The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Orchard Boat Ramp is the last public boat take-out point on the Gunnison River before Confluence Park in nearby Delta. The waters here are typically calm and able to be floated. However, visitors need to be aware of local private property lines and potential water hazards. The Eagle Rock Shelter Archeological Site and trailhead are to the northeast. The Orchard Boat Ramp is protected and administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This federal agency oversees about 245 million acres of public land in the United States plus over 700 million acres of subsurface federal mineral estate. You'll find the entrance to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park about 50 miles to the south. This park has some of the oldest exposed rocks in the country. Arches National Park, known for its graceful sandstone arches, is 158 miles to the west in Utah. The closest communities include Hotchkiss, Delta, and Orchard City. Follow Highway 50 south of Delta to visit the prominent city of Montrose.
Walk your way up from the Gunnison River to a historic site dating back thousands of years. Hike into the canyon for stunning views of the gulch and river. You'll also find several scenic fishing spots and many sunbathing lizards. Intensity: Moderate Length: 1.2 miles
This peaceful trail doesn't see many visitors throughout the year. Consider backpacking in the morning or evening as the canyons can quickly heat up midday. The path is often used by locals with dirt bikes and other off-roading vehicles. Intensity: Moderate Length: 19 miles
The Gunnison River is full of brown, rainbow, cutthroat, tiger, and brook trout. Feel free to fish around the Orchard Boat Ramp or take your kayak or canoe out on the water. Sections of the Gunnison River within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are designated as Gold Medal Water by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Only artificial flies and lures are allowed when fishing here.
Along with great fishing opportunities, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is also known for its exceptional big wall and alpine climbing areas. The peak climbing seasons are in the spring and fall. There are currently 145 climbing routes available. You can obtain guidebooks through the National Park Service. Always climb within your skill level, and pack enough supplies to stay overnight if necessary.
Wildlife enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the frequent sightings of mule deer, rock squirrels, badgers, striped skunks, marmots, mountain cottontails, and long-tailed weasels. A variety of lizards, salamanders, and snakes can be found along the roadside or in trailside underbrush. Black bears, bobcats, and mountain lions are most likely to be spotted in the early morning or evening.
You're welcome to picnic at one of the nearby trailheads or at the boat ramp itself. The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness does not have many established picnic shelters or areas. You'll probably only have access to occasional fire rings at dispersed campsites. Bring cookware and dried foods that you can prepare quickly over a portable camp stove.
This is one of the best areas in the country for stargazing due to its lack of light pollution. The area around Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park allows you to see thousands of stars light up the sky. The park uses the minimal amount of artificial light possible to help visitors find their way without adding unnecessary light pollution. You can even take part in ranger-led astronomy programs that are open to the public.
Cottonwood Grove Campground is one of few established Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area. This site sits on the banks of the Gunnison River and is surrounded by mature cottonwood trees. There are six campsites, a boat ramp, fire rings, picnic tables, and a vault toilet. One of the campsites is ADA accessible and has an accessible fishing pier. Visitors who stay for at least seven days and six nights camp for free. Along with searching for "BLM camping near me," don't forget to consider RV camping options like the family-owned Valley Sunset RV Ranch in Delta. It offers spacious sites with full hookups for $35 a night. You'll also have access to free Wi-Fi and cable, an outdoor pool, a playground area, and a general store. The Mountain Valley Meadows RV Park in Hotchkiss has a shower house, a dump station, and laundry facilities. Its full-hookup RV campsites cost $40 nightly.
Pack a tent to take advantage of nearby Bureau of Land Management free camping sites. You'll find several primitive spots along the banks of the Gunnison River. Follow Smith Mountain Road until you reach the river, then walk south along the non-motorized trail. There's another established campground on the edge of Gunnison Gorge, which can be accessed via Ute Road. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout Colorado wilderness areas for up to two weeks in a 28-day period.
The most popular form of camping in Colorado is tent camping. Make sure you bring a sturdy sleeping pad or inflatable mattress to keep you off the cold ground. You'll need cookware, a camp stove, extra butane, plenty of water, and bug spray. It's best to pack a mix of light clothes like T-shirts and shorts as well as jackets and long pants. Colorado nights can be chilly, especially if you're at a higher elevation. Follow all local regulations and research the necessary permits and licenses. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Protect the Colorado landscape by packing out all your food waste and garbage, using the "Leave No Trace" guidelines. In desert or mountainous areas, it's often best to also pack out your human waste rather than bury it. Don't try to feed or otherwise interact with the local wildlife. Only go BLM RV camping in areas that have been used by previous visitors.
From Delta, drive east on Highway 92 for about 5 miles. Bear right onto H75 Road and drive for about 6 miles. The road ends near the Orchard Boat Ramp. Address: 2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401 Ready to visit Orchard Boat Ramp? 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.
