Gunnison Gorge Wilderness

The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness lies in the heart of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, within the double canyon of the Gunnison River. Central to the area is the river itself, which enters the Wilderness at the northwestern boundary of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and runs north to a point about a mile downstream of its confluence with the Smith Fork, where it leaves the Wilderness. Elevations range from 5,100 to 8,100 feet. Winters are usually mild, from 30 to 50 degrees F, and days are generally sunny and bright; spring and summer temperatures can be very hot, over 100 degrees. The Wilderness receives 10 to 15 inches of precipitation annually. The legislation establishing the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness protects the area's scenic, historic, geologic and wildlife resources along with what it calls "unsurpassed" recreational activities: whitewater boating, Gold Medal trout fishing, hiking and horseback riding. There are 17 miles of trail to explore. Common wildlife includes mule deer, elk, mountain lion, coyote, ringtail cats, small mammals, neotropical birds, raptors, chukar and river otter, as well as rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Sensitive species include clay-loving buckwheat, Montrose penstemon, Rocky Mountain thistle, Delta lomatium, Uinta Basin hookless cactus, wintering bald eagles, spotted bats, river otters and kit foxes.