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Offered languages
- English
Marvel at the awe-inspiring depths of Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado with this self-guided driving tour. This drive features stunning views along the canyon’s south rim, from Gunnison Point to Chasm View and the breathtaking Painted Wall. Along the way, you’ll discover how the canyon formed and hear dramatic tales of those who have tried and failed to navigate its tumultuous waters over the years.
Purchase one tour per car, not per person.
After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.
New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Begin from 13973 CO-347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Itinerary
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1
Are you wondering where this spot gets its fearsome name? Well, some say the pegmatite on this part of the Painted Wall looks like a dragon! Note: The tour is over 12 miles long, with more than 34 audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours per tour to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
The park's Entrance Station is just ahead. Once you’re through, continue driving straight along the Rim Drive.
Admission ticket free -
Tomichi Point (Pass by)
Once you’ve parked, walk over to the overlook and enjoy the view. Listen to the stories in the Learn More to hear more about the view you’re seeing and how it came to be.
Admission ticket free -
Pulpit Rock Overlook (Pass by)
Into the parking area ahead and follow the trail to the overlook. This easy trail takes only two minutes and offers a great view of the Gunnison River.
Admission ticket free -
2
At over 8,000 feet high, it’s the highest elevation on the park’s south rim. So get those cameras ready!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This half-mile loop is directly across from the infamous Narrows that spelled the end for Kolb and Pelton and many others. Be sure to make the easy 15-minute over to the edge if you want to see the spot where they met with disaster.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Our next story is actually behind the Visitor Center. When you’re ready, exit the car and walk through the building.
Admission ticket free -
3
Gunnison and his troops came here to secure a railroad route in the 1850s. Everything was going swimmingly—until Gunnison got to the canyon we’ll soon see.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
This easy, half-mile trail ends at an overlook straight over the raging whitewater of the Gunnison.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Chasm View Trail
Here, we can access two vistas. The first is right next to the turnout: Chasm View. The trail to Chasm View is only a couple hundred feet, but it’s steep! I’d definitely recommend trying it. It’s also a great spot for watching rock climbers hang on the north wall of the canyon.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Painted Wall
Igneous intrusions happen when hot magma is injected into rock, but doesn’t form enough pressure to burst out. Instead, it gets stuck in the crevices and hardens. These intrusions formed over a billion years ago.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
The trail to this overlook is an easy one - is just under half a mile and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of Gambel oaks, which hang out on the canyon rim. It’s also a great place to spot wildflowers in the spring! If you decide to visit, keep an eye out for those lignotubers I mentioned earlier.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
Sunset View is just ahead. Turn into the parking lot on our right and follow the very short path to the overlook. This is a must-see, even if it’s not sunset time yet!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- NOTE: Some areas of the park, including South Rim Road, have reopened since the 2025 South Rim Fire. Do not enter any closed or burned areas until further notice, and check current park updates before visiting.
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- NOTE: Some areas of the park, including South Rim Road, have reopened since the 2025 South Rim Fire. Do not enter any closed or burned areas until further notice, and check current park updates before visiting.
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
- Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
- More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
- Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
- Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
- Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
- Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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