Black Canyon breeds opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and kayaking.The canyon rim has the easiest hiking trails and some of the most dramatic views, but hiking to the canyon floor requires a permit and involves an extremely steep descent down unmarked gullies; this, along with rock climbing inside the canyon and kayaking down the Gunnison River, should only be attempted by experienced and well-equipped travelers.
For a less physically-challenging way to appreciate the canyon, take a scenic drive along the South Rim or North Rim roads, both of which feature many overlooks. The East Portal Road winds down to the canyon floor via hairpin turns, and leads to fishing and camping sites in the Curecanti National Recreation Area.