Gunnison National Forest - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Gunnison National Forest

The Gunnison National Forest is a protected area situated in the western part of the US state of Colorado. It consists of a variety of wilderness terrain, covering vast distances in secluded places like the West Elk Mountains, Raggeds Wilderness, Fossil Ridge, and the La Garita Wilderness. A good trekking destination and also it offers nice views of wildlife and forest.

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Attractions Near Gunnison National Forest

Fossil Ridge Wilderness

Fossil Ridge Wilderness

3.76km from Gunnison National Forest

The Fossil Ridge Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located approximately 16 miles northeast of Gunnison. Covering 32,179 acres, the area is made up of raw granite that overlooks several shallow high mountain lakes and long valleys carved by ancient glaciers. Pine, spruce, fir, and aspen are found here. The 26 miles of trail within the Wilderness are open to foot and horse travel only.

Henry Mountain

Henry Mountain

5.81km from Gunnison National Forest

Henry Mountain is a fairly remote summit located in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area. The 13,261-foot thirteener is located in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness of Gunnison National Forest. A good trekking destination and also there are so many things to see and do. It also offers nice views of this area.

Gunsight Pass trail

Gunsight Pass trail

7.68km from Gunnison National Forest

The Gunsight Pass Trail is not only a popular day hike, but is also a very popular 2 to 3 night backpacking opportunity. With backcountry campsites located at Gunsight Lake, Lake Ellen Wilson, and near the Sperry Chalet, you can take your time and really enjoy this beautiful area.

Lamphier Lake

Lamphier Lake

7.83km from Gunnison National Forest

Lamphier Lake is a glacial tarn that was scooped out of the surrounding rock during the last ice age. Its trailhead serves as access for Henry Mountain located in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness. The same trail also leads to Gunsight Pass. The lake is 2.77 miles from the parking area. Fossil ridge is behind the lake.

Fairview Peak

Fairview Peak

13.15km from Gunnison National Forest

Fairview Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.781m above the sea level, located in Gunnison County. The immediate area around Fairview Peak was scorched in a wildfire a few years ago and so there is a ghost forest surrounding the immediate area of the peak. There is not an established trail leading to the summit, however at the top of the peak there is a Forest Service Marker as well as a log book.

Quartz Creek

Quartz Creek

15.08km from Gunnison National Forest

Quartz Creek is a stream in Gunnison County, Colorado. It rises in the Rocky Mountains above the town of Pitkin, Colorado. The stream rises in the Gunnison National Forest and is formed by the merger of the North, Middle, and South Quartz creeks. It flows through the Quartz Creek Valley and through the towns of Pitkin and Ohio City. Ironically, most of the land along Quartz Creek in the valley is privately held, so there is little public fishing there.

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Gunnison County

Gunnison County

49 attractions

Gunnison County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. There aren’t many towns around, making it an ideal place to get away. The surrounding area is filled with year-round recreation in the great outdoors. The town sits at 7,703 feet and had a population of 6,560 in 2020.

Location of Gunnison National Forest

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For more information about Gunnison National Forest, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunnison_National_Forest