Uplands Trail
Although the Uplands Trail doesn't have any big canyon views, it is nonetheless a pretty, quiet hike through the higher elevations of Black Canyon.
Plan Around Uplands Trail
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Uplands Trail Details
Although the Uplands Trail doesn't have any big canyon views, it is nonetheless a pretty, quiet hike through the higher elevations of Black Canyon. The trail begins a quarter-mile down the Oak Flat Loop behind the South Rim Visitor Center, and soon crosses the road and enters a dry drainage filled with Indian ricegrass and yarrow before climbing a gentle hill to a thicket of Gambel oaks. Because this trail doesn't offer any spectacular views it is less frequently traveled, and you're more likely to see some of the wild turkey, deer, and elk that live in this habitat. The trail eventually crosses the road again to return to the visitor center. The Uplands Trail can be combined with the more dramatic Rim Rock Nature Trail; the two trails junction near the visitor center. The Uplands Trail trailhead is reached via the Oak Flat Loop at the South Rim Visitor Center.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
2 miles
Estimated time
1 hour
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Uplands Trail
Compare nearby parks around Uplands Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Uplands Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Uplands Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.2 mi away
Gunnison Route
The Gunnison Route is the inner canyon route most taken on the South Rim, but it is by no means easy.
0.2 mi away
Oak Flat Loop
The Oak Flat Loop allows hikers to climb below the South Rim without having to commit to long, river-bound trails.
0.2 mi away
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Carved over a span of two million years by the Gunnison River, the Black Canyon in western Colorado is a "vertical wilderness."
0.2 mi away
South Rim Visitor Center
The South Rim Visitor Center is open daily, year-round and provides exhibits on the park's flora, fauna, geology, and history.
0.2 mi away
Gunnison Point Overlook
Perched over a long, gentle curve in the Gunnison River, Gunnison Point offers some spectacular views of the canyon.
