Gunnison
Home to Western Colorado University and outdoor recreation
What's On
Local News
Mudslides Strand Visitors on East Portal Road After Heavy Rain
Colorado Tracks Two Toxic Algae Blooms Amid Record Heat
Colorado Allocates $30.2 Million for Roof Upgrade Grants to Curb Insurance Costs
76 Percent of Coloradans Worry About Affordability in New Pulse Poll
Hudson Residents Rally to Stop GEO Group Immigration Detention Center
Explore Gunnison
Local Favorites
Other PlacesGoodday + Curiosity Custom Bikes and Bags
Handmade bicycles with integrated rack and bag systems define our work at Goodday + Curiosity in Gunnison. We believe in making bikes that make you a more capable rider, focusing on shred packing and bikepacking for long-distance, self-supported adventures. Our signature geometry features the largest front triangles in the industry, maximized to your inseam so you can carry more gear without altering your center of gravity. This design negates the need for giant, unruly seat and bar bags or external racks, allowing your bike to ride like a bike. We have built dialed systems for shred packing using signature integrated frame and top-tube bags with no straps, a spacer-cradle rack, and minimal seat bags. These rigs have been tested on the Colorado Trail Race, Arizona Trail Race, The Continental Divide, the Grand Loop, The Baja Divide, and even in the Himalayas. Chris and Arly lead this dream team, translating complicated ideas about components and geometry into bespoke products that feel like one-of-one art. We also organize various bike-related events and rides in the Gunnison area, from overnighters to charity rides. Multi-day bikepacking race setups and recreational biking maximize enjoyment with our custom fit and playful elegance, ensuring you feel melded with your new bike from the first ride.
Lodging & AccommodationsIsland Acres Resort Motel
Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1954, Island Acres Resort Motel stands as an independently owned hideaway on Gunnison’s west side, blurring the line between a traditional hotel and a home base. Our vintage tourist court has been revitalized to offer authentic appeal in the Rocky Mountains, providing lodging options that range from cozy single rooms to expansive three-bedroom, three-bath cabins. Many of these units feature full kitchens, allowing guests to settle in comfortably for longer stays. The property’s grounds are defined by large shaded parks equipped with picnic tables and a campfire pit, creating an inviting environment for relaxation. For entertainment, we provide frisbee golf, tetherball, and an on-site Rhoads Car for exploring the immediate area. An outdoor patio entertainment space is available for family events and group gatherings, while the tree-filled setting ensures a peaceful retreat. Guests use our location as a launchpad for hiking, cycling, fishing, or rafting in nearby Hartman’s Rocks and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We also offer a quiet porch for reading books, ensuring a clean and comfortable experience for every traveler.
ServicesScenic River Tours Inc
Established in 1977, Scenic River Tours serves as a recreation headquarters for summer adventures in Gunnison, Colorado. The business offers guided rafting, fishing, and rock climbing excursions, alongside the rental and sale of rafting equipment. Located in Gunnison County, the company is a short drive from Crested Butte, Lake City, and Montrose, making it a convenient base for Western Slope visitors. The team guides clients through Class III rapids on the Gunnison River and scenic routes on the Taylor River, catering to families and varying skill levels. Staff members, including Dan, Austin, Grant, and Chris, are known for their expertise and ability to engage guests of all ages. The operation runs seven days a week, providing free consultations and ensuring all trips are led by licensed and insured professionals.
Other PlacesAlpine Surf Company
Stand-up paddleboards, inflatable kayaks, and river surfboards define the inventory at Alpine Surf Company, a locally-owned and woman-led shop in Gunnison. As the first business to bring stand-up paddleboard rentals to the area, it offers gear for exploring local waterways and trails. Stand-up paddleboards start from $25, while inflatable kayaks (or "duckies") for one or two paddlers also start at $25. River surfboards are available from $35, and float tubes begin at $10. The SUMOS fabric-covered tubes feature mini coolers and cup holders for comfort. Cruiser bikes, starting from $25, cater to the flat streets of Gunnison and Crested Butte. Prices for various interests and age groups range from $10 to $35. Customers highlight friendly service, noting that the owner assists with life jackets for children and often waives late fees. The shop also sells merchandise, offering memorabilia alongside rentals.
Outdoor Destinations
Explore all destinationsChicken Wing
409s and Point Lookout Loop
Rattlesnake spur
Dave Moe's
Duane's World
Signal Peak Road
About Gunnison
Gunnison stands as the educational and cultural heart of the Western Slope, where Western Colorado University provides a vibrant college town atmosphere that complements the region's spectacular natural beauty. This charming community of 6,500 residents offers a unique blend of academic excellence and outdoor recreation opportunities that make it a favorite destination for students, faculty, and visitors alike.
Quick Facts
6,500
7,703 ft
Summer
Western Colorado University
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gunnison known for?
It's a college town. Western Colorado University sits right in the middle of it, so during the school year there's a younger crowd and the bars and coffee shops stay busy. The rest of the time Gunnison is mostly a base for getting outside, and it's one of the few real working towns left on this part of the Western Slope.
Is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park worth visiting from Gunnison?
Yes, and it's an easy day trip. The Black Canyon is a gorge the Gunnison River cut over millions of years, and the walls are some of the steepest in North America. Bring your nerve if you peer over the edge. The climbing here is no joke and best left to people who know what they're doing.
What is there to do outside in Gunnison?
The town backs up to the Gunnison National Forest, so trails for hiking and mountain biking start close by. The fishing is the real draw for a lot of people who come through. If you want the Black Canyon, that's an easy drive too.
What is there to do in town?
Downtown Gunnison is small but functional, with shops and places to eat, and the college keeps a steady stream of events going. The Gunnison Pioneer Museum covers the local history if you've got an afternoon. Don't expect a big arts scene. It's a mountain town first.
How do I get to Gunnison?
Most people drive in on Highway 50. It's about 3 hours west of Denver, and Crested Butte is an hour north if you're combining the two. The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport handles flights, and there's shuttle service from Denver if you'd rather not drive.