South Rim Visitor Center

The South Rim Visitor Center is Black Canyon of the Gunnison’s main visitor center and a good first stop before you drive the South Rim Road. Rangers staff the information desk, and inside you will find exhibits, a bookstore, maps, newspapers, and Junior Ranger books. It is also where you get the free wilderness permit required to descend into the inner canyon, with a self-registration kiosk for when the building is closed. Three hiking trails and the Gunnison Point overlook start right from the building, including the Oak Flat Loop and the Rim Rock Trail, so you can stretch your legs without driving anywhere. In winter and early spring the South Rim Road closes to vehicles just past the visitor center, which makes this the end of the road for most cars.