Hike the Gunnison Route

Immediately upon arriving, secure a permit to scramble down 1,800ft in one mile to the Gunnison River. There are no hiking trails below the rim of the canyon, and because of its relentless steepness and rock exposure, the only existing routes are incredibly steep and loose. To protect the delicate environment only 12 people are allowed per day.

The route down to the river is a steep, vegetated rock gully, littered with flecks of quartz, feldspar, mica and garnet that glitter in the light. At the base of the route there is an idyllic oasis along the river's edge. Vegetation competes for space below the naked towering walls of the canyon. The river, a surging torrent, rips down the canyon and disappears into a cataract as it makes its 240ft per mile drop. Oddly, somehow, the mighty river's roar is nearly drowned out by a cacophony of birdsong.

The legendary Painted Wall is also nearby. At 2,250ft tall, Painted Wall is the 3rd highest wall in all of America - only Yosemite's El Capitan and Notch Peak's North Face in Idaho are taller. The Forrest-Walker team established the 19 pitch, multi-day, Grade 5.10 A4 route from the ground up in 1972.