Green Mountain Summit Hike

The Green Mountain Summit Trail is one of few long hikes in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. We love this trail because it has the perfect balance between scenic and strenuous. There are numerous overlooks of the Black Canyon as you traverse the trail and only does it get steep as you near the Green Mountain Summit. The steep segment of the trail is short and manageable as the terrain is easy and the trail is well maintained. Do make sure to bring water and sunscreen along with you on this hike, as it can get quite hot under the Colorado sun.

Begin this hike from the Ranger Station Parking Lot. Hook on to the North Vista Trail and head northwest. Admire the rocky scenery as you traverse the path. Soon you will confront an intersection, here we recommend going left and looping around the Exclamation Point Lookout. This vantage point provides some of the most awe-inspiring views on the North Rim. Loop around the trail and at that same junction, veer left, continuing on the North Vista Trail.

At this point, the path becomes steeper as you pass through a brush meadow and begin to ascend Green Mountain. Navigate the wide switchbacks up to the summit. Mind your footing because there are some loose boulders on the route. Once at the summit bask in the 360-degree panoramic views of the Black Canyon and surrounding countryside.

Loop around the Summit’s path and enjoy a stunning view down the middle of the steep walled gorge and the ribbon like river below. After you appreciate the extraordinary natural phenomena of the Black Canyon, retrace your steps down the trail all the way back to the parking lot.