10 Things to "Fall" Into in Gunnison

Fall is in the air and there are lots of things to choose from to "Fall Into".  Here are 10 ideas..

Mountain Biking at Hartman Rocks

10 - Fall into biking?  That doesn't sound good but it's sure a lot of fun! Grab your trusty mountain bike or motorcycle and head south of Gunnison to the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area.  There are miles and miles of hiking, single-track and motorcycle trails to challenge all skill levels - even the kids.  There's vehicle parking, restrooms and picnic tables at the base area.  For more information and trail maps for Hartman Rocks go to http://www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/hartman-rocks 


Locomotive #268


9 - Fall into history at the Gunnison Pioneer Society's Museum located at the east end of Gunnsion on Highway 50 across from Legion Park. The museum has some of the most comprehensive displays in the State of Colorado on everything from military history to clothing to railroading.  You can even ring the bell in the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Locomotive 268.  For more information go to www.gunnisonpioneermuseum.com 

8 - Fall into fitness by power walking the historic VanTuyl Ranch Trails.  The City-owned ranch, located in the northwest corner of town off North 11th Street, offers several miles of flat, packed-gravel trails, perfect for walking or biking.  The trails pass through the historic VanTuyl Ranch, a working sustainable-centered ranching operation.  When you walk the trails with your dog - remember - they must be on a leash!  There are also stunning views of the Palisades formation over the Gunnison  River to the west. 

Golden Gunnison Aspens

7 - Fall into gold - golden aspens that is - all around the Gunnison Valley.  Check out the blog post below for scenic leaf-peeping trips you can take.  The trees are only golden for a few precious weeks, so get out and enjoy their grandeur. 

6 - Fall into your rubber waders and Fly Fish the Gunnison River.  There are several excellent fly shops in Gunnison and even though the water level is low, they can advise you on the best techniques for catching that wiley trout or kokanee salmon.  Head to the west end of Tomichi Avenue (Highway 50) and access the river at the City's Gunnison Riverway.  There's parking, restrooms and a covered picnic pavillion plus easy access to fly-fishing. 

5 - Fall into the clear, starry, night sky at the Gunnison Valley Observatory.  After a long day of hiking, fishing and enjoying the Gunnison Valley, stop by the Observatory on Saturday evenings through October 20th, look through the 30" dome-housed telescope or the other smaller scopes on hand, and see celestial objects you've never seen before.  Check it out at  www.gunnisonobservatory.org 

Climbing Wall and Swimming Pools at the
Gunnison Community Center

4 - Fall with a splash into the leisure or lap pools at the Gunnison Community Center.  The two pools located at the Gunnison Recreation Center offer something for everyone.  You can swim laps, slide down the twirly or drop slide, try out on the rope swing, shoot water hoops or soothe those aching muscles against the water jets.  There's a special section just for the little ones with a frog slide and water jets.  Go to www.cityofgunnison-co.gov/parks_and_rec/index.html for information of entry fees and the schedule. 

3 - Fall into the foam on a pint of locally-brewed beer at the local brewpub.  Or try out the wide variety of gastronic offerings at Gunnison's great cafes, bistros, restaurants, bars, pubs, and patios.  You can find just about every type of cuisine you might have a hankering for. 

 2 - Fall into some bargains at the ecletic retail shops in Gunnison.  You can surround yourself with the latest in fall fashions, decorate the house with unique art or home decor, start your holiday shopping early for the kids or just seek out those rare and interesting items that tickle your fancy.  Gunnison offers a tremendous variety of shops, galleries, and stores.  There is even a selection of "toy" stores for day with everything from tools to sporting goods.


Climbing at Hartman Rocks


And, #1 - Fall into your climbing harness and try out the pitches.  You can start at the climbing wall in the Gunnison Community Center.  Learn climbing and rapelling techniques in a safe, indoor setting.  Once you've mastered how to safely get up and more importantly down the climbing wall, try out your new found skills on the granite rock walls of Hartman Rocks Recreation Area or in Taylor Canyon north of town.  Check out the links provided above for more information on the climbing opportunities. 

Enjoy yout FALL in Gunnison!