Gunison Gorge Wilderness Trails

Gunison Gorge Wilderness Trails

Gunnison Gorge consists of the 13 miles of the Gunnison River downstream of the newly designated Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Three basic geographic features define the Gunnison Gorge: a sheer inner river gorge, a slightly broader outer gorge, and rolling uplands. The inner gorge consists of Precambrian schist and gneiss dissected by intrusive pegmatite dikes. Riparian vegetation, including box elder, cottonwood, and stands of nonnative tamarisk, are found along the river. The Gunnison River through this section gained great popularity during the 1980s among both commercial and private rafting and kayaking enthusiasts. High water-flows, generally during spring runoff, draw whitewater boaters—but the more dominant appeal is the Gold Medal trout fishery that has reestablished itself since the upstream construction of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Of national renown, this fishery draws thousands of anglers annually down one of several access trails, and supplies commercial fishing guides with business well into the fall. A broad multicolored canyon flares outward from the inner canyon rim, creating in effect a double canyon. The rock strata are a colorful blend of red, buff, lavender, green, and gray sedimentary rock layers. Red Canyon cuts the outer gorge laterally at its midpoint, leaving a hanging canyon gaping above the river. Its magnificently colored walls contort and fold repeatedly. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has recently reestablished bighorn sheep populations in the upper gorge. This trail guide includes descriptions of Chukar Trail, Bobcat Trail, Duncan Trail, Ute Trail, North Fork/Smith Fork, and Chukar to Gunnison Forks.

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