There are several Things To Do In Gunnison, Colorado. These attractions include the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Mt. Crested Butte, and Scenic River Tours. You may also want to check out the Cranor Hill Ski Area. For more information about the area, you can read this article.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
The Blue Mesa Reservoir is an artificial reservoir in Gunnison County, Colorado. It is home to a variety of wildlife. As a result, it is popular with fishermen, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts. It also serves as a source of drinking water for the surrounding area.
The Blue Mesa Reservoir was 82 feet below average as of March 2019. The water level is expected to fill up in the coming weeks. The reservoir is currently rising at a rate of about one foot per day. Experts believe that it will take more than a snowy winter to refill the reservoir. The reservoir is an important source of water for recreational activities, power generation, and storage.
The reservoir is one of Colorado’s most scenic bodies of water. It is situated in high desert terrain with unique rock formations. It is only half an hour’s drive from the Black Canyon. The reservoir is also home to moderate boat traffic during the summer. There are several marinas on the lake and at least 4 boat ramps.
For anglers, the Blue Mesa Reservoir offers a plethora of species. While the area is well known for its large trout, there are also plenty of other fish to be found in the reservoir. For instance, Blue Mesa is home to the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States. It is important to note, however, that ice fishing is only allowed between November 1 and December 31. A portable ice shelter is recommended, and the Lola Basin is the best location for this. Using motorized boats is permitted, and Yellow perch are also plentiful.
Cranor Hill Ski Area
Located in Gunnison County, Colorado, Cranor Hill Ski Area is a gem in the local ski scene. This 45-acre mountain has four runs and a single Poma lift. The ski area is open from January through March. It is a great ski destination for the locals and is an excellent stop along the way to Crested Butte.
The Gunnison Valley is a scenic region, with breathtaking views of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the Blue Mesa Reservoir. You’ll also find a number of outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, and world-class hunting.
Visitors can ski and snowboard at Cranor Hill Ski Area, which is located about 10 miles north of Gunnison and 20 miles south of Crested Butte. It was founded in 1962 and is owned by the city of Gunnison. It has one lift and 300 vertical feet of skiing. At one time, the ski area had lights for night skiing, but the lights are no longer there. Visitors to this ski area can enjoy spectacular views while enjoying their skiing.
The Gunnison Valley also offers beautiful backcountry skiing. The Gunnison Valley contains two million acres of public land, making it one of the most scenic backcountry ski areas in Colorado. The Gunnison Valley is also home to the Crested Butte Avalanche Center, which provides daily snow reports and other information for winter backcountry travel. Educating yourself about avalanche safety is an essential part of safe winter travel.
Mt. Crested Butte
Mount Crested Butte in Gunnisons County, Colorado is a home rule municipality and is the home of the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Its population is 801 as of the 2010 census. It is a popular ski town and the population is expected to rise over the next decade.
In 1882, the town was home to about a thousand people. It had a bank, five hotels, three saloons, three livery stables, a sawmill, a doctor, and a Union Congregational Church. The city received its water supply from a reservoir, and in 1881, a telephone line was installed between Crested Butte and Gunnison.
Crested Butte is a historic resort town with a festive atmosphere. It is home to about 800 permanent residents, including a variety of outdoor sports enthusiasts. The town is a blend of locals and transplants from the surrounding area. It has a population of 1,335 in 2020.
Mountain biking is also popular in Crested Butte, which is home to 750 miles of singletrack. Some of these trails have been rated the best in Colorado. Among these are Doctor Park and Teocali Ridge, which are each 20 miles in length.
In summer and fall, Mt. Crested Butte offers many activities, including hiking and mountain biking. The mountain has two chairlifts, and the town also hosts mountain bike events. During the summer and fall, you can enjoy a fun summer concert at the Mountain Garden.
Scenic River Tours
Scenic River Tours offers whitewater rafting and family float trips on the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers, as well as guided fishing trips. The company’s downtown location is open seven days a week during the summer, and it also runs a boathouse in Taylor Canyon.
Those interested in rafting should consider going on a five-hour tour in the Gunnison River. The cost is $96 per person, and the trip is suitable for people of all ages. You’ll travel quickly over gentle waves on the Upper Gunnison River, past lush green pastures and cottonwood tree groves, and past ancient volcanic rock formations.
The Gunnison River is 180 miles long and winds through the high desert region of Colorado. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful vistas in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. The scenery is breathtaking, and the river offers a wide variety of whitewater options for all levels of rafter.
Scenic River Tours in Gunnilson is the premier outdoor activity center in the Gunnison/Crested Butte Valley. The company offers whitewater rafting, scenic float trips, fishing, and rock climbing, as well as equipment rentals.
Adventure-sports capital
For those who love the outdoors, Gunnison, Colorado is an excellent destination. The region is home to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a 2,000-foot canyon less than half the size of the Grand Canyon. There are several different adventure sports you can try in this park, including intense rock climbing, canyoneering, and whitewater paddling.
In the fall, wildlife in Gunnison is especially abundant. Bears, elk, and mule deer can be easily spotted foraging for nuts and berries. Mule deer and elk also group into large herds in preparation for the winter rut. The autumnal foliage is spectacular, with aspen groves turning a rich golden color.
You can take part in a variety of adventure sports at the Adventure Center. The center also features a climbing wall, bungee trampolines, and scenic chairlift rides. You can also zipline through the trees. During the summer, you can also climb at Black Canyon. But remember, this is not for beginners – if you are not a good climber, this is not the place for you.
Whether you prefer to hike, bike, or ski, Gunnison is a destination for the whole family. It is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife in Colorado. Large herds of elk and mule deer roam the countryside in winter, while migratory birds use the area as a stopover. There are even rare owls and hawks that call the region home.
Wildflower Capital of Colorado
If you are looking for a destination in Colorado that is truly spectacular, consider visiting the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. This area has a wide variety of wildflowers, including bluebonnets, asters, and other colorful wildflowers. During peak flowering season, these flowers are at their most diverse. To see the most beautiful wildflowers, visit the area during mid-June to late July.
One of the largest flowers in the area is the Monument Plant, which grows up to six feet tall. Another common wildflower is the Green Gentian plant, which can live for 20 to 80 years. These flowers only bloom once, so a heavy snow year can trigger huge flowering. The area is also home to several kinds of Lupine, including the Purple Lupine, which blooms in the early summer. Visitors can find this beautiful flower along the Lupine Trail and in Cement Creek.
Thousands of people visit Crested Butte during the peak blooming season to experience the Wildflower Festival. The event includes a wide range of activities, including hiking, birding, and gardening. There are also art and photography workshops, and live performances. It has become a popular destination for tourists who want to experience a unique part of Colorado.
The community’s economic health is largely dependent on tourism. The tourism industry accounts for about 25 percent of the employment in the county. There are 1,870 jobs in the tourism industry in the area, paying an average of $17,000. However, local residents rate employment opportunities as poor.
