Hike into Gunnison?

imported
#1

Is there any trail network that allows me the ability to hike from the CT into Gunnison? I have 100 days to kill this summer and would love to hike everything I can.

Mike M

#2

There is a spur trail from Gunnison (Western University Campus) to the CT. It is clearly marked on the road which borders the east side of the campus. I am not sure what the water situation is on the trail. apple

apple

#3

thanx Apple, BLM has little info on this…will try to obtain local info when I get closer. Is there any bus or transit that can get me over to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park??? Might be fun there too:)

Mike M

#4

The folks at CT headquarters have all the info on the spur. They told me, actually. They were instrumental in its creation and I am sure they will answer your questions. Not sure about National Park tours. I live in Ohio. :smiley:

apple

#5

The Gunnison Spur was developed by the Colorado Trail Foundation, but due to a misunderstanding with the forest service about motorized use, it was not supported or maintained for very long. The organization does not support it in any fashion at this time. Much of it is open to motorcycles and as a result it is extremely rough in places. There still are quite a few of the old CT markers and signs up in places, and it’s not too hard to follow.

When I mountain biked the route a few years back a lot of it was very rough.

Here are the directions:
The route splits from the Collegiate West route on Timberline Trail at waypoint 02_142XX (CDT waypoint 22_111XX) and follows Illinois Creek 9-10 miles to a point north of Taylor Reservoir on road 742. Turn right and follow the road north (away from the lake) for a little over two miles to Dinner Station Campground, then turn left on trail 424. That trail runs in a southwesterly direction for a good distance - I am guessing at 18-20 miles. It eventually hits Taylor Canyon Road (742). Jog right at that point a short distance and turn south on route 586. (Beaver Creek Trail) Follow it in a southerly direction to road 743 (Lost Canyon Road), and follow that to in a westerly direction about 12 miles to Gunnison. Most of the route can be pieced together on the Gunnison Basin USFS travel map. I would suggest getting that to help in planning it out.

bearcreek

#6

Forgot in the first post, but there is a split off of Lost Canyon Road at 38.6096 -106.7731. Follow a old jeep tack here and it eventually takes you to the Western State Campus. If you stay on 743 you will also get to Gunnison, but north of the college. The intersection was marked when I was there but it was several years back, so I’m not sure now.

bearcreek