Explore Gunnison County, Colorado!
If you are looking for cheap land for sale in Gunnison County, Colorado, you have found the perfect place to start your search. Gunnison County is a historical mountainous county located in Colorado. The county was named after Captain John W. Gunnison, an army engineer who was one of four topographical engineers assigned to survey the transcontinental railroad in 1853.
With a population of around 15,000 people, the county is home to a diverse community living in harmony. Gunnison County is ranked as the fifth largest in Colorado, covering an area of 3,260 square miles.
Geography & Climate
The local landscapes and rugged mountain ranges constitute around 1.7 million acres of the area. The famous towns here include Gunnison, Crested Butte, Marble, and Pitkin. The town of Gunnison serves as the county seat and is home to roughly 6,500 residents.
The climate of Gunnison County remains pleasant throughout the year. In the summer, the temperature rises to an average of 77°F, while winter temperatures can drop to a crisp -3°F.
Local History
The history of the county goes way back to the native Ute people. Until the 1800s, European settlers were unaware of the area. Fur trappers first moved to this county in 1813 to harvest resources, navigating the challenging terrain of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding wilderness.
In 1860, miners started moving to the area in search of gold. Around this same time, coal was discovered near the site of Schofield. By 1880, the agriculture and cattle industries started thriving. The expansion of the railroad played a crucial role in the prosperity of Gunnison, which was completed shortly after the end of the Civil War
Things to Do in Gunnison County
Things to Do in Gunnison County
Gunnison is surrounded by surreal mountain ranges, winding rivers, and expansive national parks. The county is a prime hotspot to enjoy the undeniable beauty of nature. Moreover, the area is home to amazing restaurants, local bars, unique shopping centers, and rich historical sites, making it one of the best tourist spots in Colorado.
Restaurants and Cafés
Nothing compares to enjoying breakfast and hot coffee in the cradle of nature. Gunnison County features countless breathtaking views you can enjoy right from local dining patios:
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W Café: Your go-to spot if you are in the mood for the best local breakfast and coffee.
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Pappy’s Region: Located at the Elk Creek Marina, offering an incredible outdoorsy atmosphere in the wilderness paired with views of Blue Mesa Lake.
Attractions and Entertainment
The mountainous valleys of Gunnison County have been inspiring artists from all over the country for centuries. The county features excellent art centers where everyone is welcome to showcase their love for creativity, such as the Gunnison Arts Center and the Oh Be Joyful Gallery in Crested Butte.
The county is also home to many museums and parks where you can learn about local history. Finally, some of the finest craft beverage spots in Colorado are located here, including the Montanya Distilleries and the
High Alpine Brewing Company.
Adventurous Outdoor Activities
Situated in the west-central region of Colorado, thousands of tourists visit Gunnison County every year to admire its surreal landscapes. The county offers countless outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, camping, fishing, and hunting.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
The Gunnison river passes throw Curecanti National Recreation Area. It is home to three reservoirs, Morrow Point, Blue Mesa, and Crystal Reservoir. These reservoirs offer multiple recreational activities like fishing, boating, and camping. Curecanti National Recreation Area is expanded in 42,000 acres and is located right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. If you are a hiker it is a must-visit place.
Gunnison National Forest
The Gunnison River passes directly through the Curecanti National Recreation Area. It is home to three major reservoirs:
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Morrow Point
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Blue Mesa
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Crystal Reservoir
These reservoirs offer multiple recreational activities like fishing, boating, and camping. The Curecanti National Recreation Area spans 42,000 acres right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is a must-visit location for avid hikers.
Gunnison National Forest
Gunnison National Forest spreads across thousands of acres and is protected by the U.S. Forest Service. The forest is full of thrilling hiking trails to give you an adrenaline rush. Some of the most famous hiking trails include:
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Judd Falls Trail
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Snodgrass Mountain Trail
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San Luis Summit
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Oh-Be-Joyful Trail
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Scarp Ridge Trail
Other popular activities in the forest include mountain biking, winter skiing, trout fishing, and backcountry camping.
Crystal Mill
Located about 20 miles east of Marble, Crystal Mill is one of the most photographed landmarks in Colorado. Standing since 1892, it was originally used to provide ventilation to the Sheep Mountain Mine. It has been registered as a National Historic Site since 1985.
Other Famous Local Landmarks:
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Gunnison Pioneer Museum
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Gunnison Valley Observatory
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Pine Creek & Neversink Trails
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Dillon Pinnacles
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Ghost Town of Gothic
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Cranor Hill Ski Area
Fishing and Hunting
Top Fishing Sites
The county has multiple world-class sites for fishing, including the Crystal River, Gunnison River, Morrow Point, Blue Mesa, and Crystal Reservoir. It is an ideal place to visit with family and friends for camping and fishing. Gunnison is famous for its trout, and anglers can easily find several premium species:
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Rainbow trout
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Lake trout
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Brown trout
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Brook trout
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Yellow perch
Hunting in Gunnison County
Gunnison County hosts managed hunting opportunities annually, which include both big game and small game seasons. Keep in mind that you need to secure a valid license from Colorado Parks and Wildlife before hunting. Famous local hunting units and areas include West Elk, Crested Butte, and the Gunnison National Forest.If you are looking for Colorado hunting land for sale, Gunnison County offers some of the best game units in the state.” * In the Life in Gunnison County section, you can mention: “Finding affordable mountain acreage for sale in Colorado can be tough, but Gunnison offers great value.
Life in Gunnison County
With dreamlike landscapes, quality education, and plentiful restaurants, Gunnison County is a great place to live and raise a family. The locals are welcoming and very friendly. Moreover, the vacant land and real estate options here remain highly affordable in comparison to neighboring resort counties.
Pack your bags and head toward Gunnison County for an unforgettable experience!
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