Gunnison National Forest, Sawatch Range Travel Guide

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Explore Colorado's vast Gunnison National Forest: hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and scenic drives await in this outdoor paradise.

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Gunnison National Forest

Encompassing over 1.6 million acres in western Colorado, the Gunnison National Forest is a vast expanse of mountains, valleys, and waterways offering endless outdoor recreation. From hiking and biking trails to scenic drives and wilderness areas, the forest beckons adventurers of all kinds.

A brief summary to Gunnison National Forest

Ohio City, Colorado, 81237, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Gunnison National Forest.

Download free Gunnison National Forest maps on your phone through Avenza for offline navigation.
Check with local outfitters or the National Forest Office for the latest trail conditions and activity information.
Be aware that motorized and mechanized travel is prohibited in designated wilderness areas.
Most campgrounds accommodate tents and small trailers (up to 18 feet long); length-of-stay limits are typically posted.

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Explore Gunnison National Forest on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Gunnison National Forest, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Most visitors arrive at Gunnison National Forest by private vehicle. From the town of Gunnison, access the forest by heading north on Highway 135 towards Crested Butte, or east on Highway 50 towards Montrose. These highways provide access to various entry points and trailheads within the forest. There are no entrance fees for the Gunnison National Forest itself. However, fees may be charged for the use of some campgrounds and recreational areas within the forest. These fees vary depending on the specific location and facilities offered.

Discover more about Gunnison National Forest

The Gunnison National Forest, established in 1905 as the Cochetopa Forest Reserve and later renamed, sprawls across Gunnison County and beyond, offering over 1.6 million acres of public lands for exploration. This expansive forest, jointly administered with the Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre National Forests (GMUG), presents a diverse landscape of rugged canyons, towering mountains, and pristine waterways.Outdoor enthusiasts will find a playground of recreational opportunities within the Gunnison National Forest. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities, with trails catering to various skill levels. The area around Crested Butte is renowned for its seemingly endless network of mountain biking trails. Backpackers can explore designated wilderness areas like Maroon Bells-Snowmass, Raggeds, and West Elk, each offering scenic trails for hiking and horseback riding. Note that motorized and mechanized travel, including mountain biking, is prohibited in wilderness areas.Beyond trails, the forest boasts opportunities for scenic drives along routes like Kebler Pass and the Alpine Loop Byway. Anglers can cast a line in Blue Mesa Reservoir, Taylor Park Reservoir, or the Taylor River, known for its fly fishing. In winter, the forest transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering backcountry skiing and snowshoeing.The Gunnison National Forest's history is intertwined with the exploration and development of western Colorado. Originally managed as the Cochetopa Forest Reserve, its establishment aimed to balance preservation with responsible resource management. Today, the forest continues to be a vital resource for recreation, grazing, and research, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.