Red Rock Canyon Info & Reservations

2024 Season Dates:

For 2024, Red Rock Canyon permits will open in two reservation windows on www.recreation.gov (dates are tentative, check back closer to release dates):

• On April 1, 2024 at 8:00 am MT, reservations will open for May 1 - July 31, 2024.
• On July 1, 2024 at 8:00 am MT, reservations will open for the remainder of the season: August 1 - October 31, 2024.

2023 Reservation System:
In years prior, Red Rock Canyon Wilderness permits were available through a mail-in lottery system. Starting in 2023, the park moved all reservations and permitting to Recreation.gov to make the process easier and more accessible for visitors. Red Rock Canyon permit reservations are now only available online through www.recreation.gov; in two separate release blocks. This is a first-come, first-served reservation system, not a lottery. More detail is available in the news release here.

 

Be sure to check the USGS streamgauge data for the Gunnison River below the Gunnison Tunnel at: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09128000/#parameterCode=00060&period=P7D

 

Red Rock Canyon river view and campground.

NPS image by Lisa Stoorza

• To use recreation.gov, you must create an account and be logged in to the site. Taking care of this in advance will help you to be prepared when reservations open for your desired trip dates.

• Maximum number of people per day/night = 8.

• Maximum number of groups/permits per day = 4.

• Maximum number of people per group = 4.

• Maximum length of stay = two nights per group.

• The official name in recreation.gov is "Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Red Rock Canyon Wilderness Permits" -- searching for this name, or just "Black Canyon" should get you to the correct page.

• Dates may change in future years.

 

Leave Red Rock Canyon unimpaired for the enjoyment of this and future generations.

NPS image by Joel Evans

About the Hike:
Red Rock Canyon is located in designated Wilderness on the southwest side of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It is a popular destination for anglers. Hikers also enjoy this route as an alternative to the steeper routes in other parts of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness. The route is 3.5 miles long (one-way) and gradually drops 1,300 vertical feet to the Gunnison River. Access is by wilderness use permit only.

The first mile of the route follows a double-track road from a small parking lot to the trailhead. The route continues into Red Rock Canyon along a shallow creek. Numerous stream crossings may be necessary and can make finding the route a challenge. The route is not marked or maintained. Poison ivy is prolific along the lower section of the route. Hikers are expected to find their own way and should not expect to be rescued. Upon approaching the Gunnison River campsites will become visible upstream and downstream.

Check Gunnison River flows at: Gunnison River Below Gunnison Tunnel, CO - USGS Water Data for the Nation

 

NPS photo/A. de Anguera

Rules and Regulations

• All Black Canyon Wilderness regulations apply. Practice “Leave No Trace” principles in the canyon. This includes packing out human solid waste in an appropriate WAG bag (Waste Alleviation Gel) system. All toilet paper and hygiene products must be packed out.
• Open fires, pets, livestock, and bicycles are not permitted in Red Rock Canyon.
• Please be respectful of the area. No smoking is allowed and no overnight camping in the parking area.
• Trailhead parking is very limited. Only one vehicle per group is permitted at the parking area.
• Commercial use (including guided fishing, hiking, or camping) is strictly prohibited in the inner canyon zone of Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness.
• A valid Colorado fishing license is required. Colorado Gold Medal Water regulations apply.
• Hunting is prohibited.