Gunnison is the epicenter of gravel roads in the Gunnison Valley, and one of the best places for Colorado gravel biking and bikepacking. Just three miles from Gunnison, Hartman Rocks boasts access to hundreds of miles of gravel roads through unique high-desert rock formations. The dirt roads south of Gunnison form a spiderweb of potential routes that span from Blue Mesa Reservoir to Highway 114 to Monarch Pass. The distinctive features here are spiny granite rock formations, small canyons and fields of sagebrush. Wildlife, including birds of prey, bighorn sheep and the Gunnison sage-grouse, thrive here. In addition to the distinctive sagebrush, many beautiful desert plants and wildflowers are native to Gunnison’s ecosystem. Insects, especially butterflies, are a common sight in the spring and summer. 

Browse routes and plan your gravel bike ride in Gunnison.

There are hundreds of miles of Gunnison National Forest roads to explore on the east side of the Gunnison Valley between Taylor Park and the small towns of Tincup, Pitkin and Ohio City. You’ll be rewarded with views of the Elk Mountains, Fossil Ridge and the Sawatch Range. These charming small towns are rich with mining lore, old railroads and historic buildings from the pioneer days. General stores, restaurants and cabin rentals provide respite during the summer. 

Mountain biking got its start on the dirt roads in the Gunnison National Forest surrounding Crested Butte. These days, most mountain bikers have taken to singletrack trails, leaving the roads for gravel bikers. There are several popular gravel bike routes in Crested Butte. Pearl Pass is a chunky, steep 4×4 road that eventually pops out near Aspen. Smooth, mag-chloride-coated Kebler Pass, which runs west towards Paonia, is a higher-traffic but easier option. Paradise Divide is another challenging gravel ride that tops out over 11,000 feet. Many roads around Crested Butte are steep, rocky and loose, even on the spectrum of Colorado gravel biking. It’s a good idea to use a bike with wider tires in this zone. Get ready for high elevation, thin air and epic mountain views. 

Browse gravel bike rides in Crested Butte and beyond.

Looking for route ideas? Follow pro gravel cyclist Nick Gould in this video series featuring some of his favorite gravel rides in the Gunnison Valley. 

• Use hand signals to signal turns.
• Ride with the flow of traffic.
• If passing another rider, let them know what side you’re going to pass on.
• Bring the proper safety equipment, including a helmet, and plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks.
• Know your equipment and how to repair it if necessary.