with gold medal trout fishing, beneath shear granite cliffs, whitewater, wildlife and spectacular vistas, gunnison gorge exists as it has for millennia. unlike like it’s neighbor to the east, black canyon of the gunnison national park, gunnison gorge is remote and undeveloped. getting here is not easy, but it does have its benefits.

“it takes enough planning and a little bit of effort that i think it keeps from getting over crowded,” said rafting guide josh kettle. “there’s no other canyon like it in the united states.”

rafting and fishing the inner gorge of the gunnison river are among the many options for outdoor recreation within this 63,000 conservation area. designated 10 years ago as multi-use public land, it’s a true colorado playground.