Location: Gunnison
Top Things to do in Gunnison
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Gunnison, Colorado (CO)
Gunnison offers a vibrant cultural scene, ranching heritage and bountiful natural resources. It’s truly a unique destination for outdoor, culinary and art enthusiasts. Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest body of water in Colorado, a perfect spot for world-class fishing. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is nearby, with scenic overlooks and diverse hiking trails. The annual Cattlemen’s Days, featuring rodeo competitions, carnival and live music, is Colorado’s oldest rodeo.
Restaurants in Gunnison
1. The Gunnison Route
2. Gunnison National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 128 reviews
National preserve that encompasses part of Colorado's central mountains, around the towns of Gunnison and Crested Butte.
Reviewed By WorldTravelers34 - Chicago, United States
My wife and I spent quite a bit of time in Gunnison National Forest as we stayed in both Montrose and Gunnison on a recent Colorado trip. This whole area is just beautiful and stunning. Be sure and take a day trip to Crested Butte. About: Gunnison National Forest was named for Captain John Gunnison, a man who came through this area in 1853 in search of a feasible route across the Continental Divide for a railroad. The present forest consists of over 1.7 million acres of public land and over 100,000 acres of private land within its boundaries. There are 2 peaks over 14,000' and another 20 that are over 13,000' in elevation.
3. Curecanti Creek
4. Blue Mesa Fishing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 123 reviews
Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest reservoir and home to the largest in Kokanee Salmon population in the Western US. Blue Mesa Reservoir is 330 feet at the deepest point and is made up of 3 basins, 4 boat launches, two marinas and over 100 miles of shoreline. It is truly a magnificent area nestled in the Rocky Mountains
Reviewed By otisc77
Fish this time of the year for the bigger one's! September though November. Allow more time to find them (fish), then stand back for the big ones on power bait green and yellow with sparkles!
5. Open Your Eyes Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Visit the "Open Your Eyes" Gallery to see fine art photographs of the surrounding area. Improve you photographic skills and explore Gunnison and Crested Butte with Fine Art Photographers Allan & Francie Ivy. We offer photographic workshops tailored to any level of photographic ability and take you to some of the most spectacular scenery in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Workshops on complete digital workflow From camera to print. We also feature work by some of the finest local artists in a warm and relaxed environment. We also offer printing, finishing and framing of your works. We offer weddings and portraits services.
6. Gunnison City Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Y6140IJcindyg - San Antonio, United States
Nice area to picnic, has restrooms available, playground equipment for various ages, spacious green grassy area to just put down a blanket and chill out.
7. Dillon Pinnacles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Two-mile hiking trail takes visitors through dry mesa to the pinnacles, towering volcanic formations that dominate the Curecanti National Recreation Area's landscape.
Reviewed By O9746VIsonjab
The hike was not too challenging or to long. Lots of place to take a picture or just enjoy the view. Not too rocky or steep. Our dog loved the hike too great view of the lake.
8. Hermit's Rest
9. Tin Cup
10. Gothic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Now a research station and learning center, once was one of the wildest wild west towns.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Colorado is home to hundreds of deserted ghost towns that have remained untouched and forgotten for many years. Nestled in Colorado's West Elk Mountains, secluded just north of Mount Crested Butte, Colorado's last great ski town, in the shadow of 12,631-foot Gothic Mountain in Gunnison National Forest, the town of Gothic was once home to a thriving silver mine that operated from 1879 to 1896. After the collapse of the silver boom, the town of nearly 1,000 people was next to abandoned, leaving behind only a handful of residents and 200 empty buildings. During its heyday, Gothic welcomed a number of dignified guests, including President Ulysses S. Grant (1880) and the wealthy Bonanza King of Leadville, Horace Tabor, who financially backed the area newspaper. In 1928, more than a decade after Gothic had been designated as a ghost town, the land was purchased by Dr. John Johnson and converted into the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, which specializes in the research of climate control, ecology and the study of marmots. Today, an average of 160 scientists, professors and students live in the former town in the summer. But Gothic has other visitors from time to time, tourists who come to admire an area that is known as the "wildflower capital of Colorado" and the majesty of Gothic Mountain. My wife and I were staying in Mount Crested Butte, where a major mountain biking competition was taking place, and drove the dirt road for seven miles to Gothic. We were lured there by the story of U.S. Grant's visit. We admired Gothic Mountain, as I'm sure he once did.
