Warner Route
The Warner Route is the longest of all the South Rim inner-canyon trails.
Plan Around Warner Route
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Warner Route Details
The Warner Route is the longest of all the South Rim inner-canyon trails, and requires an overnight stay at one of the backcountry sites along the Gunnison River. Access to the trail is from the Warner Point Nature Trail by the High Point parking area on South Rim Drive, 7.5 miles from the park entrance. Follow the nature trail to post 13 and the tiny, knee-level silver sign reading "Serviceberry Bush" that marks the beginning of the inner-canyon descent. From there, just keep heading down. The bottom of the descent is only a short distance from the river, where a few campsites and a pit toilet are located. Be sure to check river conditions before making plans to camp overnight, as water levels can change rapidly and wash you away with your tent!
Difficulty
High
Distance
2.75 miles
Estimated time
6.5 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Warner Route
Compare nearby parks around Warner Route when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Warner Route
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Warner Route while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Warner Point Nature Trail
One of the more popular trails on the South Rim is named after one of Black Canyon's biggest supporters.
0.1 mi away
High Point
The perfect picnic and sunset spot at 8,289 feet (and well above the canyon below).
0.6 mi away
Sunset View
The best parking on the South Rim. (Hint: There's a view.)
1.2 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."
1.3 mi away
Dragon Point
The overlook at Dragon Poin offers a stomach-churning view of the depths of the canyon.
