Gunnison Valley
Around Gunnison Valley
Photo: John Sowell · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Countryside and towns · Colorado · 18k people
Gunnison Valley
“Gunnison Country”
The heart of the high country
crimsongold
Welcome to the Gunnison Valley, where the mountains meet the ranches. Whether you're here for the powder, the fishing, or the quiet evenings, you'll find a community that loves the outdoors and each other. Settle in, grab a local brew, and enjoy the views.
Clubs for Gunnison Valley
No clubs for Gunnison Valley yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Gunnison Valley. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
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Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Gunnison Valley. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Gunnison Pioneer Museum A collection of historic buildings and artifacts from the valley's ranching and mining days.
- Curecanti National Recreation Area Three reservoirs along the Gunnison River, including Blue Mesa, with boating, fishing, and hiking.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park A dramatic, steep canyon with sheer walls and the Gunnison River below.
- Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum Exhibits on the town's mining and skiing history in a historic building.
- Mountaineer Bowl The outdoor football and track stadium at Western Colorado University in Gunnison.
- Western Colorado University A public university known for its mountain setting and outdoor programs.
- Outdoors Hike the West Maroon Pass
- Outdoors Fish the Gunnison River
- With kids Sledding at Crested Butte
- With kids Ice skating at the Gunnison Ice Rink
- Evenings Après-ski at Crested Butte
- Evenings Brewery taprooms
- Locals love Ski resorts and backcountry slopes
- Locals love Alpine lakes and reservoirs
Through the year
- Gunnison Cattlemen's Days July A week-long rodeo and western heritage celebration with parades, bull riding, and ranch skills competitions.
- Crested Butte Wildflower Festival July Guided hikes and photography workshops celebrating the valley's spectacular alpine wildflower bloom.
- Vinotok September A fall equinox community festival in Crested Butte with a medieval-themed parade, bonfire, and harvest celebration.
- Crested Butte Music Festival Summer Classical and contemporary concerts held in venues around town and the mountain.
- Crested Butte Film Festival January Independent and documentary films screened over a long weekend in January.
The Gunnison Valley has a high-alpine climate: cold, snowy winters and mild, sunny summers. The best times to be out are summer for outdoor recreation and winter for skiing, with fall offering beautiful colors. Best: Summer (June–September) for hiking and fishing, winter (December–March) for skiing.
Talk like a local
- “CB”
- Short for Crested Butte, used by locals and visitors alike.
- “The Valley”
- Refers to the entire Gunnison Valley region.
- “Blue Mesa”
- The large reservoir on the Gunnison River, often called just 'Blue Mesa'.
- “Pow”
- Fresh, deep snow, a term borrowed from ski culture but common here.
Getaways
- Salida–Buena Vista Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River and the historic downtown of Salida.
- Montrose Gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the Ute Indian Museum.
- Telluride–Ouray Scenic mountain towns with festivals, hot springs, and the San Juan Mountains.
- Delta County Orchards, wineries, and the North Fork Valley's farm-to-table scene.
Local flavour
Rooting for Denver Broncos (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Colorado Buffaloes (NCAA), Colorado State Rams (NCAA)
Eat and drink
- Colorado green chili A staple in many Colorado mountain towns, often served smothered over burritos or eggs.
- trout Fresh from the Gunnison River and local streams, often grilled or pan-fried.
- elk Game meat featured in burgers, steaks, and stews, reflecting the region's hunting culture.
- craft beer Local breweries in Gunnison and Crested Butte offer a range of ales and lagers.
- breakfast burritos A hearty morning staple, often filled with eggs, potatoes, and green chili.
Where people go
- ski resorts Crested Butte Mountain Resort is the centerpiece, with world-class terrain.
- alpine lakes High-altitude lakes like Blue Mesa Reservoir and many backcountry tarns.
- hot springs Natural geothermal pools, such as those near Gunnison and in the San Juan Mountains.
- historic mining towns Ghost towns and preserved sites like Lake City and Gothic.
- mountain trails Hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails through aspens and wildflowers.
- ranches Working cattle ranches that define the valley's agricultural heritage.
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Nearby
Every areaSalida–Buena VistaColoradoRiver town heart, mountain soulMontroseColoradoMountain towns, hot springs, and endless sky.Delta CountyColoradoWhere the mountains meet the orchards.Telluride–OurayColoradoHigh peaks, hot springs, and starry nights.RifleColoradoWhere the mountains meet the river.EdwardsColoradoWhere the peaks meet your soul.BreckenridgeColoradoWhere the peaks touch the sky and the town feels like home.Cañon CityColoradoWhere the river carves the canyon
Gunnison and Hinsdale counties, CO. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.