Bighorn Loop

Experience spanning views of the Gunnison Gorge and the Uncompahgre Valley along this wilderness route. You will quickly turn right off Duncan Trail onto Bighorn, which travels along the lower rim of the double canyon. This trail is nearly flat and offers various lookout points with sweeping views of the gorge and the river below. As you travel south you will see more of the steep black cliffs of precambrian basement rock at the bottom of the Gorge, nearly 4 billion years old. Pinyon pine and juniper dominate the landscape and provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife such as mule deer and pinyon jays. If you’re lucky, you may see eagles and osprey circling over the Gorge. At the junction with Bobcat Trail, turn right and begin the climb. At the Bobcat Trailhead lot, turn right and walk past the picnic structure to find Red Rocks-Nighthorse. This is a mixed-use trail outside of the wilderness border; keep an eye out for cyclists. As you head north you will see the Grand Mesa looming in the distance, but be sure to turn over your shoulder at the high points to see the San Juan mountains to the south! Take care on the steeper downhill sections, where the rock can be loose, especially as you approach the intersection with Duncan Road. Turn right at the road to complete your loop.