Colorado's Underrated Mountain College Town Is An Idyllic Getaway Blending Art And Endless Outdoor Recreation

It's no secret that Colorado is one of the best destinations in the U.S. for outdoor activities. Be it horseback riding, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, camping — you name it — the Centennial State's more than 104,000 square miles brim with some of North America's most spectacular mountains, dramatic forests, expansive prairies, and trout-filled river canyons offering endless outdoor fun. Tucked between Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, the charming upcountry city of Gunnison is the perfect base camp for your central Colorado adventures.

Gunnison boasts access to amazing snow-capped peaks, miles of trails, epic fishing, and millions of acres of public lands at your feet. The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) is located just south of town and offers convenient flight options from Denver, Dallas, and Houston. Renting a car allows visitors the most freedom to explore both the city and its surrounding natural beauty. However, Gunnison does have a free public transportation system. The city is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver and roughly two hours southeast of Grand Junction, western Colorado's largest city in the heart of wine country.

If you're headed to nearby Crested Butte, an immaculate mountain town known as Colorado's "wildflower capital," you'll drive right through Gunnison. At only 35 minutes north, the quaint ski town is a perfect destination for shopping, dining, and immensely scenic hiking. With its backdrop of the West Elk Mountains, access to great recreation, and plenty of local attractions, you'll enjoy all seasons in sunny "Gunny" and the surrounding Gunnison Valley.

Gunnison is formally recognized as a Colorado Creative District — along with neighboring Crested Butte — and local artisans and organizations offer fantastic opportunities to soak in the creative culture. A public art initiative has spurred a number of beautiful murals, including a vibrant composition completed in September 2024 titled "A Corner of Mexico," which celebrates the rich tapestry of immigrant culture and history in the area. The Gunnison Arts Center offers a wide variety of unique workshops, from visual and performing arts to a slew of culinary classes. Gunnison's Legion Park hosts outdoor concerts every Sunday evening throughout the summer. Bring the family and come hungry, as the event is often filled with food trucks, arts and craft booths, face painting, and more.

Another thing that makes Gunnison so lively is its college town vibe, thanks to Western Colorado University. Catch a Division II football game at the recently renovated Mountaineer Bowl, or soak up the atmosphere with a stroll on the bustling campus. Having lots of hungry college students also means there are some great places to eat around town, too, like The Dive, where you can enjoy American gastropub favorites on the patio. Then there's a Main Street fixture, Ol' Miner Steakhouse, featuring rustic decor to accompany your surf 'n' turf. For refreshing sips under the Colorado sunshine, don't miss the Crested Bucha Fermentation Lounge for delicious handcrafted kombucha in a variety of flavors, along with a revolving list of great beer and wine.

Gunnison is your gateway to incredible experiences in nature. It's only 20 minutes northwest of Curecanti National Recreation Area, an underrated gem of adventure and beauty. The area comprises three reservoirs boasting ample fishing opportunities, especially for brook, brown, lake, and rainbow trout in Blue Mesa Reservoir. Continue along US-50 westbound and you'll arrive at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the nation's newer national parks and just a little more than an hour's drive from the city of Gunnison. The Black Canyon offers dramatic cliff views that plunge 2,600 feet into the river below.

Gunnison has a wide range of accommodations for an overnight getaway. If you're visiting on a budget, check out Gunnison's eclectic yet cozy Wanderlust Hostel  or the local family-owned KOA Campground, known for its scenic campsites and on-site petting zoo. For something a bit more upscale, check into The Inn at Tomichi Village, or connect with nature at Three Rivers Resort, located in the town of Almont just 15 minutes north of Gunnison. You'll also find a wide selection of quintessential mountain cabins and vacation rentals on Airbnb. Plan your visit in July and attend the incredible Gunnison Balloon Rally, a hot air balloon extravaganza that takes place annually during Independence Day weekend.