The human scale of the Gorge has appealed to visitors for over 12,000 years. In fact, some of the first people to arrive in North America chose to live there, and left their mark which you can still see today. The NCA now attracts hikers and mountain bikers with miles of single track trails, abundant wildlife, and rare plant species. Off-road enthusiasts are drawn to the jeep and ATV roads of Peach Valley OHV area. The star of the show is the river itself, who’s clear waters pulse through the heart of the Gorge. Countless summer visitors have enjoyed rafting, stand up paddle, tubing, and gold medal fishing in the cool waters of the Gunnison River.
The Gunnison Gorge NCA is divided into two sections. The wilderness section upstream abuts the National Park. Accessing the wilderness is for the most adventurous, and well prepared visitors. At the end of rough 4WD roads, Ute, Duncan, Bobcat, and Chuckar trails drop 500 to 1,200 feet from rim to river through pinion-juniper forest. The character of the river in this section is intermediate to advance whitewater (class III/IV). To access the river here, boats must be carried, or packed by mule 1 mile down Chuckar Trail. The wilderness area is your best place to spot big horned sheep, ringtail cats, and elk, enjoy world class fly fishing, and advanced whitewater kayaking. Group size is limited to 12, so pack a bag, grab your hiking boots, and a few adventure buddies for a journey into the wilderness.
Many visitors to the NCA choose to see the lower section of the Gorge by river. Here, the river takes on a friendly character, trading its wild class III/IV rapids for beginner level class I/II features. The narrow river canyon opens up revealing colorful sandstones, winding side canyons, and archaeological wonders. From the Gunnison Forks Recreation Site, at the confluence of the North Fork and Gunnison Rivers, one can walk and wade 5 miles upstream for gold medal fishing; or hop on a boat, board, or tube and float 8 miles downstream. Below Gunnison Forks, you will encounter Cool Rock and Crocodile Rock trails, which twist and turn through red, orange, and purple sandstone escarpments. You will discover the painted walls of Eagle Rock Shelter, the oldest house in Colorado, where some of the first Americans made their home 13,000 years ago. The lower Gorge is the perfect place to spot Bald Eagles, Great Blue Heron, and river otters, find dinosaur tracks, and cool off on a hot summer day.
Nature lovers are certain to find enjoyment in the 62,000 acres of public lands that form the Gunnison Gorge NCA. This area maintains its wild, untouched character because it is loved and cared for by those who visit. Remember to leave no trace, be prepared, and respect the amazing plants and animals you find on your next visit to the Gunnison Gorge.
Ready for adventure? Hotchkiss based outfitter Western Slope SUP offers guided rafting, stand up paddle, and kayak trips, equipment rentals, and maps for your journey into the Gunnison Gorge NCA.
The Gunnison Gorge NCA is divided into two sections. The wilderness section upstream abuts the National Park. Accessing the wilderness is for the most adventurous, and well prepared visitors. At the end of rough 4WD roads, Ute, Duncan, Bobcat, and Chuckar trails drop 500 to 1,200 feet from rim to river through pinion-juniper forest. The character of the river in this section is intermediate to advance whitewater (class III/IV). To access the river here, boats must be carried, or packed by mule 1 mile down Chuckar Trail. The wilderness area is your best place to spot big horned sheep, ringtail cats, and elk, enjoy world class fly fishing, and advanced whitewater kayaking. Group size is limited to 12, so pack a bag, grab your hiking boots, and a few adventure buddies for a journey into the wilderness.
Many visitors to the NCA choose to see the lower section of the Gorge by river. Here, the river takes on a friendly character, trading its wild class III/IV rapids for beginner level class I/II features. The narrow river canyon opens up revealing colorful sandstones, winding side canyons, and archaeological wonders. From the Gunnison Forks Recreation Site, at the confluence of the North Fork and Gunnison Rivers, one can walk and wade 5 miles upstream for gold medal fishing; or hop on a boat, board, or tube and float 8 miles downstream. Below Gunnison Forks, you will encounter Cool Rock and Crocodile Rock trails, which twist and turn through red, orange, and purple sandstone escarpments. You will discover the painted walls of Eagle Rock Shelter, the oldest house in Colorado, where some of the first Americans made their home 13,000 years ago. The lower Gorge is the perfect place to spot Bald Eagles, Great Blue Heron, and river otters, find dinosaur tracks, and cool off on a hot summer day.
Nature lovers are certain to find enjoyment in the 62,000 acres of public lands that form the Gunnison Gorge NCA. This area maintains its wild, untouched character because it is loved and cared for by those who visit. Remember to leave no trace, be prepared, and respect the amazing plants and animals you find on your next visit to the Gunnison Gorge.
Ready for adventure? Hotchkiss based outfitter Western Slope SUP offers guided rafting, stand up paddle, and kayak trips, equipment rentals, and maps for your journey into the Gunnison Gorge NCA.