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Travel Center

There are millions of acres of public lands to explore across Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming. From lush coniferous forests to rolling prairies, from lowland streams and rivers to high mountain lakes, from sagebrush to desert, these lands offer something for everyone.

Whether you're a frequent visitor of public lands or not even sure where they are, we hope that this center will help you learn about new public lands to explore or even learn something new about places you have already visited. At the same time, we hope you will share your favorite places with others. We will highlight a new public lands area each month so be sure to check back frequently.

Public Lands Highlight of the Month: Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area

Background

Gunnison GorgeThe Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA) was initially established in 1999 and encompassed 57,725 acres of public land in Montrose and Delta Counties in south central Colorado. Since then, the area has been expanded to 62,844 acres. The NCA consists of diverse landscapes ranging from "adobe badlands" to rugged piñon-juniper slopes to the spectacular double canyon system of the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area, located within the NCA.

Equally diverse in its wildlife, the Gunnison Gorge NCA teems with mule deer, elk, mountain lion, coyote, ringtail cats, river otter, beaver, kit foxes, mink and several species of raptors, including wintering bald eagles and peregrine falcons.

The eastern side of the NCA also contains a small population of 200-300 Gunnison sage-grouse. The Gunnison River, which flows through the Gunnison Gorge NCA, is a designated Gold Metal Trout fishery by the Colorado Division of Wildlife because of its excellent trout populations, including rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout.

Recreation

FISHING: The Gunnison River is renowned for its trout fishing. The majority of the river (14 miles) is located within the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area.

Fishing Regulations:

  • Fishing must be by artificial flies and artificial lures only.
  • All rainbow trout caught must be returned to the water immediately.
  • There is a 4-fish limit on Brown trout.

Flow Information: Call the Gunnison Gorge River Rangers (May-Sept.) at 970-240-5312

HIKING: There are five hiking trails located within the Gunnison Gorge NCA that range from a 1.1 roundtrip hike with moderate difficulty to a 4-mile easy riverside trail. Click here for more information on specific hikes from the Colorado Bureau of Land Management.

HUNTING: Hunting for mule deer and elk is allowed at designated times of the year.

Whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing: Through the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area, class III-IV rapids give whitewater enthusiasts plenty of thrills.

Public Lands Information Center: http://publiclands.org

Wilderness

The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness is located in the heart of the NCA within the unique black granite and red sandstone double canyon system of the Gunnison River. It encompasses approximately 17,784 acres of public lands, including 14 miles of the river, extending from the northwestern boundary of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park north to a point approximately one mile downstream from the confluence of the Smith Fork and the main stem of the Gunnison River.

Because the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness is managed to preserve and protect the outstanding wilderness, scenic and recreational values, motorized use of vehicles or equipment is prohibited. However, hiking, horseback riding, rafting and kayaking, hunting and fishing are allowed but access cannot be by motorized vehicle.

Location

The Gunnison Gorge NCA is located about 50 miles south of Grand Junction and seven miles northeast of Montrose in west central Colorado, just downstream from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Click here for a map from the Colorado Bureau of Land Management.

Management

The Gunnison Gorge NCA is managed by the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Uncompahgre Field Office in Montrose, Colorado.

What is an NCA?

An NCA is a designation given by the U.S. Congress to lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management that contain particularly special resource values. There are currently only nine NCAs in the nation.

Fees

User fees are required only in the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area. Fees are currently $3.00/day/person for day use and $5.00/calander day/person for overnight use.