Self- Guided Tour in Colorado Springs with Audio Guide

4 Reviews4.25 out of 5 stars Based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Telluride, USA

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3 to 4 hours (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

Marvel at the awe-inspiring depths of Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado with this self-guided driving tour. This drive features stunning views along the canyon’s south rim, from Gunnison Point to Chasm View and the breathtaking Painted Wall. Along the way, you’ll discover how the canyon formed and hear dramatic tales of those who have tried and failed to navigate its tumultuous waters over the years.

Purchase one tour per car, not per person.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

13973 CO-347, 13973 CO-347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA

Open in Google Maps

After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

End point

High Point, Crawford, CO 81415, USA

Description

Stop At: Dragon Point, Dragon Point, Colorado 81415, USA

Are you wondering where this spot gets its fearsome name? Well, some say the pegmatite on this part of the Painted Wall looks like a dragon!

Note: This 13-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in 3-4 hours.

Duration: 10 minutes

Pass By: Entrance Station, 10450 Hwy 347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA

The park's Entrance Station is just ahead. Once you’re through, continue driving straight along the Rim Drive.

Stop At: Tomichi Point, Colorado

Once you’ve parked, walk over to the overlook and enjoy the view. Listen to the stories in the Learn More to hear more about the view you’re seeing and how it came to be.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Pulpit Rock Overlook, Montrose, Colorado, Colorado 81401

Into the parking area ahead and follow the trail to the overlook. This easy trail takes only two minutes and offers a great view of the Gunnison River.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Warner Point Nature Trail, Crawford, CO 81415, USA

At over 8,000 feet high, it’s the highest elevation on the park’s south rim. So get those cameras ready!

Duration: 10 minutes

Pass By: Gunnison River, Gunnison River, Colorado, USA

The story of this canyon’s formation doesn’t end with the Laramide Orogeny. The next part of the tale is one of fire and water. First, the fire:

About 30 million years ago, huge volcanoes erupted on either side of the cracked earth. The same tectonic pressure that had cracked the surface caused all that volcanic chaos. The ash and lava blanketed this region and filled in the crack.

Pass By: Cross Fissures View, Cross Fissures View, Colorado 81401, USA

This half-mile loop is directly across from the infamous Narrows that spelled the end for Kolb and Pelton and many others. Be sure to make the easy 15-minute over to the edge if you want to see the spot where they met with disaster.

Stop At: South Rim Visitor Center, 10346 CO-347, Montrose, CO 81401, USA

Our next story is actually behind the Visitor Center. When you’re ready, exit the car and walk through the building.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Gunnison River Expeditions/ North Rim Hunt Club, 8949 Pleasure Park Rd, Hotchkiss, CO 81419, USA

Gunnison and his troops came here to secure a railroad route in the 1850s. Everything was going swimmingly—until Gunnison got to the canyon we’ll soon see.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Devils Lookout, Devils Lookout, Colorado 81401, USA

This easy, half-mile trail ends at an overlook straight over the raging whitewater of the Gunnison.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Chasm View Trail, Colorado

Here, we can access two vistas. The first is right next to the turnout: Chasm View. The trail to Chasm View is only a couple hundred feet, but it’s steep! I’d definitely recommend trying it. It’s also a great spot for watching rock climbers hang on the north wall of the canyon.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Painted Wall, Colorado

Igneous intrusions happen when hot magma is injected into rock, but doesn’t form enough pressure to burst out. Instead, it gets stuck in the crevices and hardens. These intrusions formed over a billion years ago.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Cedar Point, Cedar Point, Colorado 81415, USA

The trail to this overlook is an easy one - is just under half a mile and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of Gambel oaks, which hang out on the canyon rim. It’s also a great place to spot wildflowers in the spring! If you decide to visit, keep an eye out for those lignotubers I mentioned earlier.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Sunset View, Sunset View, Colorado 81415, USA

Sunset View is just ahead. Turn into the parking lot on our right and follow the very short path to the overlook. This is a must-see, even if it’s not sunset time yet!

Duration: 10 minutes

Read full description

What To Expect

  • Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
  • Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
  • Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
  • Duration: 3 to 4 hours (Approx.)
  • Departure Time:
    Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
    7/2/2024 - 12/28/2025
    Monday - Sunday :08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Return Details:

    High Point, Crawford, CO 81415, USA

What's Included

  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup not offered
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
See 5 More

What To Bring

  • Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
  • Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
  • A Smile!

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
  • Please be advised that the remaining hours of this tour will be dedicated to travel time.
  • Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
  • CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio. Use phone speakers if needed.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-259640P25

Reviews

4.25
4 reviews

Average 4.25 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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