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Tomichi Creek State Wildlife Area: A Gunnison Valley Oasis

Explore Gunnison's Tomichi Creek State Wildlife Area for fishing, hunting, camping, and stunning Colorado scenery.

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Tomichi Creek State Wildlife Area, near Gunnison, Colorado, offers diverse outdoor activities. This 465-acre area is a haven for anglers and hunters, with opportunities for camping and wildlife viewing along the scenic Tomichi Creek.

A brief summary to Tomichi Creek State Wildlife Area

  • Gunnison, Colorado, 81230, US
  • 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

  • Check current fishing conditions with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before your visit, as voluntary closures may be in effect due to water temperatures.
  • A valid hunting or fishing license, or a State Wildlife Area pass, is required for everyone 16 or older.
  • Be aware that much of the land surrounding Tomichi Creek is private property, so stick to designated public access points.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the beauty and natural resources of the area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Tomichi Creek State Wildlife Area is located east of Gunnison. From Gunnison, head east on US-50. The SWA is located at the east end of the runway at Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport. Parking is available at the gated public access point. There are no fees for parking.

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Discover more about Tomichi Creek State Wildlife Area

Tomichi Creek State Wildlife Area (SWA) is a 465-acre outdoor recreation destination located near Gunnison in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. The SWA is defined by its namesake, Tomichi Creek, a 71.8-mile-long tributary of the Gunnison River. The creek originates near Monarch Pass and flows west, offering diverse habitats and scenic views. Anglers prize Tomichi Creek for its populations of rainbow and brown trout. Fishing is best in late spring, summer, and fall. However, anglers should be aware of potential voluntary fishing closures due to low flows and warm water temperatures, typically in the afternoons. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) monitors the creek and provides updates on fishing conditions. A valid hunting or fishing license, or a State Wildlife Area pass, is required for access for anyone 16 or older. Tomichi Creek SWA also provides access to hunting. The area is closed to public access other than fishing from the end of waterfowl season through June 30 to protect wildlife. Dog training and field trials are prohibited. Camping is permitted within the SWA, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The creek's name and a nearby peak are believed to come from a Ute word for "dome-shaped rock". In the late 1800s, the discovery of silver led to the establishment of the town of Tomichi (originally Argenta), which boomed briefly before declining due to transportation challenges and avalanches. Today, the area is known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

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