Gunnison: Trails, Culture and Starry Skies

Hartman Rocks, the Gunnison Valley Observatory, the Van Tuyl Trail and the Gunnison Arts Center each offer something different. For trip planning, you can distinguish between them by activity and practical considerations: on the trails, the type and surface matter; at the observatory, the weather; and for the arts program, the date. This lets you choose the topics that match your interests for a stay in Gunnison.

Hartman Rocks and Signal Peak

The 160-acre base area of the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area belongs to the City of Gunnison and Gunnison County, and both manage it. Hartman Rocks has 45 miles of singletrack trails. In winter, 16 miles of its roads are groomed as cross-country ski trails for classic and skate skiing. The trail options therefore vary by type and season: singletrack trails give way to groomed roads for two styles of cross-country skiing in winter.

Signal Peak offers more than 20 miles of non-motorized trails, suitable primarily for beginner and intermediate riders. Seasonal closures apply to these trails to protect wildlife. Compared with the singletrack trails at Hartman Rocks, the focus here is not only on trail length but also on a range of difficulty levels; seasonal closures are another factor to consider when planning.

Stargazing and Telescopes

At the Gunnison Valley Observatory, talks are followed, weather permitting, by observations through several small telescopes and access to an astronomy museum. Weather conditions are part of the program: suitable weather is required for the observations and museum access.

The observatory also offers tours of the telescope dome and viewing through its distinctive 30-inch telescope. This provides different ways to explore astronomy: talks followed by observations through several small telescopes, and tours or viewing through the large telescope.

Museums and Art in Gunnison

The Pioneer Museum is located at the foot of the distinctive W Mountain on Highway 50 in Gunnison, Colorado. Its collection includes an antique narrow-gauge train. The Andy Mallett Antique and Classic Car Exhibit offers a different vehicle focus, with more than 70 classic cars and trucks. The collections therefore differ considerably, from a historic train to a larger selection of classic vehicles.

The Gunnison Arts Center is housed in a historic building in downtown Gunnison and offers classes and events. Together with the Gunnison Creative District, the center hosts an art walk with live music on the first Friday of every month. If you want to plan around this event, check the current dates for the art walk before your trip.

Loop Trail, Surface and Whitewater

The Van Tuyl Trail is a 3.1-mile loop. Its wide, paved paths provide a smooth surface for bicycles and wheelchairs. Two specific points of reference go hand in hand here: the distance describes the loop, while the surface description is relevant for use by bicycles and wheelchairs.

The Gunnison River Whitewater Park has two water features for river surfing, rafting and packrafting, as well as other whitewater craft. The park is also a frequently used takeout point for boaters on the Gunnison River. These are two distinct aspects to consider when planning: using the water features and knowing the takeout point for boating trips.

Consider Travel Times and Dates

Check the dates of the art walk before your trip; seasonal closures apply at Signal Peak to protect wildlife.

Discover more destinations: Crested Butte.

For the broader travel overview: Gunnison County.