight users.
It is also important to replenish your body's electrolytes
with sports drinks, electrolyte tablets or powders
and salty snacks.
Bring essential supplies
with you for the hike, but be sure to pack lightweight items.
Some hikers underestimate the difficulty and hiking time.
So pack for extended time in the canyon.
Check the weather forecast and bring clothing layers
for changing conditions.
Summers can be hot with inner canyon temperatures
significantly higher than those on the rim.
The summer monsoon season
may bring unexpected thunderstorms.
Low overnight temperatures
can occur in any season.
A complete day hiking pack
would include four liters of water per person,
extra clothing and a jacket,
a first aid kit, sun protection,
a water filter, electrolytes, enough food for the trip,
plus a little extra and a headlamp just in case.
A complete overnight pack
would include all the recommended day hiking items,
in addition, pack lightweight overnight sleeping gear,
a small backpacking stove since fires are not permitted,
and clothing for the cooler nighttime temperatures.
During the trip, hikers should keep their backpacks
with them at all times to prevent wildlife contact with human food.
Those who stay overnight
should consider using a bear canister to safely store food, trash
and scented items like toothpaste, sunscreen or hand sanitizer.
A limited number of bear canisters are available for loan at
the South Rim Visitor Center.
Certain routes
of pit toilets at the bottom while others do not.
For routes without pit toilets use leave, no trace principles,
which can include using a WAG bag to pack out solid human waste.
To maintain a pristine environment in the inner
canyon Wilderness, fires are not permitted.
Those wishing to cook should bring a backpacking stove.
Additionally, glass
containers are not allowed.
While the cold water
of the Gunnison River can be refreshing on a hot day,
swimming in the swift river is not recommended.
Those who choose to explore along the river should expect
to encounter poison ivy along the way.
Fishing is possible
for anyone with a Colorado State Fishing License.
Gold Medal Water regulations apply.
In order to preserve Black Canyon's unique wilderness character,
it is essential that all Wilderness users care for the area they are exploring.
You can do this by following Leave No Trace Principles.
Travel and camp on worn and durable surfaces,
rather than on new ones to protect fragile plants and soils.
Refrain from placing rock cairns or other markers
along the routes to maintain a primitive landscape.
Pack out all trash and leftover food
and leave any natural objects that you found behind for others to enjoy.
Safety is your own responsibility during this Wilderness experience.
You should plan to be entirely self-sufficient in the Wilderness
should the trip take longer than expected.
Bring extra food, water and lightweight
supplies to prepare yourself for the unexpected.
If you are in trouble.
A search and rescue will not be initiated until the day after your party's
expected return date.
If at any point you or someone in your party decides
that the route isn't a good fit, make the wise decision to turn back.
Any Wilderness experience can be great, even if you do not venture
all the way to the river.
The Black Canyon Wilderness offers
a unique park experience quite different from other park activities.
Visitors who properly prepare themselves for their Wilderness trip
can experience the benefits of this special protected area of the park.
[light upbeat music]