At places the river here throbs wildly 2,400 feet below the canyon rim. At The Narrows the canyon is only 1,100 feet wide at the rim and as little as 40 feet wide at the bottom. The rim country is predominantly a dryland forest of pinyon and juniper. Only the most determined anglers brave the descent to catch Colorado's largest trout, grown large due to lack of fishing pressure and a rich food supply. Expert river runners attempt the Gunnison here, carrying over several difficult portages.
Most people consider the canyon water unrunnable, and no outfitters offer commercial trips.
No well maintained trails descend the canyon walls, but rangers can give directions to the easiest descents. I found the going steep but not treacherous. Camping is allowed on the canyon bottom. Climbers often cling to the precipitous walls where you'll find some of the most demanding routes in the state. These cliffs are not for beginners or the inexperienced.