Gunnison River — Main
🥇 Gold Medal
Delta / Mesa Co. · 180 mi · Class II–III
567CFS/ 1.52 ft
Flood→Stable
Water temp: 57°F
Optimal: 800–3500 CFS · USGS #09144250
Length
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USGS Gauge
Colorado Gold Medal Trout Water · Gunnison Gorge NCA · BLM
The main stem Gunnison below the Black Canyon is one of Colorado's finest multi-day river trips — Gold Medal trout water, desert canyon scenery, and solid Class II–III whitewater through the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. The Chukar trail access delivers boaters to one of the most remote and spectacular river canyons in the Lower 48.
Trip sections
Gunnison Gorge — Chukar to Pleasure Park, Class II–III, 14 mi multi-day classic
Pleasure Park to Delta — Class I–II, North Fork confluence
Delta to Grand Junction — Class I, lower river to the Colorado
Outfitters
RIGS Adventure Company
Gunnison Gorge multi-day trips from Ridgway
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.