Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Quick answer
Is Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour worth booking?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour is a 6-hour experience in Telluride, United States, from $10 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $10 per person
Experience the jaw-dropping cliffs and narrow canyons of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park with this self-guided audio driving tour. A friendly narrator shares stories of daring explorers, canyon geology, and wi
What you get
About this experience
Experience the jaw-dropping cliffs and narrow canyons of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park with this self-guided audio driving tour. A friendly narrator shares stories of daring explorers, canyon geology, and wildlife — all while you drive and listen. Along the North Rim Scenic Drive, you'll stop at iconic viewpoints like Gunnison Point, Painted Wall View, Chasm View, and Dragon Point, or stretch your legs on the Rim Rock Trail and Warner Point Nature Trail. For a different perspective, descend the dramatic East Portal Road to the river’s edge. With turn-by-turn directions and engaging stories you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace—without missing a thing. Perfect for road trippers, families, or anyone seeking an immersive national park adventure. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*
What's included
Included
- Tours NEVER expire
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Not included
- Private transportation
- Meals & Refreshments
What you'll see and do
Postcards? Check. Fossils? Check. Firewood? Check. This small, locally owned store has it all. But most importantly, don't forget to check out the attache dbuilding to view some stunning local photography.
20 minutes here
Rim Rock Trail
Rim Rock Trail i a relaxingl 1.7-mile out-and-back trail with jaw-dropping views of the canyon and the river way below. It’s an easy hike, so you can enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat. In the warmer mpnths, keep an eye out for wildlife and wildflowers along the way—nature’s little surprises!
60 minutes here
Tomichi Point
Tomichi Point is the perfect introduction to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, offering panoramic views right from the park’s entrance. Unlike some other viewpoints, it’s easily accessible and provides a sweeping perspective of the canyon’s dramatic depths without having to hike or walk.
10 minutes here
The South Rim Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for your Black Canyon adventure, offering stunning canyon views right from its deck. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on the park’s geology, wildlife, and history, along with helpful rangers ready to answer questions and share trail tips.
20 minutes here
Gunnison Point Trail is a short, 0.2-mile paved path leading to one of the park’s most iconic overlooks, right near the visitor center. With its easy access and stunning views of the sheer canyon walls plunging into the Gunnison River, it’s perfect for all visitors, including those looking for a quick, family-friendly adventure.
10 minutes here
Gunnison Point
Gunnison Point is just a short, flat walk behind the visitor center, and trust me - that heart-dropping, stomach-churning view straight down into the depths is unmissable. If you don’t do anything else here, do this!
10 minutes here
Oak Flat Trail
This moderate 2-mile trail is a great trail for those looking to spend some extra time on and just below the rim. The trail winds through Gambel Oak forest that opens to sweeping canyon vistas
120 minutes here
Pulpit Rock Overlook
Pulpit Rock Overlook offers a dramatic vantage point where the canyon’s steep, rugged cliffs frame the Gunnison River far below. With its easy accessibility and breathtaking perspective, it’s a must-stop for capturing the raw power and beauty of Black Canyon’s unique geology.
10 minutes here
Cross fissures are vertical cracks and fractures found in hard, brittle rock, and formed under intense pressure, such as during the Laramide Orogeny. It’s a quick and accessible stop that offers a unique perspective on the geological drama of Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
10 minutes here
Rock Point Trail, which has a roundtrip distance of just over a quarter mile to a canyon jut out overlooking “The Narrows.” The corridor here is the tightest in the canyon– with the walls only 40 feet apart at their base!
10 minutes here
Devil’s Lookout Trail, a half-mile roundtrip that offers unbeatable views directly down to the river. It’s also the location to see a natural phenomena that’s so rare, it goes completely unnoticed by most visitors–the Dragon’s Tongue.
10 minutes here
Chasm View Trail
The Chasm View Overlook starts with a quick stroll through the pinyon-juniper forest, but when you reach the end, you’re rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in the canyon. This overlook sits right at the edge of the steepest, narrowest part of the Black Canyon, where the cliffs drop a dizzying 1,820 feet down to the Gunnison River, separated by a mere 1,100 feet between each wall.
10 minutes here
Painted Wall
The Painted Wall Viewpoint offers a jaw-dropping look at the tallest cliff in Colorado, rising 2,250 feet above the Gunnison River. Its stunning dark rock face is streaked with pale, pinkish pegmatite bands, that create a kind of “painterly” effect.
10 minutes here
The Cedar Point Trail is a moderate, short hike—just under half a mile round trip—that will take you to two beautiful canyon overlooks. The overlooks feature incredible views of the canyon and the Gunnison River winding far below, along with fascinating glimpses of the rugged Cedar Cliffs.
10 minutes here
The walk to the Dragon Point Overlook is just a third of a mile roundtrip, and it’s a great place for seeing pegmatite and for watching the sunset.
10 minutes here
The westernmost viewpoiint on the South Rim, this spot lives up to its name, offering a great view of the sunset over the canyon.
10 minutes here
High Point is the highest overlook on the South Rim, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the distant San Juan Mountains. It’s the perfect spot to begin wrapping up your Black Canyon adventure, with a nearby picnic area to relax and enjoy the scenery.
10 minutes here
The Warner Point Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile, moderately difficult round-trip hike that offers breathtaking views of Black Canyon, the Gunnison River, and the surrounding valleys. This trail winds through pygmy pinyon-juniper forests, with interpretive signs along the way highlighting the area’s unique plants, animals, and geology. Pro-tip: This trail is pretty exposed, so you might want to head out in the morning or afternoon.
Pass by without stopping
Warner Point
Warner Point offers a spectacular vantage point at the edge of Black Canyon, showcasing jaw-dropping views of the Gunnison River and the sprawling valleys beyond. It’s the grand finale of the Warner Point Nature Trail, rewarding hikers with some of the park’s most stunning scenery.
10 minutes here
East Portal Drive is a steep, winding road that takes you right down to the Gunnison River, offering a close-up look at the canyon’s towering walls and lush riverside. At the bottom, you’ll find the historic Gunnison Tunnel, an engineering marvel from 1909 that diverts river water to the Uncompahgre Valley—a testament to human ingenuity in this rugged landscape.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Telluride
The meeting point is just outside of town, heading east on US-50
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Black Canyon Corner Store is at the Junction of US-50 and 347.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shaka Guide Apps
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Additional Starting Point: Cimmaron - About 5 minutes outside of town, heading west on US-50
- Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
- The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
- Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
- Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
- Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
- Tour covers both South and North Rims — visit one or both
- South Rim: ~5 hours, 17 stops; starts from Montrose or Cimarron
- North Rim: ~3 hours, 9 stops; starts from Black Canyon Road, south of Crawford
- Entry fee: refer to NPS website for current rates; wilderness hikes require a permit — reserve in advance or get one onsite
- Best visited late spring through early fall — roads close in winter
- Elevation exceeds 8,000 feet — bring plenty of water
- Wear layers and long pants — temperatures vary and poison ivy is common
- Bring bug spray
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Telluride.
How much does Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour cost?
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Prices start at $10 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Telluride usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Telluride is not rushed.
Is Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Telluride, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Telluride can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Telluride and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Black Canyon of the Gunnison Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Telluride within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Telluride?
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Telluride, CO packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Telluride by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Telluride experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Telluride Via Ferrata - Private Trip, Telluride 1 Day Rafting Trip with Lunch - San Miguel River, Telluride Morning Half Day Rafting Trip - San Miguel River. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Telluride?
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Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Telluride, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Telluride?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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