The town of Gunnison is a home rule municipality and the county seat of Gunnison County, Colorado. As of the 2020 United States Census, its population was 6,560. You can enjoy an array of outdoor activities in the area, including fishing, hiking, golfing, and ghost towns.
Outdoor activities
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in the park or a high-alpine ski resort, there’s something to keep the whole family entertained in Gunnison. In summer, enjoy live music in Legion Park on Sundays at 6pm. If you prefer a more energetic evening, check out the Alpenglow music series at Crested Butte every Monday, or a free concert at Mt. Crested Butte on Wednesdays. There’s also a fantastic farmer’s market in both Gunnison and Crested Butte. In addition, you can listen to live music at I-Bar Ranch, a local venue with national bands. In addition, consider attending the Crested Butte Music Festival, which has a high-quality music lineup.
Another great way to spend a day is to go hiking or mountain biking. The Gunnison area offers numerous trails, including the Tomichi Creek trail and the Neversink trail. Campers can also take advantage of nearby campgrounds, including Cement Creek and Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Gunnison is a great place to visit for students in the summer because of the wide variety of activities available. The town is affordable and has plenty of fun things to do with the whole family. Families can visit the town during the day and then head out to nearby Crested Butte for more activities.
Mountain biking is another great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Gunnison. There are many hiking and mountain biking trails in the area that are suitable for all levels of experience. Some of the best trails in the area include Hartman Rocks, the Aberdeen Loop, and the Signal Peak Loop. The western mountain biking team has many rides to choose from in Gunnison.
Ghost towns
If you love the dark and mysterious, you’ll love visiting one of the ghost towns in Gunnison. These abandoned buildings and sites date back to the 1800s. They once served as brothels and gold and silver mining towns. The mining industry peaked in the late 1800s, and gold-starry-eyed miners flocked to the state to find the promised riches. Newcomers quickly built towns near the medal-laden landscapes.
While there are plenty of abandoned buildings and abandoned mines that still stand, not all of these communities are surrounded by visible ruins. Some are dotted with a few overgrown cemeteries and are only noted on old maps. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try exploring some of the towns on foot. In addition, if you own a car, you can also use an off-road vehicle to reach some of the places.
In addition to the ruins of many mines, you’ll also be able to see many old homes that were once inhabited. For example, the Mary Lawrence Inn, a former private residence, is one such place. The building’s history is full of ghost stories, including the death of a man during a fire.
If you’re visiting the Gunnison Valley, you’ll find plenty of ghost tours and museums. You can also stay in one of the old buildings and experience the ghosts for yourself. From quaint bed and breakfasts to traditional hotels, Gunnison has something for everyone. Just be sure to plan ahead for your stay!
Golfing
Golfing in Gunnison Colorado is a wonderful way to enjoy a day in the mountains. The area is home to one golf course, the Dos Rios Golf Club, which has been around since 1964. The course has a challenging layout and is a great place to practice your game. The club also offers a fully-stocked pro shop, and lessons are offered by PGA certified golf professionals.
Whether you are looking for a challenging game or a quiet round of recreation, there are several golf courses in Gunnison that will meet your needs. The Colorado Golf Course, for example, is 6,566 yards long and is a par 71. The course is also known for the fact that it features water on 17 of its holes.
Fishing
There are several excellent options for fishing the Gunnison River. The river is wide and has large numbers of rainbows, browns, and cutthroat trout. When the water level is high enough, you can float or wade the river. Depending on the season, you can even try fishing for Kokanee.
The upper Gunnison River in the Gunnison Valley offers excellent fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. The river has a wide range of depths, from 100 feet to a thousand feet. Strong currents make travel to certain parts of the river difficult.
For fly fishermen, the Gunnison River provides excellent opportunities for fly fishing. The river features large rainbow and brown trout, as well as Kokanee salmon. The river is also a popular spot for float fishing, with plenty of public access points. Depending on the flow and time of year, different sections of the river may offer different levels of difficulty.
The lower Gunnison River flows through the Gunnison Gorge and features a 39-mile stretch of Gold Medal water that stretches from the Blue Mesa Reservoir to the Delta. Known for its large population of kokanee salmon, the lower Gunnison river is also popular for trophy rainbow trout.
The Gunnison River has several public access points and offers many options for fishing. For most of the year, fishing in the river is easy with a nymph or caddisfly imitation. But for the best fishing, use a drift boat during the peak of the salmon hatch.
Boating
If you’re looking for an excellent place to go boating in Gunnison Colorado, there are several places to choose from. The Blue Mesa Reservoir is a popular location for motorized boating, and the Taylor Park Reservoir is another popular option. Both locations offer incredible scenery and fishing opportunities. You can even experience Colorado’s famous summer sun while cruising the waters. You’ll often find bluebird skies in the early morning, but be aware that afternoons can be shady and a storm may occur.
Boaters who are looking for an easier, more relaxed river trip can choose the top section of the Gunnison River. This section starts near Almont and winds its way down to Grand Junction, Colorado, where it joins the Colorado River. The river features exciting Class I and II rapids and great fishing opportunities.
If you’re looking for a river trip that’s perfect for beginners, the Lower Taylor run in Gunnison is a great choice. This section is commercially rafted and offers low-stress boating. It is also home to looming granite walls and a number of take-out locations. You can access this section from the Five Mile Bridge, but it’s also possible to reach it from any public access point downstream. The takeout on the Lower Taylor is at the confluence of the East and Taylor rivers in Almont.
The Black Canyon Reservoir is a picturesque body of water. You can also paddle in the reservoir and enjoy the view of the Black Canyon. However, before you can access the river, you’ll have to hike along the Pine Creek Trail and climb up 232 stairs. Another excellent body of water in the area is Taylor Park Reservoir, which is just a short drive from Crested Butte. It’s easy to access from Taylor Park Marina and can be reached via Forest Service Road 742.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing in Gunnison, Colorado, is a fun activity for people of all skill levels. The area features dozens of miles of trails through scenic landscapes and rugged rock formations. The city is also home to the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area, which offers mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and snowshoeing in all four seasons.
Before going snowshoeing in Gunnison, Colorado, it’s important to wear the appropriate clothing. You’ll need a warm hat and a pair of waterproof snowshoes. You’ll also need to bring along sunscreen and sunglasses. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water, as you’ll be walking for a while in cold temperatures. You can rent snowshoes at many local stores and outfitters.
A popular trail to try snowshoeing in Gunnison Colorado is Rim Rock Trail. Located in the South Rim section of the Black Canyon, this trail is popular with snowshoers and cross-country skiers. The trail travels almost a mile from the Visitor Center to the campground and includes great views of the Black Canyon.
If you’re new to snowshoeing, consider hiring a guide to help you out. Local guides know the best trails and prime locations in the area. Snowshoeing is also a great way to observe winter wildlife. You can even hire a photographer to take pictures of the wildlife that you spot.