Gunnison

Gunnison lies in the center of the Colorado mountains, at the bottom of a wide river valley, about midway between Montrose and Salida.  It holds a strategic position at the base of three mountain ranges that surround the Gunnison river valley.  Home to Western State College, it is a hip and outdoor-oriented town, as well as a focal point for some of the finest recreation in Colorado.  A seat of Gunnison County, Gunnison has a long history as a trade center for many smaller communities in the surrounding area.  Though Gunnison was originally a ranching and mining town, it now depends greatly on tourism and education to sustain its economy.  Tourism accounts for roughly $35 million annually, with education bringing in $26 million.  Ranching accounts for about another $8 million. 

Gunnison boasts that the sun shines almost every day, but due to its valley location, it gets extremely cold in the winter.  In fact, Gunnison has occasionally recorded the coldest temperatures in the nation.  The average temperatures in town are several degrees below nearby towns such as Crested Butte, which is at a higher elevation, but is nestled against the protective mountainside. 

The Gunnison River was once the mightiest force within several thousand square miles of Colorado. This river has carved some of the most spectacular rock canyons in the world, on it's way west to the Colorado River. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison was considered impassible until the railroad was built. Of course, today, much of the Gunnison valley lies under the impounded waters of Blue Mesa Reservoir. 

HISTORY

The name of Gunnison honors the life of John W. Gunnison who first explored the region. He first discovered the area as part of his government assigned quest to recommend the best route for a railroad across the Colorado Rockies. Gunnison country is today rich with mineral deposits and grazing lands.  The city of Gunnison itself is becoming one of the important educational centers of the Centennial state, and the Gunnison River graciously pours it’s waters through the Gunnison tunnel, one of the greatest irrigation projects of modern times, bringing life and energy to this once barren wilderness.  

Gunnison Country first began to boom in the 1870's along with the rise in mining in Colorado. The Ute Indians had been forced out of the area and many ranchers, traders and of course miners began to move in. Gunnison became the official seat of Gunnison County on May 22, 1877.  In 1880 the railroad arrived, welcomed and embraced by not only miners but also by the ranchers and farmers of the Gunnison Valley.

Gunnison saw one of the quickest boom and bust cycles ever as the mines and railroads came to town in the 1880's along with all the normal boom business. But, by 1883 a bust had come to town and half of the population had left. It seems the precious ore mining in the area was a little over-hyped because the ore veins that were discovered turned out to be shallow and low producing. Nevertheless, Gunnison was always the hub of enterprise for the area.

In 1909 Gunnison’s Colorado State Normal School was founded, and in 1915 the name was changed to Western State College.

GUNNISON TODAY

Throughout the 20th century, Gunnison has been a popular gateway to some of Colorado’s choice recreation areas.  As early at the mid 1900s, the Taylor River and Tomichi and Celolla creeks were know as some of the best trout fishing spots in the Rockies.  Crested Butte Ski Area opened in 1963, making Gunnison a destination for some of the best downhill skiers in the country.  Today one can catch a direct flight from most major cities to Gunnison, offering easy access to the slopes.

The Gunnison historical museum complex displays a restored turn-of-the-century schoolhouse, the town’s first post office, and a railroad depot, complete with a steam engine and cars from the DG&RG Railroad.   If you find yourself in Gunnison, the museum is well worth the time to visit.

Gunnison is surrounded by some of nature’s most gorgeous scenery.  Rolling and churning trout streams, clear mountain lakes, thick, fir woodlands, striking granite peaks sitting high above the timberline, expansive valleys that in the springtime become awash with vibrant wildflowers and waves of green grasses rolling in unison to the breeze. There is enough recreation and beauty in Gunnison to keep the outdoor enthusiast happy all year long.