Marvel at the awe-inspiring depths of Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado with this self-guided driving tour. This drive features stunning views along the canyon’s south rim, from Gunnison Point to Chasm View and the breathtaking Painted Wall. Along the way, you’ll discover how the canyon formed and hear dramatic tales of those who have tried and failed to navigate its tumultuous waters over the years. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route. New, extra validity ‘ now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
- Explore the Grand Canyon and other local landmarks during a private tour
- Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
- Learn about the ancient Pueblo indian culture at the ‘Wupatki’ ruin
- Marvel at the stunning scenery of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
- Spend time exploring the Grand Canyon independently
- Includes lunch and round-trip hotel transport from Flagstaff
- Private guide for more personalized service
What To Expect
Dragon Point
Are you wondering where this spot gets its fearsome name? Well, some say the pegmatite on this part of the Painted Wall looks like a dragon!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Entrance Station
The park’s Entrance Station is just ahead. Once you’re through, continue driving straight along the Rim Drive.
• Admission Ticket Free
Tomichi Point
Once you’ve parked, walk over to the overlook and enjoy the view. Listen to the stories in the Learn More to hear more about the view you’re seeing and how it came to be.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Pulpit Rock Overlook
Into the parking area ahead and follow the trail to the overlook. This easy trail takes only two minutes and offers a great view of the Gunnison River.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Warner Point Nature Trail
At over 8,000 feet high, it’s the highest elevation on the park’s south rim. So get those cameras ready!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Gunnison River
The story of this canyon’s formation doesn’t end with the Laramide Orogeny. The next part of the tale is one of fire and water. First, the fire:
About 30 million years ago, huge volcanoes erupted on either side of the cracked earth. The same tectonic pressure that had cracked the surface caused all that volcanic chaos. The ash and lava blanketed this region and filled in the crack.
• Admission Ticket Free
Cross Fissures View
This half-mile loop is directly across from the infamous Narrows that spelled the end for Kolb and Pelton and many others. Be sure to make the easy 15-minute over to the edge if you want to see the spot where they met with disaster.
• Admission Ticket Free
South Rim Visitor Center
Our next story is actually behind the Visitor Center. When you’re ready, exit the car and walk through the building.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Gunnison River Expeditions/ North Rim Hunt Club
Gunnison and his troops came here to secure a railroad route in the 1850s. Everything was going swimmingly—until Gunnison got to the canyon we’ll soon see.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Devils Lookout
This easy, half-mile trail ends at an overlook straight over the raging whitewater of the Gunnison.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Chasm View Trail
Here, we can access two vistas. The first is right next to the turnout: Chasm View. The trail to Chasm View is only a couple hundred feet, but it’s steep! I’d definitely recommend trying it. It’s also a great spot for watching rock climbers hang on the north wall of the canyon.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Painted Wall
Igneous intrusions happen when hot magma is injected into rock, but doesn’t form enough pressure to burst out. Instead, it gets stuck in the crevices and hardens. These intrusions formed over a billion years ago.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Cedar Point
The trail to this overlook is an easy one – is just under half a mile and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of Gambel oaks, which hang out on the canyon rim. It’s also a great place to spot wildflowers in the spring! If you decide to visit, keep an eye out for those lignotubers I mentioned earlier.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Sunset View
Sunset View is just ahead. Turn into the parking lot on our right and follow the very short path to the overlook. This is a must-see, even if it’s not sunset time yet!
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: ‘ Download the separate app ‘ Enter the password ‘ Download the tour ‘ MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. ‘ If there is just one tour, launch it. ‘ If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. ‘ Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). ‘ The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. ‘ Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour ‘ priced per person! ‘ when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
Flexibility and Convenience: ‘ Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. ‘ Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
Comprehensive Tour Experience: ‘The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. ‘ Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
Ease of Use and Accessibility: ‘ The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. ‘ There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
Memorable Keepsakes: ‘ Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
Preparation: ‘ After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. ‘ Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
Starting the Tour: ‘ Open the app upon arrival at your destination. ‘ Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. ‘ Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. ‘ Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. ‘ By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Please be advised that the remaining hours of this tour will be dedicated to travel time.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Include
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Exclude
Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Max group – 4
