Warner Route Hike

Craving an adrenaline rush, eh? We don’t blame you; the Warner Route Hike is extremely fun and stimulating assuming you come prepared. For safety reasons, the National Park only allots fifteen hiking permits per day which are required if you wish to adventure this trail. These permits can be reserved the night before or the morning of your hike at the Ranger Station. You and your party will also have to complete a safety briefing before you are ready to roll. These precautions help the park keep tabs on how many people are on these inner canyon trails, and when. Due to the technicality and length of this trail, consider camping overnight at one of the designated campsites along the base of the river.

Before commencing this adventure, make sure you are stocked up on water or have a water filter, and bring plenty of snacks. You’ll need to conserve some energy for the ascent back up! Consider bringing gloves and hiking poles to help you navigate the steep rocky terrain. Additionally, we recommend wearing pants as you will be traversing through brush and the riverbanks are often lined with poison ivy.

Begin the excursion down the Warner Route Trail from the High Point Parking Lot. Track west along the Warner Point Nature Trail. Continue along the trail as you pass the lookout and merge onto the Warner Route Trail. This section of the hike becomes strenuous and unmarked. The primitive trail will curve north and quickly become steep. Take your time as you navigate down the steep rocky terrain. Use tree routes and secure boulders as handholds. Do your best to maintain along the GPS route as you scramble the steep ravine.

Once you make it down the trail you will be rewarded with stunning sights of the narrow-walled gorge and the Gunnison River. Stay the night at one of the designated campsites or retrace your steps up the trail. The ascent to the trailhead will be hard as you scramble up loose rock screes and dirt paths. Use your poles and wear gloves. Once you make it back to the trailhead make sure you alert a Park Ranger that you are off the trail.