the gunnison route

Stunning views real good twisty roads over the passes especially with the Autumn colours on the trees.

Not too sure what the other review here is about, but the Gunnison Route is a hiking trail that leads from the visitor centre in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park dropping about 1800ft very quickly to the canyon floor and raging river below. The hike starts off with an easy stroll down through a young wooded area, before turning and dropping steeply down the canyon wall. There are some pretty tricky places to navigate, especially if there's been any rain as there isn't really a path, more of a slightly maintained trail. At one point there is a long chain that you must use to climb down and further down there's quite a few areas that are covered in loose rocks and boulders. When you finally reach the bottom the view is fantastic; you're on the canyon floor with the river rushing past you and the sheer canyon walls climbing high above you. There are a few areas where you can camp and you're able to walk a little way in each direction at the side of the river. We found a large flat rock on the river's edge to sit and have some food - at which point a ranger came floating past in a kayak! A backcountry permit is needed for this hike and you must check in and out at the visitor centre. The climb back out of the canyon is via the same way you come down and is very strenuous. This hike was very hard work but is an experience I'll never forget.

We decided to take this route through CO on our motorcycle as part of our out west trip. Was it worth it!!! Amazing scenery and empty roads! If you're traveling by motorcycle there are plenty of hair-raising twisties and sharp drop offs to keep your heart pounding!