The Gunnison Gorge, below the Black Canyon National Park in western Colorado, is a 14 mile wilderness journey combining spectacular canyon scenery with one of Colorado’s finest Gold Medal fisheries. A mile hike down the Chukar Trail brings us to the river and the narrow canyon carved through the polished Protereozoic schist and gneiss formations. Mild rapids punctuate the crystal clear pools on the first day as we enter this secluded retreat. Our isolated camp provides a peaceful refuge to enjoy a sumptuous dinner after fishing or hiking.
The second day brings a narrowing canyon, a steeper gradient in the river and exciting pool-drop rapids that appear one right after another. Depending on the water level, these Class III rapids demand either intricate maneuvering or a wild dash through boat-swamping holes and waves. After the rush of whitewater, the Hall of the River King envelops us in a mystical silence prior to the canyon walls receding to rolling sage hills. Our lunch stop at the Smith Fork provides a fun opportunity to explore the waterfalls and drop pools in this side canyon. The trip concludes at the confluence with the North Fork.
- MINIMUM AGE:8
- CLASS: III
- GROUP SIZE: Limited to 12 including the guides. Your group may be 8-9 people for a whitewater trip.
- COST: Adult $ 395.00 and Youth $ 360.00 per person for a 2 day whitewater trip. $ 400 per person per day for 2 or 3 day fishing trip. Rates do not include 3% BLM permit fees and $ 5 per day use fees.
- 2012 DATES: May 19-21, May 24-26, August 25-27, September 5-7 and 8-10. Open dates for fly fishing or whitewater trips.
- May through September – custom launches may be available for your group of 6 to 9.
Click here to make a reservation.
FISHING: The Gunnison River is world famous for its prolific German Brown and Rainbow trout population with more fish per mile than any other Colorado river. Float fishing is the only way to access several prime holding areas in the canyon. Our fishing trips are usually 3 days to allow plenty of time to walk-wade early in the morning and into the evening from camp after a day of fishing from our rafts at a leisurely pace. A valid Colorado license is required. We limit anglers to 2 per boat plus the guide. A list of necessary flies is available. Visit our fishing page for more information.
PRE-TRIP INFORMATION
Pre-trip lodging is available in Delta, CO. We suggest the Rodeway Inn, which is 1 mile east of downtown Delta. They have reasonable rates, clean rooms, a pool and hot tub. Call them at 800-621-2271.
The Gunnison River Pleasure Park is our meeting point on the first day of the trip at 7:30 am. The do have cabins and camping available. Their number is 970-872-2525. They are located 14 miles north of Delta on CO HWY 92.
Read about the recent ruling protecting water flows in the Black Canyon and the Gunnison Gorge at Gunnison River water flows.
More Colorado Rafting Trips
- Arkansas River – Bighorn Sheep Canyon
- Arkansas River – Royal Gorge
- Arkansas River – Brown’s Canyon
- Arkansas River – Multi-Day Trips
- Gunnison River – Gunnison Gorge
- Dolores River
Gunnison River Gorge Photo Gallery
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