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3-Day: Gunnison River Gorge from Ute TH

In scenic Colorado canyon country, hike down to the beautiful Gunnison River on an excellent trail and camp by the river. The 9 mile out-and-back has a 1,200 vertical feet climb on the way out.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members:

Day 1. Drive from Denver area to the trailhead mid-afternoon.  Spend the night at the campground on the rim, car camping. 

Day 2. Hike down to camp 4.5 miles/1200'.  Think of a mini Grand Canyon type experience with our initial hike being all downhill with our return all uphill.   There is a fee per person of $10 payable at a self serve kiosk at the TH. 

Day 3.  Hike back up to canyon rim (4.5 miles)

Overall Route

Driving Directions: From Olathe, Colorado drive north on US 50 for 2.3 miles. Turn right on Carnation Road and continue for 3.1 miles. Turn left on 6200 Rd and continue for 3.8 miles. Turn left on Peach Valley Rd. After 0.4 miles look for a water filling station on the right and turn right onto Ute Rd. Ute Rd requires high clearance 4WD. Follow Ute Rd for 2.5 miles to the trailhead.

General Requirements: A fee is required at the trailhead. There are a small number of established campsites along the river.  For that reason, weekdays may be best. The last 2.5 miles on Ute Road is best done in a high clearance vehicle because of steepness and muddy conditions when wet. Regulations limit stays to two nights. Good information is available at the Gunnison Gorge NCA website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/gunnison-gorge-nca

Information and maps

  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking
  • Seasons: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 9.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
  • 6,531 ft
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