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Gunnison is centrally located on the west side of the Continental Divide. Named for Captain John W. Gunnison who explored the area in 1853 while looking for a transcontinental railroad route. Gunnison began as a ranching, mining and farming community in the broad Gunnison River valley. Today, tourism and education are the major economic factors. Western State College is located here. Outdoor recreation surrounds this community. Crested Butte and its ski area are 40 miles north. The Taylor River and the East River come together to form the Gunnison River at Almont. The river continues its course through town and into the Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest in Colorado. Mountain wilderness areas surround this community with opportunities for hiking, biking, hunting and fly fishing. River recreation with whitewater rafting and fly fishing are favorite vacation activities in the Gunnison River region. The Taylor River, flowing through a spectacular mountain canyon offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and fly fishing.

Driving mileage from:
Denver - 200 miles
Colorado Springs - 180 miles
Grand Junction - 126 miles