Gunnison Gorge Wilderness
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Gunnison Gorge Wilderness is one of Colorado's most rugged Bureau of Land Management destinations, featuring dramatic canyon scenery, world-class trout fishing, and challenging access to the Gunnison River flowing through. Unlike many BLM recreation areas, this destination isn't a good place to bring your RV directly into the wilderness. Instead, consider staying at nearby dispersed camping areas or campgrounds, and then explore the wilderness by boat or on foot. Daytime use doesn't require a reservation, but wilderness users must obtain a self-issued permit and pay any applicable fees. Access roads get primitive beyond the main highways, so RV travelers need to plan their trip with care.
Quick Facts About RVing in Gunnison Gorge Wilderness
RV Friendly: Limited
Max RV Length: Small rigs recommended
Camping Type: Only primitive wilderness camping
Reservations: Not required
Hookups: None available
Dump Station: Available in Montrose or Delta
Potable Water: Bring your own
Cell Service: Limited to none
Pets: Allowed under physical or voice control
Roads: Primitive dirt roads after the main highways
Best Season: Spring through autumn
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
Excellent base for hiking and Gold Medal trout fishing
Spectacular canyon scenery
Easy to combine with Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Primitive backcountry experience
Outstanding rafting and boating opportunities
Dark skies for stargazing
Convenient access from Montrose and Delta
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Chukar Trail
The Chukar Trail provides a rather challenging trek that rewards you with amazing views of the gorge from the river below. The trail begins with a steep descent of 600 feet followed by a series of switchbacks that assist with the change in elevation. Further down, you'll encounter a section of steps that make the trail easier to traverse. The Chukar Trailhead is located past the Peach Valley Staging Area at the end of Chukar Road. Expect rough terrain on the last five miles of the drive, and four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended to reach the trailhead.
Length: 2.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Ute Trail
The Ute Trail is a rugged out-and-back hike that starts on the edge of a ridge that winds east toward the Gunnison River. At the two-mile point, views of the river become evident from Precambrian granite cliffs that are followed by the steepest section of the trail. As you near the end of the path, there will be two campsites with picnic tables, shaded areas, and a vault toilet. A fee is required to hike this trail, and there's a self-serve fee station at the trailhead. The Ute Trail is located on Peach Valley Road.
Length: 4.5 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Fishing and Boating
The Gunnison River is known for its challenging whitewater rapids and the breathtaking black granite canyons that it flows through. Whitewater kayaking and rafting are permitted on the 14 miles of river in the wilderness with the proper permits. The Gold Medal waters of the Gunnison are also famous for their abundance of cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout.
Climbing
Though there are no climbing routes in the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is full of some of the longest and most challenging climbs in Colorado.
Wildlife Viewing
Throughout this wilderness area, visitors are likely to see elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, river otters, and a variety of raptors. Bald eagles and Swainson's hawks are two species common to the area. Mammals such as ringtail cats and mountain lions remain mysterious inhabitants of the gorge and are rarely seen — though sightings are entirely possible.
Picnicking
The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness has three designated picnic areas: one off Ute Road before you officially enter the wilderness area, the second at the end of Duncan Road near the banks of the Gunnison River, and the third at the wilderness area's northernmost tip where the Gunnison River and the North Folk Gunnison River converge.
Off-Road Vehicle Riding
Within the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, off-road vehicles such as ATVs and dirt bikes are granted access to two "open" recreation areas. The Flat Top OHV Staging Area offers riders a variety of routes that wind through a scenic desert landscape, and there's an area specifically designated for beginners. The second area in Peace Valley limits OHVs to a 50-inch width maximum, but qualified off-roaders have access to a training area, a skills course, and a beginner's loop. There's also trailer parking, vaulted toilets, picnic tables, and loading ramps at the 900-acre site.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
There is no BLM RV camping in the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness; however, there are Bureau of Land Management campgrounds that accommodate RVs up to 25 feet in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area just outside wilderness boundaries. The Cottonwood Grove Campground is located near the northern portion of the Gunnison River, and it features amenities that include fire rings, vaulted toilets, picnic tables, a fishing pier, and boat ramp access. If you prefer to do your RV camping in town, Valley Sunset RV Ranch in Delta, Uncompahgre River Park in Olathe, and Montrose/Black Canyon Nat'l Park KOA Journey in Montrose are great options.
Dispersed Camping
Boondocking inside Gunnison Gorge Wilderness differs from typical dispersed camping on BLM land. Camping's only permitted at specifically designated riverside campsites, requiring applicable user fees and a self-issued permit. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can visit for up to three days and two nights. As an RV traveler, you need to understand that the wilderness access roads are unmaintained and primitive. Many access roads become muddy and impassable after rain. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles are strongly advised, and the BLM specifically recommends that the roads are not suitable for pull-behind trailers or campers. Most RV users or owners are better served by leaving their rig at a nearby campground before they enter the wilderness.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
It's best to view Gunnison Gorge Wilderness as a destination to explore from a nearby campground rather than trying to drive an RV directly into the wilderness. The surrounding area is accessible with paved highways, but the final access roads leading to the wilderness trailheads can get too rough for most RVs. Park your rig elsewhere, and take your daytime adventures in a smaller vehicle.
Camper Vans: Their compact size makes them the best overall option. They're easier to maneuver on narrow access roads and in trailhead parking areas, but you should still avoid muddy conditions.
Travel Trailers: It's best to leave these at nearby campgrounds. The BLM advises against using trailers on primitive wilderness access roads.
Fifth Wheels: These aren't recommended beyond established campgrounds. Parking and turning around near the trailheads can be difficult; access roads are unsuitable for large towable RVs.
Class A Motorhomes: These are also better suited to nearby RV parks than the wilderness itself. You'll have a much more enjoyable experience using a smaller vehicle for the final approach.
Class B Motorhomes: Their maneuverability and relatively compact footprint make these a very practical motorhome choice.
Class C Motorhomes: Smaller models might work in dry road conditions, but a campground base is still a good idea.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in several areas throughout the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. Dispersed campsites are located on the Chukar Trail and in the OHV Flat Top Area and Cottonwood Grove Campground.
RV Rentals Near Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Plan your next adventure
Planning your Gunnison Gorge Wilderness BLM trip
When planning a camping trip to the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, keep in mind that RV camping is limited and that campsites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The best way to ensure yourself a spot is to park your rig in a nearby RV park and head to the wilderness from there.
Those who search "BLM camping near me" will find a variety of RV parks located within 15 miles of the wilderness in three different urban areas. You can choose the location that best suits your outdoor plans.
It's also important to pack the right gear for each activity. Bring patches and glue for inflatable watercraft that may require repair during your adventures, and pack extra clothing, bug spray, and sunscreen to protect yourself from changing weather conditions. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Before heading toward Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, the best places to get fuel, groceries, drinking water, and propane are Montrose and Delta. Once you leave the highways, services are extremely limited. Cellular coverage might disappear completely, so download offline maps before arrival, and don't rely on GPS navigation in remote areas. Weather conditions can change fast throughout the year; after rain, primitive roads range from muddy to impassable. Wilderness visitors should carry everything from extra food and water to navigation equipment and emergency supplies. Check current road conditions, temporary closures, and fire restrictions before leaving camp each day.
Leave No Trace 
Bureau of Land Management camping requires visitors to leave the natural elements of the wilderness as they found them to preserve the integrity of the ecosystem. All trash must be packed out, and dishwater needs to be filtered before it's returned to the river. Some campsites in the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness have vault toilets, which campers are encouraged to use. Camping along the Gunnison River requires visitors to bring a portable toilet and pack out waste.
Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Location
From Montrose, drive north on Highway 50 until you reach Falcon Road. Turn right to go east toward the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness. This route is about 10 miles north of Montrose and will provide you with access to the north and southwest sides of the Gunnison Gorge.
Address: 2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401
Ready to visit Gunnison Gorge Wilderness? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Gunnison Gorge Wilderness
Morning: Start your day early at the RV campground before driving to a wilderness access point. Begin your hiking or boating early to avoid the hottest hours of the day, especially if you're descending to the river.
Afternoon: Explore the canyon, fish one of the Gold Medal trout streams, or soak in the dramatic views from the rim. Many trails involve significant elevation changes, so leave plenty of time and energy for hiking back out.
Evening: Head back to the RV park or campground for dinner and a well-earned evening of relaxation. The remote location offers exceptional opportunities for stargazing.
Nearby Attractions
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park:
About a 20-30 minute drive to the South Rim, this spectacular national park features one of the deepest canyons in North America. Enjoy scenic drives, dramatic overlooks, hiking trails, and a visitor center before returning to your campground.
Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area: Immediately surrounds the wilderness, with most access points just 5-15 minutes away depending on which trailhead or recreation area you choose. It offers scenic overlooks, additional hiking, and more RV-accessible public lands than the designated wilderness itself.
Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area: About a 1-hour drive northwest, this BLM destination features scenic canyons, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and excellent dispersed camping opportunities that complement a visit to Gunnison Gorge Wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp overnight in Gunnison Gorge Wilderness? Yes, you can camp overnight but only at designated riverside campsites within the wilderness. Camping is limited to three days and two nights with applicable user fees and a self-issued permit. RV camping isn't available inside the wilderness itself. Do I need a four-wheel-drive vehicle? Yes, a high-clearance four-wheel drive is strongly advised for many wilderness access roads, especially after rainy weather or during periods of poor road conditions. Always check current conditions before attempting to reach the trailheads. Is there drinking water available? No. Potable water isn't available within Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, so visitors should bring all the drinking water they'll need for the day or overnight stay. Summer temperatures inside the canyon can become extremely hot, making hydration especially important. Fill your RV's fresh water tank before leaving nearby towns like Montrose or Delta. Can I bring my dog? Yes. Dogs are welcome in Gunnison Gorge Wilderness as long as they're kept under voice or physical control. Be prepared to pack out pet waste whenever practical, and keep pets away from wildlife and other visitors. Bring plenty of water for your dog, especially if you're hiking into the canyon during warmer weather. When is the best time to visit? Summer is the most popular season, but it can get extremely hot inside the canyon. And there are plenty of Colorado camping opportunities in the area. Spring and fall are typically the most comfortable conditions for hiking and fishing. Road access and trail safety become concerns in the coldest months when you might risk winter problems.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Gunnison Gorge Wilderness is a place best experienced from a nearby RV park or campground as your base, rather than trying to drive directly into the wilderness. Camper vans and Class B motorhomes give you the utmost flexibility for exploring nearby trailheads, while motorhomes, fifth wheels, and larger travel trailers are more comfortable parked at established campgrounds in nearby communities. Plan your accommodations right to enjoy the rugged beauty of Gunnison Gorge without worrying about primitive access roads. Browse RV rentals in Montrose, CO to find the right RV for adventuring in western Colorado.