Boating – Launch Sites Non-Wilderness Trails Chukar Trail and Boat Launch are accessible via Forks. It can be accessed from the river or by TRAILS AND ALLOWED DESCRIPTION MILES the Chukar Trailhead. The trail can be accessed vehicle via the South River Road. The campground STAGING USES via a primitive, rough road, often requiring four- has six sites with picnic tables, a toilet and boat AREAS wheel drive that ends at the wilderness boundary. ramp. The campground features a universally Flat Top-Peach Staging Area Off-route cross-country riding permitted in two 100+ miles of trails From there it’s a mile-long hike down Chukar accessible campsite with an adjacent accessible Valley OHV designated “open play” areas. Peach Valley stag- covering 9,800 acres. Trail to the river. All gear, including boats, must fishing pier. Recreation Area OQI ing area offers a beginner loop and training area. be carried down the trail to the river. No carts Orchard Boat Launch is the last public boater Red Rocks- Steep climbs and rocky terrain. Single track and 13 miles, one-way. or wheeled devices are allowed in the wilderness. Nighthorse Trail JKO jeep road sections extend along the western A commercial horse packing service is available take-out on the Gunnison River before Confluence I wilderness rim from the national park boundary seasonally. Park in Delta. Boaters need to be aware of private north to Ute Trailhead. lands and potential river hazards before floating Wave-Eagle Primitive four-wheel drive jeep road. Loop 6.5-mile loop. Gunnison Forks Day-Use Recreation Site offers the river downstream of the NCA. Jeep/OHV Route NQJ includes moderate hills with very rocky terrain. public launching and take-out on BLM land. There Access off Peach Valley Road. Easier if traveled is an adjacent private river access site available Gorge rapids vary from Class I (moving water KOI counterclockwise from Wave Road. for a fee at the Gunnison River Pleasure Park. with no obstructions) to Class IV (long, difficult Sidewinder Trail Technical, multiple-use, single track trail runs Entire trail is 20 miles in rapids with constricted passages). Rapid difficulty JKO north and south along NCA’s west side. Numer- length. Shorter or longer Cottonwood Grove Campground is located on changes dramatically with varying river flow. If in ous access points including Smith Mountain Rec- rides/hikes are available river-left 1.5 miles downstream from the Gunnison doubt, SCOUT! I reation Area, Eagle Valley Trailhead, Wave-Eagle by combining with other Loop, Bobcat, Duncan and Ute Roads. roads or trails.

Eagle Valley Single track trail begins off Chukar Road and 1.25 mile, one-way. Running the Gorge Trail JKO connects to Sidewinder, Wave and Sunset Rocks Trails. RIVER MILES RAPID CLASS DESCRIPTION I Sunset Rocks Single track trail connects to other single track 3 miles, one-way. Com- Chukar Rapid III Single drop at the put-in. Most run center at higher water and 1-6 Trail JKO routes. Access off Chukar Road. bine with Eagle Valley right slot at lower flows. Chukar to Red Trail and Chukar Road Canyon Run One Miler III Run left of the large center hole or rock depending on flows. I for 6 mile loop. Improvise Rapid III Recognized by a small vertical cliff on right and a prominent rock West River Trail Provides great opportunities for walk-wade fish- 2.5 miles, one-way. (mile 1.5) slide on left. Scout left. (Day Use Area) JK ing. Access from South River Road. No camping or sleeping in vehicles at trailhead. Upper and Lower II+ Narrow slots at low flows. Large holes at high flows (>2000 ft). Pucker Cool Rock Winds through colorful sandstone canyon with Up to 3 miles, one-way. Canyon Trail J interesting rock formations and fun places to Buttermilk Rapid III Run at mile 4 straight down the tongue and watch out for the cliff explore. Great family hike. Located off South on left. River Road. 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 Suncliff Trail Fun hike up and back through scenic sandstone Up to 2 miles, one-way.

in the Gorge and good fishing access. J canyon. Good family hike. Red Canyon III The canyon narrows again at a rocky rapid requiring technical Smith Mountain Panoramic views of Gunnison Gorge Wilderness 14-mile loop (Smith Mtn Rapid boating skills. Scout right. Jeep Loop NJK and North Fork. Connects to Ute Trailhead and Rd/wilderness rim/South OIQ makes a loop with South River Road. River Rd). 7-8 Boulder Garden III This used to be a Class IV rapid. Flooding in August 2010 altered the hydraulics, making it less difficult. Recommend Boulder Garden Smith Mountain Staging/trailhead Provides access to Smith Mountain jeep roads, Located on H-75 Road at scouting (left), as it is unknown what effects high flows may have to T-Dyke Recreation Area area for all uses South River Road, Sidewinder and other trails. NCA north entrance. on the rapid. Trailer parking for equestrians and motorized Paddle Keeper III Best run on left with ferry back to the right. Scout left. users. T-Dyke Rapid III A straight run through with nice waves. The last designated Gunnison Rock Trail to interpretive rock art site and Gunnison .25 mile. (mile 7.5) boater camp is located on the right above the rapid. Art Trail (Law- JK River. Access via jeep road off Highway 92. No head Gulch) camping at the rock art site. 9 S-Turn Rapid III Pushes boats toward the cliff wall on left. S-Turn to Grand The Squeeze III/IV Immediately below S-Turn. A deceptive, rocky rapid that has Crocodile Rock Undefined trails in canyon bottom with interesting Up to 2 miles. Finale (Most wrapped rafts and pinned kayaks. Most common run is through Trail geology. Requires route finding and navigating difficult section) J the narrow slots river right. over large rocks. The Three Drops III Contains many large holes and narrow slots. Scout all from right. Birthday Undefined trails in canyon bottom with interesting Up to 2 miles. Cable Rapid III/IV Very technical with large holes and two narrow slots. Most run Canyon Trail J geology. Requires route finding and navigating (mile 9.5) right slot avoiding cliff on left. Scout right. over large rocks. Jumpin’ Jack III Run left of large boulder and finish right avoiding large hole on Splash left. Watch out for the lateral wave! Gate Keeper II/III Requires navigating a narrow slot either center at higher flows or [ = EASY left against the cliff at flows below 600 cfs. = MODERATE Grand Finale III The last named rapid; stay right and avoid rocks on left. [ [ = DIFFICULT 10-14 I/II Below the Smith Fork, the canyon widens again making for an Smith Fork to easy float out. The Gunnison Forks take-out is at mile 13.5 at the North Fork confluence. North Fork Recreation Sites

1 Gunnison Forks River Access and Picnic Area HNPLH 16 NCA Entrance - Carnation Road HJ Wilderness Trails 2 Gunnison Forks Overlook Q 17 Duncan Trailhead (Wilderness Trail) YNLO Wilderness trails are accessible via primitive jeep ences for hikers. Most trails are horse-friendly; 3 18 roads off the Peach Valley Road on the west side however, the Duncan and Bobcat Trails are not Lawhead Gulch Trailhead Y Bobcat Trailhead (Wilderness Trail) YLO of the NCA. Trails range from one to 4.5 miles and recommended for equestrians due to very steep 4 Gunnison River Rock Art Site K 19 Wave Road Parking YH provide exceptional views and wilderness experi- and rocky sections. 5 Smith Mountain Overlook Q 20 Wave/Eagle/Sidewinder Connector Parking YH 21 Wilderness Trails 6 Smith Mountain Recreation Site/ North Sidewinder Trailhead YN Eagle Road Parking YH 7 Smith Mountain Saddle Trailhead 22 Eagle Valley Trailhead H TRAIL MI ELEVATION DESCRIPTION Y Y 8 23 Chukar 1.1 560’ drop Heavy foot, horse and boater use. Limited hiker camps and river Orchard Boat Ramp HHN Peach Valley OHV Staging/Open Riding Area YNLQO (5960’-5400’) access. JK 9 Sun Cliff Canyon Trailhead Y 24 Chukar Trailhead (Wilderness Trail) YNLAO Chukar .75 445’ climb Fun foot and horse trail with interesting geologic features and 10 25 Geologic Trail (6130’-6575’) outstanding gorge and national park river views. No river access. Cool Rock Canyon Trailhead Y Chukar Geologic Trailhead (Wilderness Trail) Y JK 11 Crocodile Rock Trailhead Y 26 Sunset Rocks Trailhead For information on OHV trails and camping Y Bobcat 1 800’ drop Primitive trail. Steep descent in last .5 mile requires basic rock 12 Birthday Canyon Trailhead 27 in these areas check kiosks or the Gunnison (6100’-5300’) climbing techniques. Two hiker camps. Impassable for horses. Y Red Rocks Connector Trail YHJKO Gorge website. Click Flat Top/Peach Valley J 13 28 OHV trail system for brochure and map. Cottonwood Grove Campground AHHN Slanty Bridge Trailhead YIO Bighorn 1.5 200’ drop Rocky sections and spectacular river views. Access from Bobcat or (6200’-6000’) Duncan Trails. Horse-friendly. Combine with Redrocks-Nighthorse 14 West River Trailhead YN 29 Elephant Skin OHV Staging/Designated Route Riding YON JK Trail (a non-wilderness, shared-use trail) to form a 3.7-mile loop. 15 Ute Trailhead (Wilderness Trail) NL 30 Flat Top OHV Staging/Open Riding Area Duncan 1.5 840’ drop Popular fishing access trail. Last .5 mi. very steep with loose scree. Y O YQNO J (6500’-5300’) Three hiker camps. Impassable for horses. Ute 4.5 1200’ drop Well-developed. Gradual slope with one steep switch-back section. JK (6500’-5300’) Four hiker camps. Horse-friendly. North Fork to 4.0 200’ climb Good fishing access. Four hiker/boater camps. Trail access from GUNNISON GORGE Smith Fork (5100’-5300’) Gunnison Forks requires crossing the North Fork River. JK Contact Gunnison River Pleasure Park for river ferry information. National Conservation Area & Wilderness ~ BLM COLORADO ~ BLM Depending on snowpack, run-off forecast and available storage in Recreation Blue Mesa Reservoir, peak flows can exceed 8,000 cubic feet per GUNNISON Saddle up your horse, lace up your hiking second for a short duration each spring. High magnitude flows are boots, gear up on your mountain bike or powerful and can be dangerous. This occurs typically between May motorcycle and head to the NCA for miles and early June. For spring trips, check with the BLM to find out if a of scenic adventures. Take in views of release is scheduled and plan your trip to avoid it.

GORGE Photo by ©Jerry Sintz the Gunnison Gorge surrounding mountains, valleys, and the colorful cliffs and canyons of the Gunnison Camping National Conservation Area About National Conservation Area Gorge. Mountain bikes and all motorized vehicles must remain on routes, trails and Wilderness Camping* he 62,844-acre Gunnison The NCA offers non-motorized areas designated for their use. River corridor camping is allowed only in designated hiker or & Wilderness boater campsites identified on BLM maps and signs. Visitors must Gorge National Conservation and motorized riding adventures T The NCA provides a number of river access purchase camping permits, and register and reserve campsites Area encompasses diverse on primitive roads and trails that sites for non-motorized boating and fishing. at wilderness trailheads or the Chukar boat launch. Maximum stay landscapes ranging from desert wind their way through adobe You may not launch or operate any motorized length in the wilderness and upstream of the Gunnison Forks is shrub and sagebrush lowlands, badland formations, colorful watercraft in the NCA. two nights/three days. Hikers may stay two nights at hiker sites. Boaters must move on after one night; no layover days. to rugged piñon-juniper-covered sandstone canyons and chal- Whitewater enthusiasts will find outstanding slopes, to the spectacular lenging uplands. These trails scenery and technical (Class III/IV) rapids Non-Wilderness River Camping* Camping is allowed only at the Cottonwood Grove campground double-canyon of the Gunnison offer spectacular views of the within the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, a 14- Photo by ©Jerry Sintz and designated river campsites identified on BLM maps and signs. Gorge Wilderness. Uncompahgre Valley, West Elk mile river section accessed via the Chukar Trail. Use of portable toilet system is required in all river sites without Mountains, San Juan Mountains restrooms. Maximum stay length is six nights/seven days for sites Congress designated the NCA in and Grand Mesa. Visitors are Looking for calmer waters for your canoe or downstream of Gunnison Forks. 1999 to recognize its outstand- raft? Boater access to the lower Gunnison invited to explore the NCA’s Dispersed Vehicle Camping ing geologic, scenic, wilderness River (Class I-II) is located at Gunnison Forks, daunting depths and wild, natural Camping is allowed in the remainder of the NCA for up to six and recreational resources. The Cottonwood Grove Campground and the landscapes by foot, horseback, consecutive nights, unless otherwise posted. Check BLM maps, Gunnison Gorge Wilderness is Orchard Boat Launch. kayak, raft, mountain bike or signs and website for camping information. famous for its world-class trout Heavy rain can cause flash flooding, rock Montrose • Colorado • Montrose motorized vehicle on designated Day-Use Recreation Sites fishing, challenging whitewater slides and debris flows in the canyon, which routes. Camping is not permitted in day-use areas, including the Gunnison boating and spectacular geologic affect rapids and campsites. If you are near Forks Recreation Area and Smith Fork Canyon. You may not enter a side-drainage during or shortly after a big formations, which represent a or remain in day-use areas after sunset or before sunrise. storm, move to high ground to avoid flash geological history spanning 1.7 flood dangers. * All river sites available on first-come, first-served basis. No billion years. early sign-ins for campsites.

BE PREPARED… LEAVE NO TRACE TAKE CARE OF YOUR LAND journey through the ages... The Gunnison Gorge NCA’s rugged and remote • Always be prepared by carrying a map, • Avoid trampling vegetation and do not create Remember that BLM lands belong to and are landscapes will challenge your abilities and can compass and GPS, extra water, food, first aid new tent sites or trails. used by millions of people each year. These The NCA features a number of cultural sites including prehistoric be unforgiving if you aren’t prepared for the trip. kit, rain gear and warm clothing. lands need to be managed to prevent degrada- rock art panels and campsites, as well as historic rock structures, cabins Frequent, heavy summer rains can make roads • Wash dishes and bathe 150 ft. from water tion from overuse and improper use. and mines. The earliest evidence of people in the canyon comes from and trails impassible and create dangerous flash • Tell someone where you’re going and when sources. Use biodegradable soap sparingly and ANative Americans who camped and hunted in the area thousands of floods in arroyos. you expect to return, or travel with a group. not in springs or side streams. Strain dishwater Trees, bushes and plants in the NCA play very years ago. In fact, prehistoric artifacts at the Gunnison River Rock Art Site and pack out residue. Dispose of dishwater in important roles in the health of the ecosystem. indicate the NCA has been inhabited for at least 13,000 years. Accessibility • Be prepared for changing weather. main current of the river. Alive or dead, plants provide food and habitat NCA roads are natural surface, rocky and gener- and should be left in place. In historic times, few people settled permanently in the canyon. During the ally impassable when wet. High clearance and • Watch your step and where you put your • Where portable toilet systems are not re- Great Depression in the 1930s, John Howell, the Duncan brothers from four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. hands. You are sharing the land with rattle- quired by a BLM sign or map, use existing toilets Anything left behind detracts from the beauty of Olathe and others built cabins and eked out a living prospecting for gold Recreation sites have rough dirt and gravel sur- snakes and scorpions. or bury waste 8” deep using the cathole method the area, disrupts natural processes and pres- and mining mica in the Ute Park and Duncan Trail area. faces; trails are steep, rocky and difficult to tra- at least 150 ft. from water sources. Boaters ents health hazards to humans and wildlife. • Wear safety gear appropriate for your sport. verse without assistance. Check the Recreation must carry and use an approved river toilet. Historic records indicate settlers in covered wagons and on cattle drives Pack out toilet paper and sanitary items. Urinate Sites table for areas with accessible toilet facili- • Know your vehicle and gear and keep it in crossed the area in the late 1800s at Ute Park. Between the 1950s in the river to reduce smells and fly problems ties. There is an accessible toilet at the Chukar good condition. and 1970s, uranium miners carved primitive routes into the canyon. boat launch site in the wilderness. Cottonwood near camps. Descendants of early settlers continue to graze sheep and cattle in the Photo by ©Jerry Sintz Grove campground has an accessible toilet, • Dial 911 in the event of an emergency, NCA. Today, tourists and residents alike travel the routes of those first • Leave natural objects and cultural artifacts campsite and fishing pier. but don’t count on cell phone coverage in all visitors while exploring the multitude of recreation opportunities in the NCA. where you find them. It is illegal to remove places. Have a back-up plan. artifacts.

Regulations anyon Ecology Wilderness • Motorized and mechanized uses are The NCA’s diversity of prohibited in the wilderness. natural environments, ranging from lomatium, Colorado hookless cactus, • Visitors must sign in at trailheads or Chukar Csalt-brush desert on its western Gunnison sage-grouse, bald eagle, boater launch site. flank, to piñon-juniper uplands near spotted bat, river otter and kit fox. • Maximum group size is 12 people. Photo by ©Jerry Sintz the canyon rim, to the riparian and • Maximum horse or pack stock group size is Clay-loving wild-buckwheat aquatic environments of the river, 12 animals. provides a range of habitats for the • All boaters must carry and use a self- animals that make the Gorge their contained, washable, reusable toilet system, or EPA-approved carry-out bag system. A home. BLM toilet dump station is located at the Motorized and Mechanized Vehicles Gunnison Forks. Motorized and mechanized vehicles must stay on signed, designated the state. Nearly all of the Gunnison River within the NCA is designated GUNNISON GORGE NATIONAL Common species include mule deer, • Maximum stay length is two nights/three days. roads and trails. Travel routes are designated by white arrows Gold Medal Trout Water, which requires using artificial lures and flys CONSERVATION AREA elk, mountain lion, Rocky Mountain and/or trail names. All vehicles more than 50 inches in width must stay only. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife for details on fishing licenses Desert bighorn sheep Collared lizard Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Permit Fees* on designated NCA access roads. Off-route riding for mountain bikes, and regulations (970-252-6000; http://wildlife.state.co.us). Due to 2505 South Townsend Avenue bighorn sheep, coyote, ringtail cat, cold, swift-flowing water, wading and swimming in the Gunnison River Day-Use $3 per person motorcycles and all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicles 50 inches or less Montrose, CO 81401 small mammals, neo-tropical birds, in width are permitted only in designated “open play” areas at Peach are extremely dangerous. $10 per person for one night (970) 240-5300 raptors, chukar, river otter and many Camping Valley and Flat Top recreation areas. Off-highway vehicles (OHV) must $15 per person for two nights (max. stay) more. The Gunnison River is desig- have current Colorado Parks and Wildlife OHV Program Registration www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nca/ggnca.html Gunnison Gorge Video Pets nated as a Gold Medal Trout Fishery Annual Day-Use Pass** $15 per person/year decals properly affixed to vehicle. Pets and pack stock must be under visual, audible or physical controls River Flow Information: by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife *Persons 16 years of age and older must purchase a separate pass. at all times, and are not permitted to harass or disturb wildlife or other http://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/rt because of its excellent trout popula- Other passes (America the Beautiful, Golden Eagle, State Parks, Hunting, Target Shooting and Firearms users. Keep pets leashed in developed recreation sites and carry Interagency, etc.) are not valid for wilderness permits. Hunting is permitted during designated game seasons with appropriate a leash with you while hiking. Remove pet and stock solid waste at tion, including rainbow, brown and The NCA benefits from the attention of a group of vibrant, firearms and bows except within 150 ft. of developed recreation sites. campsites and trailheads, and dispose of it properly. cutthroat trout. **Valid for one year from date of purchase. Not valid for an entire Target shooting and other activities involving projectile shooting from engaged community stewards known as the Colorado Canyons family or camping fees. Association. Learn more about this group, and find out how you weapons or recreational equipment (paintball guns, fireworks, etc.) are Campfires and Wood Collecting Sensitive species include Clay-loving The NCA is part of the BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System. The prohibited in the NCA. can help at www.coloradocanyonsassociation.org or Permit stations are located at wilderness trailheads. Unless allowed by a BLM sign or map, you may not cut, collect or use wild-buckwheat, Montrose penstem- NLCS conserves, protects and restores some of America’s most spectacular (970) 263-7902. • live, dead or down wood for campfires. Stoves, grills and/or fire pans mon, Rocky Mountain thistle, Delta landscapes. BLM Colorado’s NLCS areas encompass more than one million • If accessing Black Canyon National Park from the Chukar Trail or with charcoal are required. Coals and ashes must be packed out. camping at Margaritaville camping area, you must register and Fishing BLM/CO/GI-11/002 acres – about 1/8 of the BLM’s land in the state. purchase a Gunnison Gorge Wilderness permit. A Colorado fishing license is required on all public lands and waters in