Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
Welcome! Gunnison Gorge Wilderness encompasses 17,784 acres within the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. Visiting is like traveling through time: the geologic formations surrounding you span nearly 2 billion years, from sculptural sandstone features at the rim to rugged pre-Cambrian basement rock cliffs. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Act of 1999 established the NCA and Wilderness area we enjoy today. Wilderness Areas offer opportunities to enjoy hiking, dog walking, horseback riding, fishing, rafting, and camping on the Gunnison River. Opportunities for solitude abound. For more information, visit Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area's website .
Pass Information
Special area fees apply within Gunnison Gorge Wilderness for all visitors 16 and older. Group size is limited to 12 people total.
Getting There
Access roads to Wilderness trailheads are rough, primitive, and impassable when wet. Four-wheel-drive, high clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. Roads are not suitable for pull-behind campers or trailers. Refer to the brochure for a detailed map.
Additionally, below are the GPS coordinates for each trailhead:
Download and sign into the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service: https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app
Group size is limited to 12 visitors.
Fees cover each individual visitor, not the entire vehicle. If buying as one group, select one Pass, then under "Pass Details," select # of adults and # of children in your group.
Please be prepared to show your Pass either on your mobile device or a printed copy. Display the Pass # on vehicle's dashboard. If in a group, display a confirmation of group leader's pass. Failure to show proof of payment may lead to a citation.
Cash or check payment option remains available on site, via envelopes and metal fee tubes.
Purchasing this pass does not guarantee parking availability.
Access roads are rough, primitive, and impassable when wet. Four-wheel-drive, high clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. Roads are not suitable for pull-behind campers or trailers.
Dogs are welcome in the Wilderness, under voice or physical control.
Pack out all trash and bring it home with you.
Be prepared by carrying a map, compass and GPS, extra water, food, first aid kit, rain gear, and warm clothing. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return, or travel with a group. Be prepared for changing weather. Dial 911 in the event of an emergency, but do not count on cell coverage in all places.
A Special Recreation Permit is required for all commercial uses. Please contact Bureau of Land Management for more information.
No exemptions or discounts apply. This includes all passes in the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass Series (such as Annual, Senior, Access, and Volunteer passes).
Passes are non-transferrable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and void if altered or reproduced.