Hiking the Chasm View Nature Trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Distance: 0.5 miles / 0.8 km
The Chasm View Nature Trail, also called the Chasm View Loop Trail, on the North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, is one of the best effort-to-reward day hikes across both sides of the canyon!
I say this because the quick and easy 0.5-mile (0.8 km) loop features some of the most beautiful views along the rim of Black Canyon, much like the Dragon Point Trail on the South Rim.
That being said, I personally enjoy the Chasm View Nature Trail early in the morning to capture the light shining down to the Gunnison River, as shown below. However, beautiful photos can be captured throughout the day, as Black Canyon creates some of the most unique shadows on account of the narrow river corridor and dramatic cliffs!
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Chasm View Nature Trailhead Parking
The Chasm View Nature Trailhead is located just down North Rim Road from the North Rim Ranger Station.
The parking area is small, but if you find it too difficult to park immediately outside the trailhead, there is typically space alongside the dirt road that leads into the North Rim Campground.
Google Maps Directions: Chasm View Nature Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Black Canyon
Black bears are known to be found everywhere from the plateaus along the canyon rim to the steep routes that lead down to the Gunnison River, and everywhere in between.
That being said, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Chasm View Nature Trail
The Chasm View Nature Trail is a relatively easy 0.5-mile (0.8 km) interpretive loop trail that passes by two amazing viewpoints above the Gunnison River.
That being said, the interpretive trail guides follow a counterclockwise direction, which is why I chose to go right around the Chasm View Nature Loop.
In order to follow along with these markers, Chasm View Trail guides can be found at the trailhead, or you can ask the staff at the North Rim Ranger Station before driving over.
At this split, go right to reach the first of two main viewpoints above the Gunnison River.
Chasm View (Big Draw Overlook)
Chasm View, also called the Big Draw Overlook, overlooks the Painted Wall and the Pinyon Draw area of the Gunnison River below.
That being said, Chasm View doesn’t have the best view of the steep trail down Pinyon Draw, but it does offer a good view of the area and campground that this draw reaches, located just to the west of the overlook.
Here, hikers and campers can be seen from the viewpoint along the river, who are typically easiest to spot in the late morning hours as day hikers make their way down the steep Pinyon Trail on the far side of North Rim Road.
After the Big Draw Overlook, the Chasm View Nature Trail simply traverses the North Rim of Black Canyon to the second Chasm View overlook.
Chasm View
The second Chasm View overlook is my favorite part of the Chasm View Nature Loop, largely due to the stunning photos you can capture of The Narrows in the early morning light!
By this, I mean that there are other viewpoints of The Narrows on both the North and South Rim, but this unique viewpoint at Chasm View is arguably the best because it allows for a one-of-a-kind perspective to see just how deep and narrow Black Canyon truly is, while looking directly up the Gunnison River!
Finally, the Chasm View Nature Trail loops back around to the trailhead, passing by a number of different markers to read on the interpretive trail guide.
Sun Shirts
If this is your first time in the area, you’re likely unprepared for how strong the sun can be.
For this reason, I recommend picking up a quality, hooded sun shirt if you plan to do any hiking. Protection from the sun cannot be overstated, and in my experience, sunscreen alone has never been enough over a multi-day visit, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season!
More Black Canyon Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Most obviously, be careful around the rim of Black Canyon! It happens all too often at places like this—the Grand Canyon, Angels Landing, etc.—that someone falls in!
On a different note, if you decide to hike into Black Canyon, take it slow, and stagger yourself from the other people in your group and others on the trail, as many of the gullies are filled with loose rock that can be problematic for those below.
Additionally, learn how to identify Poison Ivy, as there is not one area along the Gunnison River where I haven’t seen it.
Finally, be aware that Black Canyon of the Gunnison is Black Bear and mountain lion territory, and while hiking in Black Bear territory usually presents less danger as opposed to grizzlies, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea. However, it’s really up to your own discretion and comfort level.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
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