Rafting

The Lower Gunnison from Delta upstream offers mild Class I to II rapids on trips up to 28 miles, making it popular with families and anglers who want to cover water without technical whitewater. The Pleasure Park to Delta stretch runs through desert canyon scenery with rock walls, orchards, and views of the Grand Mesa, and includes a stop at Eagle Rock Shelter, an archaeological site dating back 13,000 years with petroglyphs and stone tools. The season runs from April into October, with afternoon winds that can make paddling challenging, so plan morning launches.

Popular Sections:

– Lower Gunnison (Delta upstream): Class I to II, up to 28 miles, family friendly. Uncover Colorado Guide

– Pleasure Park to Delta: desert canyons, Eagle Rock Shelter archaeological site. Gunnison River Expeditions

– Dominguez Escalante: 26 miles easy Class I to II, split into two 13 mile segments at Bridgeport Road. BLM Map PDF

– Gunnison Gorge: 14 miles, only two groups of nine people per day, mile long hike to put in. Wilderness Aware CO