While Crested Butte continues to get snow in the alpine zone, spring means Gunnison is warming up for mountain biking and hiking. The town’s spring climate brings daytime highs that can range from the low 40s to the mid 60s. Additionally, it tends to be less crowded during this time of year, and you can often find places to stay for less.
Use this itinerary to inspire your spring getaway.
Day 1: Getting to Gunnison
Flying into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) is the easiest way to get to the Gunnison Valley. Flights arrive and depart from GUC every day. Catch a nonstop flight from Houston (IAH), Dallas (DFW) or Denver (DEN); you can also connect from practically anywhere through Denver. Most of these airports provide flights through spring, but check the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport flight schedules to be sure.
From the airport, you can rent a car or hire a shuttle to take you to your lodging.
Find more about shuttles and rental cars
Gunnison Hotels & Places to Stay
Hotels and places to stay in Gunnison are often affordable and offer easy access to the outdoors. In some cases, you can ride right from your door to the surrounding roads and trails. Many lodging properties are also within walking distance of Main Street. Choose from well-known, brand-name establishments; vacation rentals and locally run motels.
Find places to stay in Gunnison
Gravel Biking in Gunnison
Use this afternoon to go on a gravel ride. Gunnison has more than 1,000 miles of dirt roads on public lands offering beautiful scenery and varied terrain. Gravel bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes are suitable for many gravel routes.
Spring gravel-biking spots in Gunnison include Hartman Rocks, county roads around Curecanti National Recreation Area, Gold Basin Road and Hwy. 114. For rugged terrain and challenging climbs, explore Black Mesa near Sapinero, a small community just west of Gunnison on Blue Mesa Reservoir from CO-92 to County Road 717. This remote area is covered with sagebrush and stands of pinyon and juniper, and the wide-open views of Blue Mesa Reservoir, Curecanti and the Elk Mountains make the intensity of the rides well worth it.
Day 2: Hartman Rocks
Hartman Rocks Recreation Area includes 8,000-plus acres of multi-use public lands. The area tends to dry out quickly compared to other trails, so it’s usually the first place open for spring mountain biking in the Gunnison Valley. Hartman Rocks is characterized by rolling hills dotted with sagebrush and spiny rock formations. Some of the ridges offer beautiful views of Gunnison and the surrounding Elk Mountains.
Find adaptive mountain-biking options with the Adaptive Sports Center
Some Top Trails at Hartman Rocks
Spring Mountain-Biking Etiquette
- Ride early before trails get muddy. If you’re leaving deep tire tracks, that’s a good sign that the trail is too muddy.
- If you encounter mud, ride through it and not around it to avoid eroding the trail.
- Be prepared for unpredictable spring weather. Check the forecast before heading out, and pack layers.
- Follow trail closures.
Find info about trail conditions from Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association
Spring Trail Closures
Some trails in Gunnison are closed in the spring. These closures help prevent excessive erosion and damage while trails are melting out. Muddy trails are easily damaged by foot, bike and horse traffic. When trails are open but muddy, try to use them in the morning when the ground is still frozen.
Part of Hartman Rocks Recreation Area is closed from March 15 to May 15 for Gunnison-sage-grouse protection. Signal Peak is closed to mountain bikers January 1 through April 30.
Learn more about spring trail restrictions
Day 3: Take a Hike
Gunnison has the best spring hiking options in the valley, particularly in Hartman Rocks and Curecanti National Recreation Area. Keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers on your hike — Colorado favorites like dainty Gunnison mariposa lilies and bright-orange Indian paintbrush are just two of the blooms you might spot.
As with biking, you’ll want to be mindful of spring trail restrictions and follow all posted signs.
Hiking at Hartman Rocks
For a unique hike, try The Ridge, which follows the edge of an ancient crater. Other cool hikes in Gunnison include:
- Evan’s Loop (made up of Broken Shovel, Lost Dog and Sea of Sage): Easy, 2.8 miles
- Bambi’s: Easy, 2.8 miles out and back
- Top of the World: Challenging, 3.2 miles out and back
Hiking at Curecanti National Recreation Area
Dillon Pinnacles is a scenic spring hike in Curecanti National Recreation Area. Admire views of the trail’s namesake rock formations, which are volcanic breccia formed millions of years ago. The route also overlooks Blue Mesa Reservoir, one of Colorado’s largest lakes.
Other Spring Hikes at Curecanti National Recreation Area
- Pine Creek: Moderate, 2.4 miles out and back
- Neversink: Easy, 1.3 miles out and back
- Curecanti Creek: Challenging, 3.7 miles out and back
Day 4: Whitewater Rafting on the Gunnison River & Stargazing at Blue Mesa
Guided Rafting on the Taylor & Gunnison Rivers
As the snow melts in the spring, the rivers of the Gunnison Valley start to swell. This fresh runoff makes for a thrilling whitewater-rafting experience.
Scenic River Tours and Three Rivers Resort offer half- and full-day guided raft trips on the Taylor River (Class II–III) and the Gunnison River (Class I–II). Guides provide expertise and safety instructions, as well as technical gear like personal flotation devices, helmets and splash gear.
Stargazing at Blue Mesa
Low levels of light pollution make the Gunnison area a Colorado stargazing haven. In fact, of Curecanti National Recreation Area, where Blue Mesa is located, is an International Dark Sky Park. Head to Blue Mesa Reservoir to admire indigo night skies dappled with celestial sparkles.
Find special astronomy events and programs on the park’s calendar
Day 5: Explore Downtown Gunnison
Main Street
Main Street is home to stores, restaurants, galleries and coffee shops, with rustic exteriors and false fronts giving the buildings an Old West feel. Stop by IOOF Park to see a mural that depicts Gunnison in every season. Scan the QR codes on the mural to learn more about animals, insects and plants in the area.
Art Galleries & Gunnison Shopping
Buy a one-of-a-kind piece created by a local artist at the Gunnison Gallery. The Gunnison Arts Center has a small gallery and sells local art like jewelry and ceramics. Look for new-to-you gear at All Sports Replay. Browse the racks at Boom-A-Rang or Six Points Thrift Store. Find a souvenir at Tango and Toggery Elevated.
If you like to sip as you stroll, treat yourself to locally roasted coffee and fresh baked goods at Tributary Coffee Roasters or Double Shot Cyclery.
Find more shopping in Gunnison and Crested Butte
Day 6: Explore Crested Butte
In Crested Butte, some restaurants and businesses close for a few weeks after ski season wraps up in early April, so make sure restaurants and businesses you want to visit are open before heading there. During low-snow years, trails in Crested Butte can dry out as early as April, depending on elevation and sun exposure.
The first trail to open is usually the Lupine Trail. This 3.6-mile route is accessible from town and can be combined with Slate River Road or the Lower Loop Trail to make a loop. Enjoy blooming spring wildflowers and a view of the Slate River along the way.
Explore early-season trails and learn more about spring mountain biking in Crested Butte
Day 7: Head Home
You’ve spent your days hiking scenic trails, exploring on your bike and enjoying the charm of historical downtowns. Gunnison is a springtime destination that offers a balance of outdoor excitement and small-town warmth. It’s never too early to plan a summer trip to see the wildflowers, a fall trip to marvel in the aspens or an epic winter adventure.
Other Spring Activities
Looking for other spring trip ideas? The list below is chock-full of more spring things to do in Gunnison.
- Road biking
- Backcountry skiing
- Waunita Hot Springs
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Horseback riding
- Trail running
- Gunnison Pioneer Museum
