Gunnison Point & South Rim Visitor Center
Gunnison Point
A viewpoint beside the South Rim Visitor Center overlooking a canyon about 550 meters deep, and the starting point of the steep Inner Canyon trail.
Gunnison Point sits right next to the South Rim Visitor Center. From the viewpoint, you can see the Gunnison River rushing between the black cliffs, making it the first stop in the park. The visitor center has exhibits, maps and talks by park rangers. Hours are roughly 8:00–18:00 in summer, and shorter in winter (check NPS announcements). The Gunnison Route begins here: it is an unmaintained, steep trail down into the canyon, about 1.6 kilometers one way with a 550-meter drop. Pick up a free backcountry permit at the visitor center first. In winter, this is the farthest point you can reach by car, and snowshoe hiking is possible in the surrounding area.
Opening hours
Viewpoint open all day; visitor center hours vary by season
Nearby sights
- Tomichi Point
- Pulpit Rock Overlook
- South Rim Road
- North Rim Road
- Chasm View
- Painted Wall View
- Cedar Point Nature Trail
- Exclamation Point