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Gunnison River Canoeing--Western History

Jun 30 - Jul 4, 2016

Reserve Now

Trip Fees

Adult

$684

Kids

$619

Discount*

Student

Deposit**

$100

** Deposits must be made per person.

For additional information such as itinerary, what to bring, maps, etc., see "QUICK LINKS" on right sidebar.

This trip is open to the public. The San Juan Mountians Association (SJMA) is helping to promote this exciting Upper Gunnison River canoe trip to a wild and remote area with fascinating history. Part of the proceeds from SJMA members' registration will go to the nonprofit association.

Our facilitator, Ft. Lewis College professor of history and Environmental Studies, Dr. Andrew Gulliford, will share his stories of the colorful characters and circumstances that helped shape the western landscape as you journey along the river. This 60 mile river section is generally flat water with some riffles and standing waves and is suitable for beginners.

This 5-day Gunnison River canoe adventure, includes 7-miles of the beautiful Gunnison Gorge, near the town of Hotchkiss, CO. The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA), is a diverse landscape ranging from adobe badlands to rugged piñon and juniper-covered slopes. The NCA contains a prehistoric site that includes rock art called Eagle Rock Shelter. The NCA also supports a variety of upland, riparian, and aquatic wildlife species and habitats. Common species include mule deer, desert sheep, elk, mountain lion, coyote, ringtail cats, small mammals, neo-tropical birds, raptors, chukar, and river otter. Because of its excellent trout population in the NCA, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat, the Gunnison River is designated as a Gold Medal Trout Fishery by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Canoeing in Colorado on the Gunnison River will spark your sense of adventure with opportunities for hiking and exploring, floating in your lifejacket and camping along the river’s edge. During this Colorado canoe trip, you will be dwarfed by high walls of red sandstone and shale deposited during the age of the dinosaurs. These canyons in the Colorado Plateau are truly magnificent and not soon forgotten. Massive cottonwoods stand on many river bends supporting the huge nests of blue herons, hawks and eagles. Depending on campsite availability, you may have a layover day (staying camped 2 nights in the same place) in Dominguez Canyon, one of Colorado’s newest designated Wilderness Areas, and one of the most beautiful stops on the river. Hiking into the canyon will reveal deep, cool swimming holes, waterfalls and many ancient Indian petroglyphs (rock art panels).