Shady Island River Park

The Gunnison County Shady Island River Park opened in summer 2021. Located along Hwy 135 just north of Gunnison, this boat launch and park is a must-visit in summer and fall. What could be better than cooling off in a raft or doing some fishing? Shady Island provides access to the Gunnison River. The Gunnison River offers fun and thrilling fishing and boating opportunities. The ramp at Shady Island is the beginning of the Gunnison River town run.

Shady Island River Park Information

Gunnison County received $267,000 from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to develop 10.5-acre parcel 1.5 miles north of the City of Gunnison at 2714 Hwy 135. The River Park provides safe public access for community members, visitors, anglers, and boaters with the construction of a formal boat launch area and access to the Gunnison River. Shady Island River Park has parking, restrooms, fishing access, a boat staging area, outdoor gathering areas, picnic tables and a boat queue area.

The Gunnison River Town Run

Starting at the north end of town, the town run takes you to the whitewater park. It’s pretty mellow: it isn’t too long, nor is the river very fast. The river winds through meadows and towering sandstone cliffs with views of W Mountain and the town. The Whitewater Park features three fun man-made drops that are larger than the natural rapids on the Gunnison. Take out at the Whitewater Park unless you’re prepared to run Psychedelic Falls, one of the most difficult and technical rapids on the Gunnison River.

River Use Rules

Much of the Gunnison River is private land. Floating is the only way to access some superb water that is otherwise unavailable to wading anglers. Please keep in mind that this means you can’t get out of your boat on much of the river. You also can’t put in just anywhere: you must use a public access point. Additional safe access points to the Gunnison River are essential for the guide services, community members and visitors who recreate on the waterway.