Black Canyon of the Gunnison in One Day

Pack a lunch and head to the canyon's South Rim, beginning with a stop at the South Rim Visitor Center. Before getting back into the car, take in your first view of Black Canyon from Gunnison Point, adjacent to the visitor center. Then set out on a driving tour of the 7-mile South Rim Road, allowing the rest of the morning to stop at the various viewpoints that overlook the canyon. Don't miss Chasm View and Painted Wall View, and be sure to stretch your legs along the short (0.4 mile round-trip) Cedar Point Nature Trail. If your timing is good, you'll reach High Point, the end of the road, around lunchtime. After lunch, head out on Warner Point Nature Trail for an hour-long hike (1½ miles round-trip). Then retrace your drive along South Rim Road back to the visitor center.