7-Day Spring Itinerary for Gunnison

This seven-day spring itinerary for Gunnison can help you plan the perfect spring Colorado getaway. Gunnison has a high desert environment that often melts out earlier than higher-elevation, alpine destinations such as Crested Butte. This often means trails are dry and ready to hit early in the season. While many mountain towns slow down in spring, Gunnison stays vibrant with open businesses, an active community and no widespread off-season closures. Make the most of this underrated season and plan a trip with this seven-day spring itinerary for Gunnison.

Day 1: Arriving in Gunnison

You’ll fly in, check into your lodging, get something to eat and explore downtown Gunnison on your first day. Taking it easy allows for time to adjust to the altitude.

How to get to Gunnison

The easiest way to get to the Gunnison is by flying into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC). Denver International Airport (DEN) connects to GUC at least twice a day all year. You can get to the Gunnison Valley from practically anywhere via DEN. Fly to GUC nonstop from Houston (IAH) and Dallas (DFW), as well. Nonstop flights from Chicago (ORD) and Dallas (DAL) are offered seasonally.

Where to stay in Gunnison

Lodging options for your spring itinerary in Gunnison include traditional hotels, vintage motels, cozy micro cabins, and vacation rentals of all shapes and sizes. Lodging prices in Gunnison tend to be the lowest in the valley. Many properties are walkable to downtown or provide easy access to trails and the outdoors. Find your perfect spring Gunnison stay.

Where to eat in Gunnison

Most of the places to eat in Gunnison are on Main Street, also known as Hwy 135. You can find pizza, tapas, Mexican, burgers, fresh baked goods, Himalayan, local beer, fancy cocktails and delicious coffee.  Most restaurants and bars in Gunnison stay open through the off season in spring. No need to compromise on dining options during a spring trip!

Downtown Gunnison

Downtown Gunnison is a mix of shops, bars and restaurants, and local businesses. Historic buildings and shady sidewalks make it a pleasant place to explore. Peruse galleries for a souvenir made by a local artist. Sip kombucha brewed locally. Pick up any gear or clothing you might have forgotten.

Day 2: Hiking in Curecanti National Recreation Area

Ease into your spring itinerary with a hike. Head to Curecanti National Recreation Area for a spring hike. This area is west of town and surrounds Blue Mesa Reservoir. It is usually one of the first parts of the Gunnison Valley to melt out in the spring due to its elevation and environment.

Spring hikes in Curecanti National Recreation Area:

• Dillion Pinnacles
  Easy, 3.9 miles out and back
  This trail goes along the Dillion Pinnacles, volcanic breccia rock formations formed millions of years ago. It also provides scenic views of Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest lake. Ascend through sagebrush, ponderosa pine and riparian habitats as you hike.
• Pine Creek
  Moderate, 2.4 miles out and back
  This hike begins by descending about 200 wooden steps into the Black Canyon. Hike along the Gunnison River to the Morrow Point Reservoir boat dock. Aside from the stairs, the hike is relatively flat and easy.
• Curecanti Creek
  Challenging, 3.7 miles out and back
  Curecanti Creek descends from the rim of the Upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison towards Morrow Point Reservoir. The trail runs parallel to Curecanti Creek. The trail begins on a sunny, southwest-facing slope before getting shade from spruce and fir trees. The Curecanti Needle, a 700 ft granite spire, looms over the trail’s end.

Spring weather in Gunnison

Average spring temperatures in Gunnison range from the high teens to the mid-thirties for the lows. Average high temperatures range from the low forties to the mid-sixties. It could snow or be sunny and warm. Expect wind either way. Pack lots of layers and have a variety of clothing options in case the weather shifts.

Day 3: Gravel biking in Gunnison

Gunnison and the area around Gunnison offer excellent gravel biking opportunities. In spring, while high-elevation trails are still too muddy or snowy, gravel and dirt roads around Gunnison tend to be dry. Research before you ride to make sure roads are ready.

Spring gravel biking routes near Gunnison:

• Hartman Rocks
  The network of Bureau of Land Management roads at Hartman Rocks can be linked together to form 10-50+ mile rides.
• Gold Basin Road
  This road is south of Gunnison and usually receives light traffic. It winds through fields of sagebrush and can connect to county roads, making routes easily customizable.
• County roads around Curecanti National Recreation Area
  Curecanti is west of Gunnison and features rolling terrain with lake views.
• Colorado Highway 114
  The turn-off for Hwy 114 is east of Gunnison. Gravel roads in this area wind through ranchland and sagebrush fields.

Day 4: Check out the Gunnison Valley’s towns

The Gunnison Valley comprises five mountain towns. Each one is unique, offering a distinct character and flair.

Crested Butte: This colorful and quirky town exudes mountain charm. Downtown is lined with restaurants and coffee shops, art galleries, boutiques, souvenir shops, and bars. Something to be aware of—many businesses in Crested Butte close for the spring off-season. Call ahead or check the social media of anywhere you want to visit beforehand.

Almont: Situated between Gunnison and Crested Butte, Almont is a quaint mountain hideaway. The Taylor and East Rivers meet in Almont to form the Gunnison River, making it a hub for fishing and whitewater rafting.

Mt. Crested Butte: This is the home of Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR). Closing weekend at CBMR is usually the first weekend of April. Before that, events and après keep the base area busy. After closing weekend, Mt. Crested Butte slows down, but the views of Crested Butte’s iconic peak and the surrounding mountains are still incredible.

Pitkin: Formerly a mining town, Pitkin is now a recreation paradise. Deep in the Gunnison National Forest, Pitkin offers incredible trail and backcountry access. Depending on the weather, spring in Pitkin can mean snowmobiling and backcountry skiing, or off-roading and bike riding.

Day 5: Mountain biking at Hartman Rocks

Hartman Rocks has incredible high desert riding. It’s only a few miles from downtown Gunnison and easy to get to. Choose from 40 miles of singletrack and 33 miles of roads open to bikes. Trails range from easy to challenging. A few are even adaptive and suitable for hand cyclists or wider adaptive bikes.

Special spring mountain biking considerations

The Gunnison Valley has trail closures in place during the spring to protect wildlife and the environment.

Spring trail closures in Gunnison

All trails south of Powerline Road at Hartman Rocks are closed from March 15 to May 15 for Gunnison Sage Grouse protection. Signal Peak has trail closures from January 1 to May 15. Educate yourself about spring trail restrictions to avoid any potential tickets or fees.

Spring trails at Hartman Rocks:

• Josie’s
  Blue-black, 1.8 miles
  This trail offers a mix of smooth singletrack and granite slab features. Ride north to south to end on a fun downhill section.
• Luge
  Green, 1.2 miles
  This is a beginner-friendly trail that features smooth and flowy singletrack with gentle grades and almost no technical obstacles. The downhill is fun and fast. It is best ridden from south to north.
• Rattlesnake
  Black, 1.2 miles
  This trail is known for steep granite slabs, technical rock features and challenging descents. This Hartman’s classic is best ridden south to north.
• Josho’s
  Blue-black, 2.2 miles
  Josho’s combines fast and flowy singletrack, moderate rock features, natural rollers and an aspen grove. Intermediate to advanced riders can enjoy a mix of speed and technical riding.

Spring mountain biking etiquette

Trails might still be muddy or snowy in the spring. Follow this etiquette to avoid damaging trails.

• Ride early before the sun starts to warm muddy trails. If your bike leaves deep ruts in the mud, turn around and come back another time.
• If you encounter a small patch of mud on the trail, ride through it and not around it. Going around the mud can erode the trail.
• Spring weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before heading out and pack layers.
• Follow all trail closures.

Day 6: Whitewater rafting

Spring is often the best time of year for whitewater rafting due to spring runoff. As the snow in the mountains melts, the rivers swell to thrilling levels. The Taylor River and the Gunnison River are the most popular rivers to raft in the Gunnison Valley. Book a guided trip with one of the rafting outfitters in the Gunnison Valley, Scenic River Tours or Three Rivers Resort. Dip your toes in with a half-day trip or send it with a full-day adventure.

Day 7: Heading home

Prepare to catch your flight home after a packed week in Gunnison.

Trip planning resources

Along with this seven-day spring itinerary for Gunnison, our trip planning guide has everything you need to plan the logistics of your spring trip—think flight schedules, lodging information and things to do.

Discover more itineraries for the Gunnison Valley

• Trip Itinerary: A Weekend of Mountain Biking in Crested Butte
• Trip Itinerary: Three Days of Hiking in the Gunnison Valley
• Trip Itinerary: A Fall Weekend Trip to Crested Butte and Gunnison
• Trip Itinerary: A Weekend of Skiing in Crested Butte

Frequently asked questions about visiting Gunnison in spring

Q: When is spring in Gunnison?
A: Spring in Gunnison typically runs from late March through early June. Expect a mix of sunny days, cool mornings and evenings, and occasional spring snowstorms, especially at higher elevations.

Q: What is the weather in Gunnison like in the spring?
A: Spring weather is variable. Daytime temperatures generally range from the 30s to 60s°F, while overnight lows can dip below freezing. Layered clothing is essential, and it’s always a good idea to pack a waterproof jacket.

Q: What are the best things to do in Gunnison in the spring?
A: Spring is perfect for gravel biking, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, birding, scenic drives, whitewater rafting and exploring downtown Gunnison. Depending on snowfall, visitors may even be able to ski in the morning and bike in the afternoon.

Q: Can I mountain bike in Gunnison in the spring?
A: Yes! Lower-elevation trails, including Hartman Rocks Recreation Area, are often some of the first mountain biking trails in Colorado to dry out. Be sure to check current trail conditions and respect seasonal wildlife closures before heading out.

Q: Is spring a good time for gravel biking?
A: Absolutely. Spring is one of the best seasons for gravel riding in the Gunnison Valley. Hundreds of miles of county roads and BLM roads dry out before the high-country trails, offering scenic rides through sagebrush valleys, ranchlands and public lands.

Q: Are hiking trails open in the spring?
A: Many lower-elevation trails are accessible in spring, while higher-elevation trails may still have snow into June. Always check trail conditions before your trip and avoid muddy trails to help protect them.

Q: Can I go rafting in the spring?
A: Yes. River season generally begins in late spring as snowmelt increases flows on the Gunnison and Taylor rivers. Guided rafting trips are a great way to experience spring runoff, though exact start dates vary depending on water levels.

Q: Is spring a good time for fishing?
A: Spring is an excellent time to fish in the Gunnison Valley. Anglers can enjoy the Gunnison River, Taylor River and Blue Mesa Reservoir, with opportunities to catch trout, kokanee salmon and other cold-water species.

Q: What should I pack for a spring trip to Gunnison?
A: Bring layers, a warm jacket, rain gear, hiking shoes or biking gear, sunglasses, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. Spring weather can change quickly, so it’s best to be prepared for both sunshine and snow.

Q: Are businesses and attractions open in the spring?
A: Most restaurants, shops and attractions in Gunnison remain open year-round. Some seasonal businesses and recreation providers may have limited hours before the busy summer season, so it’s a good idea to check ahead.

Q: Is spring a busy time to visit Gunnison?
A: Spring is considered a quieter shoulder season, making it a great time to enjoy fewer people, easier parking and a more relaxed pace while still having plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.