Gunnison is a haven for sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, boasting over 750 miles of trail in the surrounding area. The town is surrounded by arresting landscapes straight out of a classic film. Head to Curecanti National Recreation Area for salmon and trout fishing, high in the Rocky Mountains.
If you'd rather just marvel at the sites, take a park ranger-guided boat tour through the sheer, narrow openings of upper Black Canyon. Take a kayak through on your own all the way up to Almont and drift 10 miles downriver back to Gunnison on a raft. If you prefer to explore by land, Black Canyon also features numerous hiking trails for all experience levels. You'll find even more trails at Gunnison National Forest, and a spectacular scenic drive through the West Elk Loop.
If you plan to fish or hunt in Gunnison, you will need hunting and fishing licenses before you set out, unless you're fishing a section of Tomichi Creek State Wildlife Area. Most sporting goods stores offer these licenses, but just in case, stop into the Gunnison Wildlife Service Center.
Blue Mesa Reservoir offers watersports and boating on Colorado's largest body of water, while Gunnison River is a favorite spot for fly-fishing. If you need supplies before setting out, check out Gene Taylor's Sporting Goods in Gunnison for sales and rentals and West Elk Wilderness Outfitters for trip supplies and more.
Right outside the city, Hartman Rocks Recreation Area is the perfect place to get out and get active. From mountain biking to motorcycling, and horseback riding to trail running, hiking, and even Nordic skiing, all activities are fair game on these rugged trails. Climbers can try their hand at the massive granite rocks that give Hartman its name. Bolting is allowed, but free climbing is encouraged.
Gunnison offers plenty of winter entertainments as well. Just 30 miles outside of Gunnison, Crested Butte Mountain Resort welcomes skiers and snowboarders to pristine slopes. Take the cross-country trails with a snowmobile at Gunnison Nordic Center, do some ice fishing at Antero Reservoir, or teach the kids how to ski at Cranor Hill Ski Area, just right for snow bunnies learning to ski for the first time.
After all that activity, you will want a great meal and a good beer. Luckily, Colorado is known for its top-notch breweries, and High Alpine Brewing Company on Main Street is no exception. This locally owned and operated brewery has been ranked in the top 15 breweries in the state and serves up a full menu of flatbread pizzas just right for beer pairings.
Whether you want to fish, hike, or hunt, ski, swim, or sail, you can do it in Gunnison, Colorado. This small town offers the opportunity to experience Western life to the fullest.
When should you visit Gunnison, CO?
Because of its high elevation, Gunnison experiences some of the coldest winters in the United States. January months dip into the negatives, while the average July high reaches the low 80s. Gunnison typically receives 50 inches of snow per year, starting in November and sometimes stretching on to April. The cold and the snow make Gunnison an excellent ski resort town. Gunnison typically receives only 11 inches of rain per year, so spring, summer, and fall usually offer perfectly clear weather for outdoor recreation.
If you're planning to travel to Gunnison in July for the annual Cattlemen's Days Rodeos, be sure to book your hotel early. Established over 115 years ago, the 10-day festival celebrates all things about life in the West, from barrel racing to bull riding, and has been named one of the top 10 Western-themed events in the country.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Gunnison, CO:
Gunnison, CO: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Gunnison, CO. Browse these illustrations to calculate the cheapest seasons to book in Gunnison for upcoming travels.
What are the best luxury hotels around Gunnison?
4 Star Average Prices: $201.20
Get ready for a romantic weekend or a perfect ski holiday at The Inn at Tomichi Village, located just minutes from The Gunnison Pioneer Museum and Western Colorado University. If you have spent the day on the ski slopes, the lobby fireplace offers a warm welcome to the hotel, matched only by the helpful staff at check-in.
Guest rooms feel just like a cozy cabin of your own, decorated with warm pine and plaid accents. In addition to your fridge, microwave, and flat-screen television, you will also enjoy free cable programming and wireless internet service throughout your stay. Toiletries are also complimentary. Guests also love swimming in the indoor pool or relaxing in the spa tub while looking out at wrap-around views of the snowy landscape beyond, as well as waking up to a complimentary continental breakfast each day.
The Tomichi Village Inn's organic-natural policy is reflected in its water-efficient appliances, efficient lighting, towel-recycling program, and pervasive recycling bins. The management is eager to preserve the natural beauty which encompasses the hotel, which is best enjoyed from the outdoor picnic area in warmer months.
What budget hotels in Gunnison, Colorado are best?
3 Star Average Prices: $110.99
The Rodeway Inn Gunnison is an immaculately maintained hotel that offers a comfortable stay for short or long-term trips, with value offerings that far exceed its hotel rate. At the Rodeway Inn, you'll be convenient to downtown Gunnison, as well as just minutes from Dos Rios Golf Club. Warm up on arrival next to the roaring fireplace in the lobby, or just head straight on to the hotel's spa tub to warm up, fast.
During your stay, you can stay connected thanks to complimentary wireless internet access, and enjoy cable programming after a long day hiking, biking, or climbing in Gunnison. You can even make your own coffee or tea using the in-room coffee maker. Complimentary hot and cold breakfast is also served daily. If you need help planning your trip, just ask at the desk, and the friendly staff will help you coordinate tours and tickets. From the complimentary airport shuttle to the laundry facilities on-site, the amenities you'll find at Rodeway Inn will surprise and delight you.