Gunnison Through Gunnison Gorge

Location: Western Colorado (about 175 miles southwest of Denver).

Length of trips: 14 miles in one to three days.

Season: May through September. The water flow usually peaks in late May or early June.

Weather: Be prepared for rain or snow in spring, with temperatures reaching as high as 70°F during the day but dropping to 30° at night. Daytime temperatures during the hot, dry summers soar into the 90s, with nighttime temperatures in the 40s. Expect rain showers in August. Autumn temperatures average in the 70s during the day and drop into the 30s at night.

Lodging: Campsites on small beaches.

Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class III (nine major Class III rapids and two major Class IV rapids). Clear, cold water.

Special features:

  • Accessed by a seven-mile jeep road and a steep one-mile hike to the put-in point.
  • One of the most spectacular canyons in the Colorado Rockies.
  • Outstanding trout fishing (brown, rainbow).
  • Interesting hikes into side canyons.
  • Abundant wildlife, including bighorn sheep, river otters, ringtails, marmots, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and waterfowl.
  • Wilderness solitude.
  • Suitable for experienced rafters.

Nearby excursions:

  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument.
  • Colorado National Monument.
  • Grand Mesa.

For a list of outfitters:

  • Bureau of Land Management, Uncompahgre Basin Resource Area, 2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, Colorado 81401; +1 970 249 6047, fax +1 970 249 8484. Try to book at least a week in advance. It’s a good idea to call ahead to find out which outfitter is operating on the day you plan to go.
  • For a list of Colorado outfitters, contact the Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA), 4098 Surrey Court, Lafayette, Colorado 80026; +1 303 369 4632.

For more information:

  • Colorado Travel and Tourism Authority, P.O. Box 22005, Denver, Colorado 80222; +1 303 296 3384 or 800 265 6723.

 
 
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