The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The West River Trailhead heads south up the Gunnison River for just over two miles. While it provides walk-in fishing access, it doesn’t permit motorized or mechanized modes of travel. You're welcome to picnic, camp, hike, view the wildlife, and enjoy the nearby Gunnison Gorge Wilderness. The West River Trailhead is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government organization that oversees more than 8 million acres of land in Colorado alone.
The outskirts of the stunning Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a little more than 50 miles south. Arches National Park is around three hours west in Utah. Delta and Montrose are the largest cities in the area. While Delta is only 16 miles away, Montrose is further south near the Curecanti National Recreation Area.
This point-to-point trail is a popular destination for birding, mountain biking, and hiking. The trail doesn't typically see a lot of traffic and offers great views of the looming gorge. Prepare for many rocky and loose sections that may trip you.
Intensity: Moderate
Length: 19.0 miles
Consider tackling this difficult trail with a capable off-roading vehicle. You'll find several cabin and stone ruins here around the river bottom. There's also about a mile of river access where you can fish.
Intensity: Hard
Length: 12.7 miles
It's best to fish from the Gunnison River in the spring when the water levels are high. This river is known to have many rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout. You'll find boating access at Gunnison Forks and the Orchard Boat Ramp. The waters here are generally calmer with fewer obstructions. Floating and kayaking are possible later in the summer and fall.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a remarkably deep and narrow canyon perfect for climbing. There are a total of 145 expert climbing routes in the national park. The deepest point of the canyon is 2,722 feet while the Painted Wall is the tallest vertical wall in the state. For more detailed information on rock climbing routes, contact the National Park Service for guidebooks.
The most common wildlife are beavers, coyotes, ground squirrels, marmots, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. Watch the underbrush for ringtails, garter snakes, badgers, skunks, and weasels. Elk are often spotted in the fall when they come down to graze in grassy clearings. The best time to spot a black bear or mountain lion is in the morning or at dusk as they disappear into the forest.
Many visitors choose to picnic near trailheads, parking lots, and boat launches. You won't find many established picnic spots or tables outside of local campgrounds or dispersed camping spots. No matter where you stop and eat, be sure to pack out all of your waste. Don't leave any food scraps or debris behind.
The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness spans 17,700 acres of stunning public land. This wilderness area offers an exceptional backcountry experience far away from the pollution of nearby cities. Hike your way up a towering ridge or hill to find the perfect spot for your telescope. You'll be able to see the stars like never before without any skyscrapers or smog getting in the way.
Stay at one of the local Bureau of Land Management campgrounds for premium access to fishing spots, boat launches, and hiking trails. The Cottonwood Grove Campground has six campsites, as well as picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and shade structures. One of the campsites is ADA accessible and is adjacent to an accessible fishing pier. Visitors camp for free if they stay for at least seven days and six nights.
If you can't go without your modern RV camping amenities, consider staying at Mountain Valley Meadows RV Park in Hotchkiss. Grab a campsite with full hookups for as low as $40 a night. They're open year-round and provide shower facilities, Wi-Fi, and a dump station. The family-owned Valley Sunset RV Ranch in Delta offers free Wi-Fi and cable, full hookups, an outdoor pool, and a shop. Nightly rates at this campground start around $35.
Don't forget to look for Bureau of Land Management free camping sites when searching for BLM camping near me. You'll find several spots at the entrance of the Gunnison Gorge. These primitive sites can't be reserved and are available only on a first-come, first-served basis. Dispersed camping also extends to parking your RV on a viable highway or tent camping out in the wilderness.
Prepare for your BLM RV camping trip by collecting paper maps of the Gunnison Gorge area. Be sure to bring a compass, GPS, rain gear, extra water, and a first aid kit. You'll likely lose cell service if you venture out into the gorge or surrounding wilderness. The safest way to explore this area is with adventurous, experienced friends. Make sure someone back home knows the details of your trip in case of an emergency. Many of the local access roads are primitive and impassable when wet. Consider bringing an ATV for easier and safer travel. Don't forget to pack cookware, warm clothes, and bug spray. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Protect the landscape for future generations of visitors by minimizing your impact on the local flora and fauna. Avoid hiking, picnicking, or camping in pristine areas. Travel in a single-file line on hard, durable surfaces like dry dirt or sand. Bringing firewood from your home state increases the chances of transporting invasive species to new areas. You can instead collect fallen sticks or purchase wood from a local supplier.
From Austin, head south on 2200 Road for about one mile. Turn left onto H75 Road, and drive for another 3.2 miles. You'll soon reach a five-way intersection. Turn slightly right onto South River Road. Follow this road for five miles until you reach the trailhead. Avoid using South River Road when it's wet.
Address: 2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401
Ready to visit West River Trailhead? 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.
