55 Southwest Highways & Fields
than the Grand Canyon. For those of us who are not at our physical prime, or if that poison ivy sounds less than pleasant, there are many scenic drives around the park that offer amazing views of the canyon from the comfort of your vehicle.
The portion of the Gunnison River running through the park is declared a Gold Medal Trout Water by the state, and the rough hike to the river can be very rewarding for anglers. Daily bag limit on Brown Trout is 4, and Rainbow Trout are catch-and-release only.
Kayaking the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a challenge even for the most experienced kayakers. There are many Class V rapids, and dangerous portages where you have to walk through that 5-foot high poison ivy.
If none of that turned you away, and you're an expert paddler, a kayak trip
Oak Flat Trail
-Hawke Backpacking
through the canyon would probably be an awesome experience for you. I guess I should mention that the frigid waters have claimed the lives of many experienced kayakers.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a wild, extreme place, and all visitors should respect it, otherwise you are asking for trouble. There's nothing like walking down into the canyon and sitting beside the Gunnison River, gazing up at the massive canyon walls. But you can still have a great trip if you stay on the canyon rims. The Oak Flat Loop trail is a nice hike on the south rim that descends into the upper slopes of the canyon. This hike is good if you want to explore below the rim on a real trail.
The 2-mile loop offers great views of the canyon, and takes you through multiple canyon slope ecosystems, including oak scrub and forests of Douglas Fir.