Gunnison Gorge
Gunnison Gorge is a rugged, canyon-defining landscape in western Colorado where the Gunnison River plunges through steep walls. Known for whitewater rafting, slot canyons, and high-desert trails, it's a destination for experienced outdoor visitors seeking challenging river sections and dramatic geological features.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Colorado Plateau |
| Subregion | Southwest United States |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | Gunnison County |
| District | Gunnison Gorge NCA and BLM |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 38.7425 |
| Longitude | -107.0112 |
| Maps |
12:55 PM LOCAL TIMEGunnison Gorge serves as a natural boundary between high-desert plateaus and alpine headwaters. Carved by the Gunnison River, the gorge features narrow, offset channels, slickrock, and limestone cliff walls that reach up to ~2,400 meters. The surrounding uplands are arid and sparsely vegetated, contrasting with forested tributary drainages. Visitors come to run Class III–IV rapids, exploit technical slots and narrows, and hike multi-day backcountry routes. Access points along the river support put-in and take-out services, but many trails require cross-country navigation and daylight-only travel. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, limited water sources, and high exposure across trail corridors. Geologically, the area preserves fluvial erosional features, exposed sedimentary layers, and captions of past climate shifts and landslide activity. Gunnison Gorge is managed primarily by the Bureau of Land Management and partner agencies, with regulations focused on river safety, restricted motorized access in certain sections, and leave-no-trace principles.
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