Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area

The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area encompasses 62,844 acres of land with black granite canyons, adobe badlands, and mountains covered in pinon and juniper trees.

The United States Congress established the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area in 1999, protecting its natural features and creating a designated wilderness of 17,784 acres.

Native American rock art panels remain visible on canyon walls throughout the conservation area, while abandoned mines reveal traces of past mineral extraction activities.

Four hiking trails from Falcon Road lead to the Gunnison River, with designated campgrounds in the southern, middle, and northern sections offering overnight accommodation options.

The Gunnison River flows through a double canyon system of black granite and red sandstone, supporting gold medal trout waters and Class III to IV whitewater rapids.

Location: Montrose County

Operator: Bureau of Land Management

GPS coordinates: 38.70255,-107.79469

Latest update: March 3, 2025 01:53