Spring rolling release (May 1 - July 31 trips)Timed release
Reservations for May 1 - July 31 trips open April 1 at 8:00am MT on Recreation.gov. Trip window: 2026-05-01 → 2026-07-31.
Opens: Apr 1, 2026
National Park Service · CO
Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Wilderness Permits
Permit-controlled access to the steep, unmarked South Rim wilderness routes into the inner canyon, with rolling Recreation.gov reservations for the May-October peak season.
Permit requiredovernightVery strenuous
Access requirement
3 ways to get a permit
Summer rolling release (August 1 - October 31 trips)Timed release
Reservations for August 1 - October 31 trips open July 1 at 8:00am MT on Recreation.gov. Trip window: 2026-08-01 → 2026-10-31.
Opens: Jul 1, 2026
Off-season first-come, first-served permitsFirst-come
Off-season (November 1 - April 30) permits are first-come, first-served and issued day-of at the visitor center; no advance reservations. Trip window: 2026-11-01 → 2027-04-30.
Permit rules
QuotaA limited number of permits are issued per day for each South Rim wilderness route; daily quotas apply.
GroupPer-route maximums: Gunnison Route 15 people, Warner Route 23 people, Tomichi Route 9 people (Tomichi currently closed).
FeesReservation fee $6 per permit (non-refundable) plus a $4 per-person recreation fee; park entrance fee is separate.
TransferOnce printed, the permit is issued and modifications or cancellations are not allowed.
SafetyRoutes are unmarked, very steep with loose rock and physically demanding; the Tomichi Route is closed and the Gunnison Route has hazardous burned-area conditions from the 2025 South Rim Fire.
Where to stay
Campgrounds nearby
Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground
Reservable + first-come · All campsites at North Rim are first-come, first-served. This campground uses Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Download the app ahead of your visit to arrive ready!
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground
Reservable + first-come · There is an additional $6 electricity attribute fee for Standard Electric sites.
Aug 251Aug 26—Aug 274Aug 281Aug 29—Aug 3010Aug 318
Availability: Recreation.gov
East Portal Campground
Reservable + first-come · All campsites at East Portal are first-come, first-served. This campground uses Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Download the app ahead of your visit to arrive ready! NOTE: Entrance to the campground is through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park which charges a $30 per vehicle entrance fee. You will pay this fee upon arrival (or purchase in advance ). The park also honors interagency passes for entry (e.g., senior, access, Golden Age, 4th grade, etc.).
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov
East Portal Campground
Not reservable online
Availability: Unavailable