Riding here
Black Canyon is a viewpoint park: the South Rim Road runs along the edge of a sheer canyon about seven miles to High Point, with overlooks every mile or so. It makes a short out-and-back ride, and the dirt North Rim Road suits gravel bikes in summer. Bikes are road-only, and the climb up from Montrose on CO 347 is steep and narrow.
Where you can ride
Under NPS rules, bikes may use park roads open to vehicles: the paved South Rim Road and the unpaved North Rim Road in season.
Where you can't
No riding on trails or in the inner canyon wilderness.
Rides
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South Rim Road
- Road
- Visitor center to High Point and back
- Paved
- Moderate
A rolling rim road past a dozen overlooks into the canyon. Short, scenic, and best early before traffic builds.
Start: South Rim Visitor Center
When to go
Summer and early fall. The South Rim Road beyond the visitor center and the North Rim Road close to cars in winter.
Safety
The access roads (US 50, CO 347) and park roads are narrow, steep and winding. Watch for potholes, soft shoulders, wildlife and ice patches.
E-bikes
The park's own bicycling page doesn't spell out e-bike rules. Under the NPS e-bike rule (36 CFR 4.30), an e-bike with working pedals and a motor under 750 watts is generally allowed where regular bikes are, and riding on the motor alone is barred anywhere cars can't go. Parks can restrict them, so confirm with the park before you bring one.
Fees
Arriving by bike, you pay the park's individual (per-person) entrance fee, normally valid for 7 days, or ride in on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Amounts change, so check the park's Fees & Passes page.
Rentals, tours and shuttles
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Your bike shop hereSample listing
This spot is for one rental shop, guide service or shuttle near Black Canyon of the Gunnison: your name, what you offer, and a link straight to your booking page, at the top of this section.
Feature your shop on this page, free until spring 2027
Run a shop near Black Canyon of the Gunnison? Add it here.
Sources
Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.
Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.