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Gunnison Gorge Wilderness: A Rugged Colorado Escape

Explore Colorado's Gunnison Gorge Wilderness: A haven for hiking, fishing, and whitewater adventures in a stunning canyon landscape.

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The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, nestled within the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, offers a pristine backcountry experience with dramatic canyons, the Gunnison River, and diverse recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and whitewater boating.

A brief summary to Gunnison Gorge Wilderness

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • A four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended for accessing the trailheads due to the rough and unmaintained access roads.
  • Purchase a day-use pass online in advance or be prepared to pay with cash or check at the trailhead.
  • Pack out all trash, including toilet paper and cigarette butts, to help preserve the wilderness.
  • Bring extra water, food, a first-aid kit, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
  • Be aware that cell phone coverage is unreliable in many areas of the wilderness.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Crawford, Colorado, head east on CO-92 towards Delta County Road 8. Turn south onto Peach Valley Road. Follow Peach Valley Road to the access roads for the various trailheads. Note that the access roads (Chukar, Ute, Duncan, and Bobcat) are rough, unpaved, and often require a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle, especially when wet. Parking is available at the trailheads. Be aware that access roads can be impassable when wet. There are no fees for parking, but a day-use pass ($3 per person) is required for all visitors 16 and older within the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness. This can be purchased online in advance or at the trailhead (cash or check only).

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Discover more about Gunnison Gorge Wilderness

The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, a 17,784-acre expanse in western Colorado, promises a rugged and remote escape into nature. Located within the heart of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA), the wilderness encompasses a dramatic double canyon carved by the Gunnison River. Here, black granite cliffs layered with red sandstone create a stunning visual contrast, showcasing a geological history spanning nearly two billion years. The Gunnison River is central to the wilderness, offering both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The river is renowned for its Gold Medal trout fishing and challenging whitewater boating. Hiking and horseback riding are also popular, with 17 miles of trails to explore. The most used trail is the Chukar Trail, which provides access to the river for boaters. Other trails include the Bobcat, Ute, Smith Fork, and Duncan Trails. The wilderness is home to diverse wildlife, including mule deer, elk, mountain lion, and various bird species. Sensitive species such as the wintering bald eagles and river otters also inhabit the area. Established in 1999, the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to preserve its wilderness character and protect its natural resources. Visitors must adhere to specific regulations, including obtaining permits, packing out all trash, and using stoves or fire pans instead of wood fires. Access roads to trailheads are often rough and require four-wheel-drive vehicles.

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