Hiking the Dragon Point Trail in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Distance: 0.4 miles / 0.6 km
Dragon Point is the best of the best on the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and it’s my single most favorite viewpoint to watch the sunset from, of any overlook on both sides of the canyon!
I feel so strongly about this because there is not a better west-facing viewpoint in Black Canyon, which is why I highly recommend exploring all the other destinations along the South Rim, including the East Portal, while saving Dragon Point for the very end of the day!
Dragon Point Trailhead Parking
The Dragon Point Trailhead parking area is located directly alongside South Rim Road, about 4.4 miles (7.1 km) west of the South Rim Visitor Center and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) before High Point at the end of the road.
Google Maps Directions: Dragon Point 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.
Hiking the Dragon Point Trail
The Dragon Point Trail is nothing more than a quick, easy 0.2-mile (0.3 km) walk along a mostly flat trail to a stunning viewpoint across from the Painted Wall.
Dragon Point
Standing at roughly 2,100 ft. (640 m) above the Warner Route and Gunnison River below, Dragon Point is arguably the most beautiful viewpoint on either side of Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
For this reason, if I’m in Black Canyon for multiple days in a row, I often return night after night to catch the sunset at Dragon Point over any other overlook in the park!
