Wheelchair-Accessible Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Although Grand Canyon National Park (emerginghorizons.com/the-grand-canyon-for-wheelers-and-slow-walkers/) is one the country’s most popular national parks, it’s not the only spectacular gorge managed by the National Park Service. Quite the contrary; in fact little known Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm) boasts some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rocks and craggiest spires in North America. In contrast to the 21-mile wide Grand Canyon, this Colorado chasm is just nine miles across. Couple that with 2,000-foot canyon walls which drop almost vertically to the Gunnison River, and the result is an eye-popping view. And although the canyon itself isn’t wheelchair-accessible, the best views are had from scenic overlooks along the rim, many of which are doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

A Scenic Drive

The best way to experience the natural beauty of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is to take the seven-mile scenic drive along the south rim. Just follow Highway 50 west from Montrose, then continue along Highway 347 until it dead ends at the park entrance.

You’ll get your first view of the canyon at Tomichi Point, which is near the entrance, just past the campground. There is accessible parking near the rim, with level access out to the overlook. Not only is this a nice canyon view, but if you’re lucky you’ll also get a glimpse of the hikers on the aptly name Rim Rock Trail below.

Be sure and stop in at the Visitor Center, which is just up the road. There’s plenty of accessible parking there, and there’s level access to a very clean accessible restroom. Inside the visitor center, there is barrier-free access to the theater and good pathway access around the interpretive exhibits. There’s also level access to a large deck which offers an impressive canyon view.

The next accessible stop at Black Canyon of the Gunnison is at Pulpit Rock Overlook. Accessible parking is available on the road, near a hard-packed dirt trail that leads out to the lower overlook and offers a sweeping view of the Gunnison River. There are a few bumps at the beginning of the trail, but it’s doable for most folks. To get to the upper overlook you have to go down some steps and then up a very steep ramp, but the river view is much better from the lower vantage point. There is also an accessible restroom at this stop.

Enjoy the Views

Chasm View, which is the next stop on the route, offers the most impressive canyon view. Accessible parking is available near the main trail out to the overlook, but there are nine steps down to the viewpoint. The accessible trail, which is located to the left of the main trail, is longer, but there are no steps along the way. From this viewpoint you’ll get a dramatic view down into the chasm with the Gunnison River below.

Sunset View, which is just up the road, is a great spot to sit and enjoy the sunset (hence the name). There is accessible parking near the accessible sidewalk out to the overlook. Here you’ll find two picnic tables, including one that is accessible. There’s a lower overlook to the right, but there are 15 steps along the route and some rocks and roots on the trail. Still, it’s hard to beat the view from the picnic tables. There’s also an accessible restroom in the parking lot.

Last but not least, don’t forget to stop at High Point, at the end of the road. Although the one-and-a half-mile trail to the overlook isn’t accessible, it’s still worth a stop. There’s accessible parking in the lot, and a dirt path at the far end that leads out to an accessible picnic table. It’s a much nicer spot to picnic than Sunset View, and since it’s away from the trailhead, it’s pretty isolated. Even if you’ve already eaten, this is a good place to take a quiet break before you head back. As an added bonus, the windshield views are totally different on the return trip.

Finally, while you’re in the area, check out the wheelchair-accessible trails in Ridgway State Park, and spend the night in an accessible yurt (emerginghorizons.com/explore-wheelchair-accessible-ridgway-state-park/).