If you’re looking for things to do in Gunnison, Colorado, you’re in luck. The town is a home rule municipality and the county seat of Gunnison County. It has a population of 6,560 as of the 2020 United States Census.

Outdoor activities

If you’re looking for outdoor activities in Gunnison, Colorado, you’ve come to the right place. With its rich ranching heritage and diverse natural resources, the town has plenty to offer. World-class fishing is available at Blue Mesa Reservoir, and nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers beautiful overlooks and varied hiking trails. Visitors can also check out the Cattlemen’s Days rodeo, Colorado’s oldest, which includes rodeo competitions, carnival rides, and live music.

The town is home to more than 750 miles of singletrack trails. There are plenty of challenging hikes to choose from, like the Tomichi Creek trail or the Neversink trail. Camping is also available nearby, at the Cement Creek campground or at the Blue Mesa Reservoir.

Visitors can also visit the High Alpine Brewing Company for craft beer and local cuisine. The brewers use local ingredients in their beer, and the brick oven pizza and homemade salad dressings are popular dishes. While visiting Gunnison, you’ll have a hard time finding a better place to enjoy your beer and food.

Art galleries

If you are searching for an art gallery in Gunnison, Colorado, you have come to the right place. The town has several galleries that offer a wide variety of artwork. You can also attend art exhibitions, such as the Eclectica group exhibition. This city has also a mural located in its IOOF park, where it was painted in 1995.

The museum features a collection of the work of local artists. Local art historian Nicholas Reti, who owns the Oh Be Joyful Gallery, has compiled years of research and purchased a significant collection of photographs and prints. Another local art historian, Peggy Morgan Stenmark, has spent hours scouring historical newspapers and collecting stories on early mining communities. Among the pieces she’s discovered are photographs and live theater from the region’s first years.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Located in western Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park is home to steep walls and dramatic drops. The Gunnison River carved the steep walls and gorge out of Precambrian rock. You can drive through the park’s gorge and visit a variety of wildlife including golden eagles, mule deer, and elk.

The Black Canyon is a vast wilderness area. The walls of the canyon are made of volcanic schist and reach depths of over two thousand feet. Even when the sun is shining, the walls of the canyon can be frightening. The canyon was upgraded to national park status in 1999. It is the third-smallest national park in the United States.

Unlike the Grand Canyon, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is much less visited. It is home to the narrowest section of the Gunnison Gorge and offers spectacular views from both sides of the canyon. The park is located approximately five hours from Denver’s international airport.

Horseback riding

One of the best ways to see Gunnison is to go horseback riding. There are several horseback riding locations in the area, many of which offer trail rides on public and private land. The best part of a summer horseback ride is the chance to see wildlife and spot wildflowers. Riding a horse also allows you to explore remote Wilderness Areas that are off-limits to motorized vehicles. This makes horseback riding a unique way to experience the unspoiled Gunnison Valley.

If you’re looking for an activity to do with the family, horseback riding is a great choice. If you’d like to have a family reunion, there are several horseback riding experiences in the area. Many of these experiences are open to all levels, from beginners to seasoned riders.

For a scenic trail ride, head to one of the wilderness areas near Gunnison, Montrose, and Crested Butte. These areas are known for their alpine beauty and are perfect for horseback riding. There are many different options available, from short rides to overnight pack rides. Prices range from about $40 to $60 for a two-hour ride, and a day pack ride costs between $250 and $500.

Hiking

Hiking in Gunnison Colorado is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and take in the views of the area. The Gunnison Route is only moderately challenging, but rewards hikers with scenic views. This out-and-back hike is especially popular with birdwatchers.

This hike is best for those who are physically fit, with strong stamina. The trail is difficult with switchbacks and a few short scrambles. However, once you arrive at the river, the scenery is breathtaking. You’ll also enjoy the views from the North and South rims.

The hike takes four to six hours, but fast hikers can complete it faster. We did it in 3 hours and 15 minutes, including the 35 minutes we spent by the river. While hiking, remember to practice the seven Leave No Trace principles. These include planning ahead, staying on the trail, disposing of trash and food waste, respecting other hikers, and not feeding wildlife.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a beautiful national park in Colorado. It is not as famous as the Grand Canyon, but is equally as beautiful. Hiking through the park is a great way to experience the area.

Snowshoeing

If you’re looking for a snowshoeing adventure, consider a trip to Gunnison Colorado. It’s a gorgeous area with some stunning scenery, and it’s free to visit in the winter. This park offers a variety of activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and camping. You can rent snowshoes at the visitor center and download offline maps to take with you.

If you’re looking for a moderately difficult snowshoeing trail, there’s Mill Creek. The trails wind through spruce and aspen groves, and they can be a bit icy. Be sure to check with the local avalanche center if you’re unsure about the area. Splitboarders and people traveling under steep slopes should be especially cautious.

You’ll need waterproof shoes and wool socks. You’ll also want to wear layers of clothing and gloves. A warm hat is essential too. Make sure to pack plenty of water. You can rent snowshoes at many outfitters in the area.

Scenic river tours

Scenic River Tours offers whitewater rafting trips, family float trips, and guided fishing trips on the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers. Located in downtown Gunnison, they operate seven days a week during the summer. They also operate a boathouse in Taylor Canyon.

Scenic river tours are ideal for a day trip from Crested Butte or any of the nearby towns. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rafter, you’ll have a great time exploring the scenic Gunnison River. During the rafting trip, you’ll get to see local geology and learn about the local history.

The Lower Gunnison River offers mild to moderate Class I to II rapids that are perfect for families and anglers alike. There’s also a section that offers more challenging Class IV rapids for the experienced rafter. Depending on your experience level, you can choose between half-day, full-day, and overnight trips.

Local history

There are many things you can do to learn about the local history of Gunnison Colorado. You can find out about early settlements, including Ute Indians. The Utes lived in the area before the 1800s, but moved seasonally in search of food. In the late 1800s, settlers arrived in the area and began to buy horses from the Utes. Soon after, trappers began to arrive. But trapping proved to be a difficult endeavor in this harsh mountain climate. By the 1870s, most of these people had moved on.

The Gunnison Valley is famous for its public lands, but this land wasn’t always available for farming. Because of the short growing season, local farmers turned to ranching and cattle breeding to survive. They also cleared land for grazing and cut irrigation ditches to produce hay for cattle and horses. Many of these methods are still used today in Gunnison.

Despite the mining industry, Gunnison Colorado’s agricultural traditions are strong. The county is known for its cattle and sheep ranching traditions, and is also home to the world-renowned Cattlemen’s Days rodeo, which was started in 1900. Today, the area’s residents enjoy outdoor activities and winter sports. The area is also a popular destination for vacationers and travelers who want to try out its ski slopes and trails.