Hike to the Painted Wall

Crawford, Colorado

4.5/5

based on 2 reviews

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Details

Distance

1 miles

Elevation Gain

25 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Lucas Bremer

The iconic view of the tallest cliff in Colorado.

At 2,250 feet, the Painted Wall in Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a sight that cannot be truly captured in photos. The layers of rock along the cliff's wall resembles a canvas with streaks from a paintbrush. This canyon took eons to create, and this view of the river and canyon walls is the highlight of the National Park.

It is a quick and easy trip out and back to the overlook from the south rim of the canyon from the parking lot. It is one of the last stops along the scenic drive within the park. Enjoy the smell of junipers and catch glimpses of osprey and vultures gliding above.

Take care of young children as the ledges here are steep and people have fallen.

*Park along the side of the road, before you get to the trail head*

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Features

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

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Picnic Area

Romantic

Scenic

Wildlife

Hike to the Painted Wall Reviews

Tristan Duffy

Hike to the Painted Wall

11/20/22

Easy

5.0

Drew Thompson

Hike to the Painted Wall

04/30/22

Nice spot to look off into the canyon and admire the painted wall. Note this spot is usually the most crowded in the park. Parking is limited to the sides of the one road in or out. Depending on the time of day the sun truly lights up the wall to create great photos.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Chasm View Nature Trail

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Hike the Gunnison Route

Immediately upon arriving, secure a permit to scramble down 1,800ft in one mile to the Gunnison River. There are no hiking trails below the rim of the canyon, and because of its relentless steepness and rock exposure, the only existing routes are incredibly steep and loose. To protect the delicate environment only 12 people are allowed per day.The route down to the river is a steep, vegetated r...

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Warner Point Nature Trail

Hike the Oak Flat Loop

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of Colorado's four national parks. Though not as well known as Rocky Mountain or Mesa Verde, Black Canyon has no lack of views, hiking opportunities, and other must-experience natural features. The Canyon's expanse is far too large to explore in a day, but the Oak Flat loop offers hikers the chance to see some of the most panoramic overlooks of the canyon an...

Drive the Scenic loop at Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park

The Black Canyon of Gunnison is know for 2000 foot cliffs and a beautiful raging river below. The south side of the canyon is the most popular and the easiest to get to. The visitor center is also on the south side making it convenient for information and getting souvenirs. The scenic drive also has 12 easy to get to overlooks. The overlooks vary in length of walking but are mostly all on flat ...

Hike to the Painted Wall

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Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Hike to the Painted Wall Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike the Chasm View Nature Trail

Hike the Gunnison Route

Snowshoe in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Warner Point Nature Trail

Hike the Oak Flat Loop

Drive the Scenic loop at Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park

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