Running the Gorge

RIVER MILES RAPID CLASS DESCRIPTION

1-6

Chukar to Red 

Canyon

Chukar Rapid III Single drop at the put-in. Most run center at higher water and 

right slot at lower flows.

Run One Miler III Run left of the large center hole or rock depending on flows.

Improvise Rapid 

(mile 1.5)

III Recognized by a small vertical cliff on right and a prominent rock 

slide on left. Scout left.

Upper and Lower 

Pucker

II+ Narrow slots at low flows. Large holes at high flows (>2000 ft).

Buttermilk Rapid III Run at mile 4 straight down the tongue and watch out for the cliff 

on left.

Ute Park (mile 4) I/II The canyon opens up and the river gets shallower. Watch for 

rocks in low-flow periods. Ute Park provides the most campsites 

in the Gorge and good fishing access. 

Red Canyon 

Rapid

III The canyon narrows again at a rocky rapid requiring technical 

boating skills. Scout right.

7-8

Boulder Garden 

to T-Dyke

Boulder Garden III This used to be a Class IV rapid. Flooding in August 2010 

altered the hydraulics, making it less difficult. Recommend 

scouting (left), as it is unknown what effects high flows may have 

on the rapid.

Paddle Keeper III Best run on left with ferry back to the right. Scout left.

T-Dyke Rapid 

(mile 7.5)

III A straight run through with nice waves. The last designated 

boater camp is located on the right above the rapid. 

9

S-Turn to Grand 

Finale (Most 

difficult section)

S-Turn Rapid III Pushes boats toward the cliff wall on left. 

The Squeeze III/IV Immediately below S-Turn. A deceptive, rocky rapid that has 

wrapped rafts and pinned kayaks. Most common run is through 

the narrow slots river right.

The Three Drops III Contains many large holes and narrow slots. Scout all from right.

Cable Rapid 

(mile 9.5)

III/IV Very technical with large holes and two narrow slots. Most run 

right slot avoiding cliff on left. Scout right.

Jumpin’ Jack 

Splash

III Run left of large boulder and finish right avoiding large hole on 

left. Watch out for the lateral wave!

Gate Keeper II/III Requires navigating a narrow slot either center at higher flows or 

left against the cliff at flows below 600 cfs.

Grand Finale III The last named rapid; stay right and avoid rocks on left.

10-14 

Smith Fork to 

North Fork

I/II Below the Smith Fork, the canyon widens again making for an 

easy float out. The Gunnison Forks take-out is at mile 13.5 at the 

North Fork confluence.

Wilderness Trails

TRAIL MI ELEVATION DESCRIPTION

Chukar 

JK

1.1 560’ drop 

(5960’-5400’)

Heavy foot, horse and boater use. Limited hiker camps and river 

access.

Chukar

Geologic Trail

JK

.75 445’ climb 

(6130’-6575’)

Fun foot and horse trail with interesting geologic features and 

outstanding gorge and national park river views. No river access.

Bobcat J1 800’ drop 

(6100’-5300’)

Primitive trail. Steep descent in last .5 mile requires basic rock 

climbing techniques. Two hiker camps. Impassable for horses.

Bighorn

JK

1.5 200’ drop 

(6200’-6000’)

Rocky sections and spectacular river views. Access from Bobcat or 

Duncan Trails. Horse-friendly. Combine with Redrocks-Nighthorse 

Trail (a non-wilderness, shared-use trail) to form a 3.7-mile loop.

Duncan J1.5 840’ drop

(6500’-5300’)

Popular fishing access trail. Last .5 mi. very steep with loose scree. 

Three hiker camps. Impassable for horses.

Ute

JK

4.5 1200’ drop

(6500’-5300’)

Well-developed. Gradual slope with one steep switch-back section. 

Four hiker camps. Horse-friendly.

North Fork to 

Smith Fork JK

4.0 200’ climb

(5100’-5300’)

Good fishing access. Four hiker/boater camps. Trail access from 

Gunnison Forks requires crossing the North Fork River.

Contact Gunnison River Pleasure Park for river ferry information.

Non-Wilderness Trails

TRAILS AND 

STAGING 

AREAS

ALLOWED 

USES

DESCRIPTION MILES

Flat Top-Peach 

Valley OHV 

Recreation Area

Staging Area 

OQI

Off-route cross-country riding permitted in two 

designated “open play” areas. Peach Valley stag-

ing area offers a beginner loop and training area.

100+ miles of trails 

covering 9,800 acres.

Red RocksNighthorse Trail JKO ISteep climbs and rocky terrain. Single track and 

jeep road sections extend along the western 

wilderness rim from the national park boundary 

north to Ute Trailhead.

13 miles, one-way.

Wave-Eagle 

Jeep/OHV Route NQJ

KOI

Primitive four-wheel drive jeep road. Loop 

includes moderate hills with very rocky terrain. 

Access off Peach Valley Road. Easier if traveled 

counterclockwise from Wave Road. 

6.5-mile loop.

Sidewinder Trail

JKO

I

Technical, multiple-use, single track trail runs 

north and south along NCA’s west side. Numer-

ous access points including Smith Mountain Rec-

reation Area, Eagle Valley Trailhead, Wave-Eagle 

Loop, Bobcat, Duncan and Ute Roads.

Entire trail is 20 miles in 

length. Shorter or longer 

rides/hikes are available 

by combining with other 

roads or trails.

Eagle Valley 

Trail JKO I

Single track trail begins off Chukar Road and 

connects to Sidewinder, Wave and Sunset Rocks 

Trails.

1.25 mile, one-way.

Sunset Rocks 

Trail JKO I

Single track trail connects to other single track 

routes. Access off Chukar Road. 

3 miles, one-way. Com-

bine with Eagle Valley 

Trail and Chukar Road 

for 6 mile loop. 

West River Trail 

(Day Use Area) JK Provides great opportunities for walk-wade fish

-

ing. Access from South River Road. No camping 

or sleeping in vehicles at trailhead.

2.5 miles, one-way.

Cool Rock 

Canyon Trail

J Winds through colorful sandstone canyon with 

interesting rock formations and fun places to 

explore. Great family hike. Located off South 

River Road.

Up to 3 miles, one-way.

Suncliff Trail

J Fun hike up and back through scenic sandstone 

canyon. Good family hike.

Up to 2 miles, one-way.

Smith Mountain 

Jeep Loop NJK

OIQ

Panoramic views of Gunnison Gorge Wilderness 

and North Fork. Connects to Ute Trailhead and 

makes a loop with South River Road. 

14-mile loop (Smith Mtn 

Rd/wilderness rim/South 

River Rd).

Smith Mountain 

Recreation Area

Staging/trailhead 

area for all uses

Provides access to Smith Mountain jeep roads, 

South River Road, Sidewinder and other trails. 

Trailer parking for equestrians and motorized 

users. 

Located on H-75 Road at 

NCA north entrance. 

Gunnison Rock 

Art Trail (Law-

head Gulch)

JK Trail to interpretive rock art site and Gunnison 

River. Access via jeep road off Highway 92. No 

camping at the rock art site. 

.25 mile.

Crocodile Rock 

Trail

J Undefined trails in canyon bottom with interesting 

geology. Requires route finding and navigating 

over large rocks.

Up to 2 miles.

Birthday 

Canyon Trail

J Undefined trails in canyon bottom with interesting 

geology. Requires route finding and navigating 

over large rocks.

Up to 2 miles.

GUNNISON GORGE

National Conservation Area & Wilderness

[ = EASY [ = MODERATE [ = DIFFICULT

Recreation Sites 

Gunnison Forks River Access and Picnic Area HNPLH 

Gunnison Forks Overlook Q 

Lawhead Gulch Trailhead Y 

Gunnison River Rock Art Site K

Smith Mountain Overlook Q

Smith Mountain Recreation Site/ North Sidewinder TrailheadYN

Smith Mountain Saddle Trailhead Y

Orchard Boat Ramp HHN

Sun Cliff Canyon Trailhead Y

Cool Rock Canyon Trailhead Y

Crocodile Rock Trailhead Y

Birthday Canyon Trailhead Y

Cottonwood Grove Campground AHHN

West River Trailhead YN

Ute Trailhead (Wilderness Trail) YNLO

123456789

10

11

12

13

14

15

NCA Entrance - Carnation Road HJ

Duncan Trailhead (Wilderness Trail) YNLO

Bobcat Trailhead (Wilderness Trail) YLO

Wave Road Parking YH

Wave/Eagle/Sidewinder Connector Parking YH

Eagle Road Parking YH

Eagle Valley Trailhead YH

Peach Valley OHV Staging/Open Riding Area YNLQO 

Chukar Trailhead (Wilderness Trail) YNLAO

Chukar Geologic Trailhead (Wilderness Trail) Y

Sunset Rocks Trailhead Y

Red Rocks Connector Trail YHJKO

Slanty Bridge Trailhead YIO

Elephant Skin OHV Staging/Designated Route Riding YON

Flat Top OHV Staging/Open Riding Area YQNO

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

For information on OHV trails and camping 

in these areas check kiosks or the Gunnison 

Gorge website. Click Flat Top/Peach Valley 

OHV trail system for brochure and map.

Boating – Launch Sites

Chukar Trail and Boat Launch are accessible via 

the Chukar Trailhead. The trail can be accessed 

via a primitive, rough road, often requiring fourwheel drive that ends at the wilderness boundary. 

From there it’s a mile-long hike down Chukar 

Trail to the river. All gear, including boats, must 

be carried down the trail to the river. No carts 

or wheeled devices are allowed in the wilderness. 

A commercial horse packing service is available 

seasonally.

Gunnison Forks Day-Use Recreation Site offers 

public launching and take-out on BLM land. There 

is an adjacent private river access site available 

for a fee at the Gunnison River Pleasure Park.

Cottonwood Grove Campground is located on 

river-left 1.5 miles downstream from the Gunnison 

Forks. It can be accessed from the river or by 

vehicle via the South River Road. The campground 

has six sites with picnic tables, a toilet and boat 

ramp. The campground features a universally 

accessible campsite with an adjacent accessible 

fishing pier.

Orchard Boat Launch is the last public boater 

take-out on the Gunnison River before Confluence 

Park in Delta. Boaters need to be aware of private 

lands and potential river hazards before floating 

the river downstream of the NCA.

Gorge rapids vary from Class I (moving water 

with no obstructions) to Class IV (long, difficult 

rapids with constricted passages). Rapid difficulty 

changes dramatically with varying river flow. If in 

doubt, SCOUT!

Wilderness Trails

Wilderness trails are accessible via primitive jeep 

roads off the Peach Valley Road on the west side 

of the NCA. Trails range from one to 4.5 miles and 

provide exceptional views and wilderness experi-

ences for hikers. Most trails are horse-friendly; 

however, the Duncan and Bobcat Trails are not 

recommended for equestrians due to very steep 

and rocky sections. 

~ BLM COLORADO ~
About

Montrose • Colorado

BLM

The 62,844-acre Gunnison Gorge National Conservation 

Area encompasses diverse 

landscapes ranging from desert 

shrub and sagebrush lowlands, 

to rugged piñon-juniper-covered 

slopes, to the spectacular 

double-canyon of the Gunnison 

Gorge Wilderness.

Congress designated the NCA in 

1999 to recognize its outstanding geologic, scenic, wilderness 

and recreational resources. The 

Gunnison Gorge Wilderness is 

famous for its world-class trout 

fishing, challenging whitewater 

boating and spectacular geologic 

formations, which represent a 

geological history spanning 1.7 

billion years. 

The NCA offers non-motorized 

and motorized riding adventures 

on primitive roads and trails that 

wind their way through adobe 

badland formations, colorful 

sandstone canyons and challenging uplands. These trails 

offer spectacular views of the 

Uncompahgre Valley, West Elk 

Mountains, San Juan Mountains 

and Grand Mesa. Visitors are 

invited to explore the NCA’s 

daunting depths and wild, natural 

landscapes by foot, horseback, 

kayak, raft, mountain bike or 

motorized vehicle on designated 

routes. 

 the Gunnison Gorge 

 National Conservation Area

A journey through the ages...The NCA features a number of cultural sites including prehistoric 

rock art panels and campsites, as well as historic rock structures, cabins 

and mines. The earliest evidence of people in the canyon comes from 

Native Americans who camped and hunted in the area thousands of 

years ago. In fact, prehistoric artifacts at the Gunnison River Rock Art Site 

indicate the NCA has been inhabited for at least 13,000 years. 

In historic times, few people settled permanently in the canyon. During the 

Great Depression in the 1930s, John Howell, the Duncan brothers from 

Olathe and others built cabins and eked out a living prospecting for gold 

and mining mica in the Ute Park and Duncan Trail area. 

Historic records indicate settlers in covered wagons and on cattle drives 

crossed the area in the late 1800s at Ute Park. Between the 1950s 

and 1970s, uranium miners carved primitive routes into the canyon. 

Descendants of early settlers continue to graze sheep and cattle in the 

NCA. Today, tourists and residents alike travel the routes of those first 

visitors while exploring the multitude of recreation opportunities in the NCA.

The NCA’s diversity of 

natural environments, ranging from 

salt-brush desert on its western 

flank, to piñon-juniper uplands near 

the canyon rim, to the riparian and 

aquatic environments of the river, 

provides a range of habitats for the 

animals that make the Gorge their 

home. 

Common species include mule deer, 

elk, mountain lion, Rocky Mountain 

bighorn sheep, coyote, ringtail cat, 

small mammals, neo-tropical birds, 

raptors, chukar, river otter and many 

more. The Gunnison River is designated as a Gold Medal Trout Fishery 

by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife 

because of its excellent trout population, including rainbow, brown and 

cutthroat trout. 

Sensitive species include Clay-loving 

wild-buckwheat, Montrose penstemmon, Rocky Mountain thistle, Delta 

lomatium, Colorado hookless cactus, 

Gunnison sage-grouse, bald eagle, 

spotted bat, river otter and kit fox.

Regulations

Wilderness

• Motorized and mechanized uses are

 prohibited in the wilderness. 

• Visitors must sign in at trailheads or Chukar

 boater launch site.

• Maximum group size is 12 people.

• Maximum horse or pack stock group size is

 12 animals.

• All boaters must carry and use a self-

 contained, washable, reusable toilet system,

 or EPA-approved carry-out bag system. A

 BLM toilet dump station is located at the

 Gunnison Forks.

• Maximum stay length is two nights/three days.

Recreation

Saddle up your horse, lace up your hiking 

boots, gear up on your mountain bike or 

motorcycle and head to the NCA for miles 

of scenic adventures. Take in views of 

surrounding mountains, valleys, and the 

colorful cliffs and canyons of the Gunnison 

Gorge. Mountain bikes and all motorized 

vehicles must remain on routes, trails and 

areas designated for their use. 

The NCA provides a number of river access 

sites for non-motorized boating and fishing. 

You may not launch or operate any motorized 

watercraft in the NCA. 

Whitewater enthusiasts will find outstanding 

scenery and technical (Class III/IV) rapids 

within the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, a 14-

mile river section accessed via the Chukar 

Trail. 

Looking for calmer waters for your canoe or 

raft? Boater access to the lower Gunnison 

River (Class I-II) is located at Gunnison Forks, 

Cottonwood Grove Campground and the 

Orchard Boat Launch. 

Heavy rain can cause flash flooding, rock 

slides and debris flows in the canyon, which 

affect rapids and campsites. If you are near 

a side-drainage during or shortly after a big 

storm, move to high ground to avoid flash 

flood dangers.

LEAVE NO TRACE 

• Avoid trampling vegetation and do not create 

new tent sites or trails.

• Wash dishes and bathe 150 ft. from water 

sources. Use biodegradable soap sparingly and 

not in springs or side streams. Strain dishwater 

and pack out residue. Dispose of dishwater in 

main current of the river.

• Where portable toilet systems are not required by a BLM sign or map, use existing toilets 

or bury waste 8” deep using the cathole method 

at least 150 ft. from water sources. Boaters 

must carry and use an approved river toilet. 

Pack out toilet paper and sanitary items. Urinate 

in the river to reduce smells and fly problems 

near camps.

• Leave natural objects and cultural artifacts 

where you find them. It is illegal to remove 

artifacts.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR LAND

Remember that BLM lands belong to and are 

used by millions of people each year. These 

lands need to be managed to prevent degradation from overuse and improper use.

Trees, bushes and plants in the NCA play very 

important roles in the health of the ecosystem. 

Alive or dead, plants provide food and habitat 

and should be left in place.

Anything left behind detracts from the beauty of 

the area, disrupts natural processes and presents health hazards to humans and wildlife.

BE PREPARED...

The Gunnison Gorge NCA’s rugged and remote 

landscapes will challenge your abilities and can 

be unforgiving if you aren’t prepared for the trip. 

Frequent, heavy summer rains can make roads 

and trails impassible and create dangerous flash 

floods in arroyos. 

Accessibility

NCA roads are natural surface, rocky and generally impassable when wet. High clearance and 

four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. 

Recreation sites have rough dirt and gravel surfaces; trails are steep, rocky and difficult to traverse without assistance. Check the Recreation 

Sites table for areas with accessible toilet facilities. There is an accessible toilet at the Chukar 

boat launch site in the wilderness. Cottonwood 

Grove campground has an accessible toilet, 

campsite and fishing pier.

• Always be prepared by carrying a map, 

compass and GPS, extra water, food, first aid 

kit, rain gear and warm clothing.

• Tell someone where you’re going and when 

you expect to return, or travel with a group.

• Be prepared for changing weather.

• Watch your step and where you put your 

hands. You are sharing the land with rattlesnakes and scorpions.

• Wear safety gear appropriate for your sport.

• Know your vehicle and gear and keep it in 

good condition.

• Dial 911 in the event of an emergency, 

 but don’t count on cell phone coverage in all 

 places. Have a back-up plan.

Depending on snowpack, run-off forecast and available storage in 

Blue Mesa Reservoir, peak flows can exceed 8,000 cubic feet per 

second for a short duration each spring. High magnitude flows are 

powerful and can be dangerous. This occurs typically between May 

and early June. For spring trips, check with the BLM to find out if a 

release is scheduled and plan your trip to avoid it.

Camping

Wilderness Camping*

River corridor camping is allowed only in designated hiker or 

boater campsites identified on BLM maps and signs. Visitors must 

purchase camping permits, and register and reserve campsites 

at wilderness trailheads or the Chukar boat launch. Maximum stay 

length in the wilderness and upstream of the Gunnison Forks is 

two nights/three days. Hikers may stay two nights at hiker sites. 

Boaters must move on after one night; no layover days.

Non-Wilderness River Camping*

Camping is allowed only at the Cottonwood Grove campground 

and designated river campsites identified on BLM maps and signs. 

Use of portable toilet system is required in all river sites without 

restrooms. Maximum stay length is six nights/seven days for sites 

downstream of Gunnison Forks.

Dispersed Vehicle Camping

Camping is allowed in the remainder of the NCA for up to six 

consecutive nights, unless otherwise posted. Check BLM maps, 

signs and website for camping information.

Day-Use Recreation Sites

Camping is not permitted in day-use areas, including the Gunnison 

Forks Recreation Area and Smith Fork Canyon. You may not enter 

or remain in day-use areas after sunset or before sunrise.

* All river sites available on first-come, first-served basis. No 

early sign-ins for campsites.

The NCA is part of the BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System. The 

NLCS conserves, protects and restores some of America’s most spectacular 

landscapes. BLM Colorado’s NLCS areas encompass more than one million 

acres – about 1/8 of the BLM’s land in the state.

GUNNISON GORGE NATIONAL 

CONSERVATION AREA

2505 South Townsend Avenue 

Montrose, CO 81401

(970) 240-5300 

www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nca/ggnca.html

River Flow Information: 

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/rt

The NCA benefits from the attention of a group of vibrant, 

engaged community stewards known as the Colorado Canyons 

Association. Learn more about this group, and find out how you 

can help at www.coloradocanyonsassociation.org or 

(970) 263-7902.

 BLM/CO/GI-11/002

C anyon Ecology

• •

Desert bighorn sheep Collared lizard

Clay-loving wild-buckwheat

Motorized and Mechanized Vehicles

Motorized and mechanized vehicles must stay on signed, designated 

roads and trails. Travel routes are designated by white arrows 

and/or trail names. All vehicles more than 50 inches in width must stay 

on designated NCA access roads. Off-route riding for mountain bikes, 

motorcycles and all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicles 50 inches or less 

in width are permitted only in designated “open play” areas at Peach 

Valley and Flat Top recreation areas. Off-highway vehicles (OHV) must 

have current Colorado Parks and Wildlife OHV Program Registration 

decals properly affixed to vehicle.

Hunting, Target Shooting and Firearms 

Hunting is permitted during designated game seasons with appropriate 

firearms and bows except within 150 ft. of developed recreation sites. 

Target shooting and other activities involving projectile shooting from 

weapons or recreational equipment (paintball guns, fireworks, etc.) are 

prohibited in the NCA. 

Fishing

A Colorado fishing license is required on all public lands and waters in 

*Persons 16 years of age and older must purchase a separate pass. 

Other passes (America the Beautiful, Golden Eagle, State Parks, 

Interagency, etc.) are not valid for wilderness permits.

**Valid for one year from date of purchase. Not valid for an entire 

family or camping fees. 

Permit stations are located at wilderness trailheads.

If accessing Black Canyon National Park from the Chukar Trail or 

camping at Margaritaville camping area, you must register and 

purchase a Gunnison Gorge Wilderness permit. 

the state. Nearly all of the Gunnison River within the NCA is designated 

Gold Medal Trout Water, which requires using artificial lures and flys 

only. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife for details on fishing licenses 

and regulations (970-252-6000; http://wildlife.state.co.us). Due to 

cold, swift-flowing water, wading and swimming in the Gunnison River 

are extremely dangerous.

Pets

Pets and pack stock must be under visual, audible or physical controls 

at all times, and are not permitted to harass or disturb wildlife or other 

users. Keep pets leashed in developed recreation sites and carry 

a leash with you while hiking. Remove pet and stock solid waste at 

campsites and trailheads, and dispose of it properly. 

Campfires and Wood Collecting

Unless allowed by a BLM sign or map, you may not cut, collect or use 

live, dead or down wood for campfires. Stoves, grills and/or fire pans 

with charcoal are required. Coals and ashes must be packed out. 

GUNNISON 

GORGE

National Conservation Area 

& Wilderness

Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Permit Fees* 

Day-Use $3 per person

Camping $10 per person for one night

$15 per person for two nights (max. stay)

Annual Day-Use Pass** $15 per person/year Gunnison Gorge Video Photo by ©Jerry Sintz Photo by ©Jerry Sintz Photo by ©Jerry Sintz

Photo by ©Jerry Sintz