Cedar Point Nature Trail

Along the northern and southern rims of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, viewpoints and short nature trails dot the cliffs of the vertiginous southwestern canyon. Cedar Point Nature Trail is one of the few that contains more than the perfunctory overlook.

While this trail is less than a quarter mile long, hikers will find numerous interpretive signs that detail aspects of the Black Canyon ecosystem, in particular its main plant inhabitants. One of the most common plants in Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the Gambel oak, or dwarf oak, the acorns of which were an important food supply for local Native American inhabitants. The Utah juniper also grows here, some species aged older than 200 years. The ubiquitous sagebrush gives the air the signature Western aroma. In addition to these, there are several other interpretive signs that detail other species like serviceberry and mountain mahogany, the distant mountain ranges to the north, and the geological forces that carve the side canyons.

At the end of the trail, pause to overlook the southern reaches of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the heart-pounding drop-offs.

For those driving along the South Rim Road, the Cedar Point Nature Trail is a recommended stop for anyone interested in the plant biology of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.