Gunnison River Rafting

The Gunnison River begins high in the mountains near Grand Junction as a clear mountain stream. As it flows down into the valley, it widens into a shallow, rocky river, passing through Gunnison, Colorado. The Gunnison flows through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, cutting the sheer walls of the canyon. This is the best place in the world where Precambrian rocks are exposed, with polished Protereozoic schist and gneiss formations. As the river continues west, it feeds the huge 35-mile long reservoir of the Currecanti National Recreation Area. It is the Gunnison Gorge, located just downstream from the National Park, that is the raftable section of the Gunnison River. This section is nicknamed the "Baby Grand" because of the scenery that is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon.

The river is rafted from May to September, filled with many Class II-III+ rapids. The highest water levels occur during May to early June, adding a little intensity to the narrow river passageway. The river is generally mild, and is a great place for family trips.

To getting to the river requires an easy but fairly steep one mile hike to the put in spot. However, the hike is filled with dramatic canyon scenery and amazing. As only two groups of twelve people are permitted to raft the Gunnison Gorge each day, you will also be able to experience wonderful solitude.

The canyon's sheer basalt and granite walls make the trip down the fast and furious rapids even more breathtaking. The first 11 miles of the river are interspersed with many Class III rapids, including the Squeeze, the Drops, Cable and The Hall of the River King. You will pass through 14 miles of gold medal trout water, and you can also catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife, such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, peregrine falcons, and eagles, ringtail cats, marmots, and the endangered river otter.

The International Rapid Rating Scale:

• Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles, small waves.
• Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids, wide, clear channels.
• Class III: Intermediate. Rapids, moderate, irregular waves.
• Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids, precise boat handling.
• Class V: Expert. Long, obstructed, violent rapids.

Places to Stay & Fun things to Do

Bill Dvorak Raft - Fish & Kayak Expeditions
Colorado's 1st licensed outfitter. Est. 1969. 1/2-day to 10-day rafting trips. Float fly-fishing, family rafting, whitewater rafting. We offer multi-sport packages: mountain bike, 4x4, hike, kayak & custom fishing.

Colorado Adventures
Twice Named Colorado's "Company of the Year." Offering 1/2 to 10 day whitewater rafting trips on 5 Colorado rivers. Featuring Inn-to-Inn rafting, horseback riding, jeeping and downhill mountain biking.

Gunnison River Expeditions: Fishing, Rafting & Hunting
Experience the Gold Medal Waters of the Gunnison River in the North Fork Valley near Montrose and Delta Colorado! Guided float fishing, rafting & hunting expeditions with expert guide.

Rimrock Adventures
Something for everyone: guided rafting trips, river equipment rentals & horseback rides in Fruita near Grand Junction. Rent a river craft from us and use our shuttle services to make it easy and fun for you.

River Runners
The "Whitewater Professionals" since 1972! Half, Full & Multi-day trips for all ages/abilities. Swim, fish, play horseshoes. Have lunch & dinner at our Riverside Grill near Buena Vista along the Arkansas River.

Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting Raft, Fish, Kayak
10 miles north of Gunnison in Almont, on Taylor, East & Gunnison Rivers. Features modern river front cabins and vacation homes. Fly shop. Rafting, Fishing & Kayaking. Smokehouse Grill open in summer.

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More Activities & Information

Gunnison - includes Almont, Blue Mesa Lake, Ohio City, Parlin, Sargents, Sapinero, Taylor Park & Waunita Hot Springs

Animas River Whitewater Rafting • Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting • Blue River Whitewater Rafting • Cache la Poudre River Whitewater Rafting • Clear Creek River Whitewater Rafting • Colorado River Whitewater Rafting • Dolores River Whitewater Rafting • Eagle River Whitewater Rafting • Green River Whitewater Rafting • Gunnison River Whitewater Rafting • Lake Fork River Whitewater Rafting • Little Cimarron River Whitewater Rafting • Lower Colorado River Whitewater Rafting

North Platte River Whitewater Rafting • Piedra River Whitewater Rafting • Rio Chama River Whitewater Rafting • Rio Grande River Whitewater Rafting • Roaring Fork River Whitewater Rafting • San Juan River Whitewater Rafting • San Miguel River Whitewater Rafting • South Platte River Whitewater Rafting • St. Vrain River Whitewater Rafting • Taylor River Whitewater Rafting • Uncompahgre River Whitewater Rafting • Upper Colorado River Whitewater Rafting • White River Whitewater Rafting • Yampa River Whitewater Rafting

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