It may be fall but...\

The mornings are crisper, the skies are bluer, and "fall" is definitly in the air. 

Golen Gunnison River
Gregg Morin photo

Our abundant early autumn rains put a slight damper on the glorious golden 

Biking Hartman Rocks
Gregg Morin photo

and red aspen leaves we typically enjoy but it is still more than worthwhile to get out and enjoy the Gunnison Valley. 
Walking, hiking and biking are superb on the VanTuyl Ranch trails or at Hartman Rocks south of town.  The cool fall air is invigorating as you pedal your way through the granite boulders lining the bike and hiking trails.  And those pesky summer mosquitos are but a vague memory.   
Although the seasonal low water levels in the Gunnison River make kayaking and rafting more challenging at this time of year, fishing is still in full swing.  There's nothing like casting a hand-tied fly out over the riffles in pursuit of the whily rainbow trout.  Or just dangle your feel in the cool water, find your zen-center, and watch the golden leaves raft their way down river to Blue Meas Reservoir. 
You can hike, road bike, mountain bike, rock climb or just enjoy the great outdoors in a serene moment.  When evening stars to fall, head indoors at the Gunnison Community Center for swimming, sliding down the water slides, climbing on the indoor wall, play basketball in the gym or challenge the kids or friends to a game of pool in the game room. 
If you can't wait for winter, get acclimatized by strapping on your ice skates and playing hockey or practice your sitz spins at the indoor Jorgensen Ice Rink. 
Bottom line, there's lots to do in the fall in Gunnison - your Base Camp to the Rocky Mountains!

MLK Jr. Holiday City Closures

City of Guunison Offices will be CLOSED on Monday, January 21st in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday.  City offices will re-open on Tuesday, January 22nd.  Police, Fire and Dispatch/Communications will be working on Monday.

Refuse Schedule:  if your trash is normally picked up on Monday, it will be picked up on Tuesday, January 22nd.  Please contact the Public Works Department at 641-8020 if you have questions. 

Community Center Schedule:  The Gunnison Community Center/Aquatics Faciltiy will be open o from 8am to 9pm on Monday, January 21st.  There will be NO Early morning swimming on Monday.  The Community Center climbing wall will be open from 12 noon to 7pm.  Please call 641-8060 if you have questions. 

"Peace is not merely a distanct goal that we seek;  but a means by which we arrive at that goal."  Martin Luther King Jr.

"Tis Autumn

The leaves are a'changin and the winds are definitly blustery!  The irrigation ditches are off, and the the river water level is "way low".  It must be Autumn in the Gunnison High Country!  And...there is still plenty to do in the Valley. 

This Saturday, October 20th, is the final Gunnison Farmers' Market of the 2012 Season.  There are apples, potatoes, fall root vegetables, leeks and other nutritious fruits and vegetables available at the Market.  Due to the cooler temperatures, the Market has moved indoors to the Fred Field Western Heritage Center at the Gunnison County Fairgounds, 275 S. Spruce Street (south of Safeway).  The Market opens at 9:30am.   

Gunnison Valley Observatroy

Also finishing out the 2012 season, is the Gunnison Valley Observatory. The facility's last public viewing session of the season will be this Saturday, October 20th starting at 7:30pm.  There will be NO astronomy lecture, just viewing through the GVO's silver dome-housed, 30 inch telesceope.  Other amateur telescopes are also available for viewing.  The crisp, clear, autumn skies make for fabulous night sky viewing.  Remember to dress warmly!  It's chilly in the dome. 

Hartman Rocks Scenery

The Observatory is located 2.1 miles south of Highway 50 on County Road 38 - Gold Basin Road.  (located east across from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area).  The parking lot is on the left (east) side of the County Road. 
And speaking of Hartman Rocks, the multitude of trails are still open for hiking, mountain biking, or motorcycling.  The views of the Gunnison Valley are spectacular from the top of Hartmans!  
If you don't like the cooler weather outside, head indoors to the Gunnison Community Center for climbing, a game of pool, or a dip in the leisure swimming pool.  You can enjoy the many pool slides and water play features or swim laps in the 6-lane lap pool. 

Jorgensen Ice Rink and Event Center

If you're becoming a-tuned to the upcoming winter sports, check out the indoor ice rink at the Jorgensen Ice Rink.  You can play hockey, take a figure skating lesson or just enjoy the ice during public skating.  Both the Community Center and Ice Rink schedules can be found at www.gunnisonrec.com  

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! 

No Excuses!

There are NO excuses if you or your children can't find something to do!  The Gunnison Parks & Recreation Fall Programs are now starting. 
Listed below are some of the classes or programs and their start dates:

Intro into Aerial Arts - ages 6 and up; starts Friday, August 31st
Pre-K to 8th Grade Cheerleading - starts on Friday, August 31st
U6, U8, U10 Soccer - starts on Wednesday, September 5th
Rock Climbing Classes for all Ages - the majority of classes start the week of September 3rd
Youth Tennis ages 5 to 13 yrs - starts Tuesday, September 4th
Hula Hoop - starts Tuesday, September 4th
Tae-Kwon-Do - starts Monday, September 10th
Gymnastics - the majority of classes start the week of September 3rd
Diving Classes - start Monday, September 10th
Kingston Swim Club - starts Wednesday, September 5th
After School Swim Lessons - start Tuesday, September 4th
Saturday Swim Lessons - start Saturday, September 8th
Morning Swim Lessons - start Monday, September 10th
Evening Swim Lessons - start Tuesday, September 11th

Call 641-8060 or stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue for more information or to register.

Happy Labor Day

Happy Labor Day from all City Council and employees.  Most City offices will be closed on Monday, September 3rd.  Police, Fire and Dispatch Services will be working to ensure everyone's safety. 

If your refuse and recycling is normally collected on Monday, it will be collected on Tuesday, September 4th.  Just place it in the normal pickup spot on Tuesday morning rather than Monday. 

The Gunnison Community/Aquatics Center will have limited hours on Labor Day, Monday, September 3rd.  The building will be open from 8am to 8pm.  The swimming pools will be open from 8am to 7:45pm.  There will be NO early morning swim on Monday.  Open swim and slides/sprays will start at 12pm. 

The climbing wall will be open from 1:30pm to 7pm.

Have a safe and enjoyable Holiday. 

Colorado State Swim Meet

The Colorado State Swim Meet will be held in Gunnison at the Community/Aquatics Center from Friday, August 3rd through Sunday, August 5th. 
The facility will have limited hours open to the public during the meet.  The closures are as follows:

Friday, August 3rd:  Facility, including pools, is OPEN 6am to 8am.  Swimming Pools closed 8am to 5pm and open 5pm to 7:45pm; Gym closed 12 to 8pm.  The climbing wall & game room open from 12-7pm.

Saturday August 4th:  The entire facility, including the swimming pools, is CLOSED all day

Sunday, August 5th:  Entire facility including pools is closed from 6am to 5pm.  The swimming pools and facility will re-open from 5pm to 7:45pm, however the climbing wall is closed.

We are sorry for any inconveneience this may cause.  For more information please call 641-8060. 

Time to Ride!

Now that Cattlemen's Days is but a fun memory, dismount your trusty pony and mount that mountain bike!  Hartman Rocks is beckoning you!

Mountain Biking Hartman Rocks
photo copyright protected

Hartman Rocks, classified by geologists as a pink granite ring-dike, is a year-round recreational paradise.  The base area is co-owned by the City of Gunnison and Gunnison County and features parking, picnic shelter and restrooms.  The majority of the land is administered by the Bureau of Land Management. 
Many trails are multi-use.  Trails are numbered and signs indicate the allowed trail uses.  There is a jump park for bicycles at the base area.  Hiking and trail running are also very popular at Hartman Rocks.  

Climbing at Hartman Rocks


Rock climbing takes place mainly on the granitic ridge that gives the rocks its name.  Several sites have established routes.  Bolting is allowed however clean climbing is strongly encouraged. 
Motorcycling is allowed on 39 miles of trails and 33 miles of roads that also allow four-wheel driving and ATV use.  There is a motorcycle terrain park with a 1-mile closed loop near the western McCabe Lane entrance.  Be aware, several trails are closed to motorcycles. 
Wintertime use includes cross country skiing and some snowmobiling. when snow levels allow.  
But back to mountain biking! There are 40 miles of single track trails and 33 miles of dirt roads that are open to mountain biking.  The trails range from novice to expert.  Biking the trails, up, down, over and between the granite boulders, with far-reaching vistas of the Continental Divide and the West Elk Mountains, are spectaular.  With much-needed recent rain showers in the afternoons,  plan a cool morning ride and enjoy Hartman Rocks!

Beauty after a fun Hartman Adventure Day
photo copyright protected



"Climb Every Mountain"

Now's your chance to learn to climb those mountains! The Gunnison Recreation Department is offering rock climbing classes starting next week. This winter they are offering a variety of rock climbing classes for kids of all ages.
There is Beginning rock climbing for ages 5 to 7 years as well as 8 to 10 years; Intermediate climbing classes for ages 5 to 7 years, 8 to 10 years; and classes for 11 yrs and older. There is also a Parent-Tot Climbing Class for kids 3 to 5 years old. Women's rock climbing starts Friday, January 13th.
For more information or to register for any of these classes contact the Recreation Department at 641-8060 or visit the Gunnison Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison.

Rock Climbing and Gymnastics

The second sessions of Gymnastics and Rock Climbing - separate classes! - start next week (the week of October 24th). Some of the classes are already filling up. So register soon so your child doesn't get left out.
If you are interested in signing your child up for these classes, call 641-8060, stop by the Gunnison Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison or go to the Recreation website at www.Gunnisonrec.com

Tennis and Rock Climbing

Session 2 of Youth/Adult Tennis lessons and Rock Climbing is starting next week. Sign up now if you are interested.
There are a variety of Youth and Adult Tennis lessons available. These lessons run Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 19th through August 18th.
In addition, there are several rock climbing classes being offered from July 18th through August 11th. These lessons include: Indoor and Outdoor Rock Climbing; Beginning Rock Climbing for 18 yrs and older; Parent and Child Belay Lessons; Rock Climbing 101 for adults; and Women's Rock Climbing for women 18yrs and older. These lessons are offered at a variety of times.
Please contact the Recreation Department at 970-641-8060 or stop by the Gunnison Community Center at 200 E. Spencer Avenue for more information and to register.
Keep on Climbing!

Traditional Climbing

If you've ever wanted to learn traditional or "trad" climbing techniques, now's your chance! Trad climbing is a style of rock climbing in which a climper or group of climbers places all gear (such as pitons) required to protect against falls, and then removes it when the passage is complete.
The City Recreation Department is now offering weekend trad climbing clinics starting on July 30th-31st. Other clinics will be offered every weekend in August. Classes start at 10am and end at 2pm. Participants will learn how to place traditional protection, build anchors and set up a top belay.
Classes will take place at Hartman Rocks and Taylor Canyon. You only need to bring some water and a good attitude. The cost is $70 for members and $74 for non-members. Contact the Recreation Department at 641-8060 or stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue for more class information.

It was a GREAT Weekend

Despite the windy conditions, it was a great outdoor recreation weekend in Gunnison. There were three BIG Rage in the Sage events at Hartman Rocks this weekend. The 24 Hours of Gunnison Glory climbing event started Friday evening at Hartman Rocks. Saturday morning saw runners heading out for the annual 25k and 50k Sage Burner Running Races at Hartman Rocks. Then 7am Sunday morning saw 350 mountain bikers at the downtown Gunnison IOOF Park starting line. With the starting shotgun blast of Mayor Jonathan Houck, the riders rode down Tomichi and out to Hartman Rocks where the race started up Kill Hill.

A huge amount of thanks goes out to the organizers and sponsors of these three events. They really bring a lot of folks to our community. Kudos too to all of the City crews from Public Works, Parks & Recreation and the Police Department, without whom, these events wouldn't take place.