Gunnison River

This July 2-5 Gunnison River trip is perfect for intermediate canoers. It passes through stunning red rock country in the Bureau of Land Management’s Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, with easy campsites along the way. At times, the river ruffles up into Class I or II rapids—enough to put you on alert but still pretty straightforward paddling. This 26 mile trip through Escalante Canyon will allow you many opportunities to spot great blue herons, bighorn sheep and other dessert wildlife.

To register contact Judy Moisey-Asay, Judy.Moisey-Asay@va.gov

Information about the Gunnison River Section from Escalante to Whitewater

Escalante Bridge Put In: to reach the put in drive north on Highway 50 for 10 miles from Delta.

Whitewater Take Out: in the town of Whitewater the take out is under the Highway 141 bridge.

Difficulty: class I, class II or III depending on the time of year

Run Length: 26 miles

Season: April-July, flows are dependent on current snowpack, this section is also regulated by dam releases

Description: Mostly flatwater mixed with a few class II or III rapids depending on the time of the year. This is a great run for beginner kayakers and intermediate canoeist. This section of the Gunnison has great scenery and gives the feeling of a wilderness run even though the highway is only a couple miles away. This is a long section of water through a desert landscape, bring plenty of food and water.

Location: In the Rocky Mtn Region (CO), 246 miles (4 hours 14 minutes) West of Denver

Directions:  drive South from Grand Junction of US Highway 50 and 144 to Whitewater, from Junction the turn off is approximately 21.5 miles south on Highway 50 to Escalante turn at a large gravel parking lot on the right, I think the road is Delta County Road 6.5.  The river access is on the right just over the rail road crossing before the bridge over the river.