Photography Paul Gallaher©

Written By KELLY DICKSON

Gunnison River Territory receives an abundance of snow each winter, usually through May. Nordic skiers revel in more than 20 kilometers of groomed trails and backcountry enthusiasts, looking for unique lodging experiences, reap the benefits of an extensive hut system.

When winter finally melts into summer, that thigh-deep white snow turns to thighdeep blue river water. With the sun at your back and a warm breeze blowing through the mountain air, the flick of a fly-rod is the only sound around. Gunnison County is a fisherman's paradise with millions of newly released fish and hundreds of miles of waterways. Along with the largest man-made lake in Colorado, Gunnison has several reservoirs, three classic rivers, streams, numerous alpine lakes and beaver ponds, a kid's fishing lake and fish hatchery ponds for those needing a guaranteed dinner on the table.

Each body of water boasts its own the-one-who-got-away story, but locals tell tales of 10-pound rainbows, 30-pound mackinaws and countless smaller streams loaded with fish waiting to be caught. On days when the water is not calling, head toward the many hiking and mountain biking trails throughout Gunnison. Rock climbers have their choice of Taylor Canyon and the more challenging 2,000-foot sheer walls of the Black Canyon. Gunnison has been host to legends of frontier settlers, dastardly outlaws and lonesome cowboys. Today, the outdoor enthusiast becomes Gunnison's legends of tomorrow.

LOCAL STATISTICS:
Location: 65 miles east of Montrose on Highway 50
Population: 6,000
Average Home Price: $175,550
Average Rental: $400
Median Age: 30.4
Average Household Income: $22,000
Elevation: 6,512 Ft.
Median Temperatures: Summer: 76/40F Winter: 25/-5F
Days of Sunshine per year: 300+
Average Annual Snowfall: 54 in.
Founded: 1874
Industry: Tourism/Education/Ranching
Delta County Population: 14,012
College: Western State College

Visitor's Services:
Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center
Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association
800.455.1342
www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com

Attractions/Services:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
National Park
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Ghost Towns & 4x4 Routes
Gunnison County Airport
Historic Walking Tour
West Elk Scenic Byway

The Unspoiled Heart of Colorado!