This site is the trailhead for Chukar Trail -- the primary boating access to
the wilderness portion of the Gunnison Gorge. Site amenities include four
campsites with shade structures, fire rings, and picnic tables; trailhead
parking; vault toilet; and an informational kiosk. There is a self-serve fee
station for self-issued permits for wilderness use, including use of Chukar
Trail. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Gorge NCA or
Uncompahgre Field Office.

This site is the trailhead for Chukar Trail -- the primary boating access to the wilderness portion of the Gunnison Gorge. Site amenities include four campsites with shade structures, fire rings, and picnic tables; trailhead parking; vault toilet; and an informational kiosk. There is a self-serve fee station for self-issued permits for wilderness use, including use of Chukar Trail. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Gorge NCA or Uncompahgre Field Office.

Bird's eye view of the park

Chukar Trail

The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness offers a wild and pristine backcountry
experience, with its unique black granite and colorful sandstone double-canyon
system carved by the Gunnison River. Fourteen miles of the Gunnison River flow
through this wilderness area, offering diverse and abundant recreation
opportunities. The area, known for its exceptional and challenging whitewater
boating, also features world class gold medal trout waters. The Gunnison Gorge
Wilderness contains a total of 17,700 acres and is managed by the Bureau of
Land Management. In 1999, Congress designated the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness,
and it became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Visitors
can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities
for solitude. In an age of _"...increasing population, accompanied by
expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..."_ you play an important
role in helping to _"...secure for the American people of present and future
generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness"_ as called for
by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964 When visiting public lands, please
follow **

  1. Leave No Trace Principles
  2. When visiting designated Wilderness, please follow the wilderness regulations outlined below. Regulations:**  
Self-issued permits are required in the wilderness (see use fee description
for more information and to purchase day use passes online). **  
Motorized and mechanized modes of travel (bicycles, dirt bikes, side-by-sides,
wheeled carts, motorboats, and vehicles) are prohibited on all federal lands
designated as wilderness. **  
Visitors must sign in at trailheads. **  
Maximum group size is 12 people. **  
Maximum length of stay is 3 days/2 nights. **  
Camping is allowed in the designated sites only along the river, on a first-
come, first-served basis. Campsites are NOT reservable in advance. **  
You may purchase camping permits (cash or check only) at the wilderness
trailheads when you arrive by following the instructions on the kiosks. **  
You may not cut, collect, or use live, dead, or downed wood for campfires.
Stoves, grills, and/or firepans with charcoal are required. **  
Pack out all trash (including coals and ashes) and bring it home with you. **  
An EPA-approved carry out system is required for human waste. You may not bury
human waste in the wilderness. **  
Dogs are welcomed in the wilderness, under voice or physical control. **  
To learn more about boating the Gunnison River through the wilderness, refer
to Gunnison Gorge River Guide **  
Additional Information: **  
Always be prepared by carrying a map, compass and GPS, extra water, food,
first aid kit, rain gear, and warm clothing. Tell someone where you are going
and when you expect to return, or travel with a group. Be prepared for
changing weather. Dial 911 in the event of an emergency, but do not count on
cell coverage in all places. **  
Access roads are primitive, unmaintained, and impassable when wet. Four-wheel-
drive, high clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. Roads are not
suitable for pull-behind campers or trailers. **  
A Special Recreation Permit is required for all commercial uses such as
outfitters or organized group guided trips where there is a fee charged. **  

**Contact Information:**

> MANAGER GUNNISON GORGE NCA & WILDERNESS: S. Edd Franz  
> 2465 South Townsend Avenue  
> Montrose, CO 81401  
> Phone: (970) 240-5300  
>

The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness offers a wild and pristine backcountry experience, with its unique black granite and colorful sandstone double-canyon system carved by the Gunnison River. Fourteen miles of the Gunnison River flow through this wilderness area, offering diverse and abundant recreation opportunities. The area, known for its exceptional and challenging whitewater boating, also features world class gold medal trout waters. The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness contains a total of 17,700 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1999, Congress designated the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, and it became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Visitors can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the <a href="https://wilderness.net/learn-about-wilderness/key-laws/wilderness-act/default.php" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Act of 1964</a> When visiting public lands, please follow <ol><li><a href="https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/" rel="nofollow">Leave No Trace Principles</a></li><li> 
When visiting designated Wilderness, please follow the wilderness regulations outlined below. Regulations: Self-issued permits are required in the wilderness (see use fee description for more information and to purchase day use passes online). Motorized and mechanized modes of travel (bicycles, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, wheeled carts, motorboats, and vehicles) are prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. Visitors must sign in at trailheads. Maximum group size is 12 people. Maximum length of stay is 3 days/2 nights. Camping is allowed in the designated sites only along the river, on a first-come, first-served basis. Campsites are NOT reservable in advance. You may purchase camping permits (cash or check only) at the wilderness trailheads when you arrive by following the instructions on the kiosks. You may not cut, collect, or use live, dead, or downed wood for campfires. Stoves, grills, and/or firepans with charcoal are required. Pack out all trash (including coals and ashes) and bring it home with you. An EPA-approved carry out system is required for human waste. You may not bury human waste in the wilderness. Dogs are welcomed in the wilderness, under voice or physical control. To learn more about boating the Gunnison River through the wilderness, refer to <a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2021-01/final.2020%20river%20map%20for%20web_0.pdf" rel="nofollow">Gunnison Gorge River Guide Additional Information: Always be prepared by carrying a map, compass and GPS, extra water, food, first aid kit, rain gear, and warm clothing. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return, or travel with a group. Be prepared for changing weather. Dial 911 in the event of an emergency, but do not count on cell coverage in all places. Access roads are primitive, unmaintained, and impassable when wet. Four-wheel-drive, high clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. Roads are not suitable for pull-behind campers or trailers. A Special Recreation Permit is required for all commercial uses such as outfitters or organized group guided trips where there is a fee charged. Contact Information:<blockquote>MANAGER GUNNISON GORGE NCA & WILDERNESS: S. Edd Franz 2465 South Townsend Avenue Montrose, CO 81401 Phone: (970) 240-5300 </blockquote>

$3/person/day; $10/person/1 night; $15/person/2 nights. Fees apply to visitors
16 and older.

Gunnison Gorge Wilderness

Just north of Montrose in west-central Colorado lies the Gunnison Gorge
National Conservation Area (NCA), a diverse landscape ranging from adobe
badlands to rugged pinyon and juniper-covered slopes. At the heart of the NCA,
the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area encompasses a spectacular black granite and
red sandstone double canyon formed by the Gunnison River. The NCA consists of
62,844 acres of public land managed by the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office under
the 2004 Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Resource Management Plan
(9.2MB download). Initially designated through the Black Canyon of the
Gunnison National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Act of
1999 (Public Law 106-76), the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Boundary Revision
Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-128) expanded the NCA from 57,725 acres to its
current size of 62,844 acres. The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
encompasses Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, Flat Top-Peach Valley, and Gunnison
River Recreation Area. The river cuts a wide path through the breathtaking
sandstone and black granite canyon. The area, known for its exceptional and
challenging whitewater boating, also features world class gold medal trout
waters. The upland desert landscape of the Flat Top-Peach Valley area provide
outstanding off-highway vehicle riding for enthusiasts. For more information,
click here: Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area .

Just north of Montrose in west-central Colorado lies the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA), a diverse landscape ranging from adobe badlands to rugged pinyon and juniper-covered slopes. At the heart of the NCA, the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area encompasses a spectacular black granite and red sandstone double canyon formed by the Gunnison River. The NCA consists of 62,844 acres of public land managed by the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office under the 2004 Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Resource Management Plan (9.2MB download). Initially designated through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-76), the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Boundary Revision Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-128) expanded the NCA from 57,725 acres to its current size of 62,844 acres. The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area encompasses Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, Flat Top-Peach Valley, and Gunnison River Recreation Area. The river cuts a wide path through the breathtaking sandstone and black granite canyon. The area, known for its exceptional and challenging whitewater boating, also features world class gold medal trout waters. The upland desert landscape of the Flat Top-Peach Valley area provide outstanding off-highway vehicle riding for enthusiasts. For more information, click here: <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/gunnison-gorge-nca" rel="nofollow">Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area </a>.

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area

Flat Top-Peach Valley is an upland desert landscape within Gunnison Gorge
National Conservation Area. It is most popular for mountain biking and off-
highway vehicle use, and enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of routes The area
features two off-highway vehicle play areas, an ATV and motorcycle site, and a
beginner riding area.

Flat Top-Peach Valley is an upland desert landscape within Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. It is most popular for mountain biking and off-highway vehicle use, and enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of routes The area features two off-highway vehicle play areas, an ATV and motorcycle site, and a beginner riding area.

Flat-Top Peach Valley

Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of
time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires
in North America. Forces of nature and the Gunnison River sculpted this canyon
over two million years. The result is a vertical wilderness of rock, water,
and sky.

Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Forces of nature and the Gunnison River sculpted this canyon over two million years. The result is a vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.

## Overview

Official NPS North Rim Website

The North Rim campground is remote and has 13 sites dispersed among pinyon and
juniper trees. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Elevation:
7767 ft (2367.4 m). The ranger station is open intermittently in the summer
and closed in the winter. In the summer, maps and newspapers are available on
the ranger station porch. The ranger station also has a self-pay station for
the park entrance fee and a self-registration kiosk for wilderness permits.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/northrim.htm" rel="nofollow">Official NPS North Rim Website</a> 
The North Rim campground is remote and has 13 sites dispersed among pinyon and juniper trees. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Elevation: 7767 ft (2367.4 m). The ranger station is open intermittently in the summer and closed in the winter. In the summer, maps and newspapers are available on the ranger station porch. The ranger station also has a self-pay station for the park entrance fee and a self-registration kiosk for wilderness permits.

The North Rim ranger station has a self-pay station for the $30/vehicle 7-day
park entrance fee. Payment may be made with cash (no change provided), check,
or credit card through the self-pay station. Visitors with federal Interagency
passes are exempt from the entrance fee.

Bird's eye view of the campground

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground

## Overview

A camping trip to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park makes for a
beautiful getaway for sightseeing, stargazing, and hiking. The park protects
the most dramatic section of the Gunnison River Canyon; no other canyon in
North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths
of Black Canyon.

## Recreation

Take one of many spectacular hiking trails such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail and
watch for birds like the black-billed magpie.  

In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground
amphitheater.

Winter activities include snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country
skiing on South Rim Drive (South Rim Campground is first-come, first-served in
winter).

## Facilities

Take one of many spectacular hiking trails such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail and
watch for birds like the black-billed magpie.  

In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground
amphitheater.

Winter activities include snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country
skiing on South Rim Drive (South Rim Campground is first-come, first-served in
winter).

## Natural Features

Perched on the South Rim of the Black Canyon, this campground is surrounded by
scrub oak forests and sits atop ancient hard rocks. Deer, grouse, bears, and
bobcats are known to frequent the area.

## Nearby Attractions

Visit the Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit to see railcars and the last remaining
railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route. Head upstream to
Curecanti National Recreation Area to enjoy water recreation on Colorado's
largest reservoir.

<h2>Overview</h2>
A camping trip to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park makes for a beautiful getaway for sightseeing, stargazing, and hiking. The park protects the most dramatic section of the Gunnison River Canyon; no other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths of Black Canyon.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Take one of many spectacular <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/hikingtrails.htm" rel="nofollow">hiking trails</a> such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail and watch for <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/learn/nature/birds.htm" rel="nofollow">birds</a> like the black-billed magpie. 
In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground amphitheater.   
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/winteractivities.htm" rel="nofollow">Winter activities</a> include snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country skiing on South Rim Drive (South Rim Campground is first-come, first-served in winter).
<h2>Facilities</h2>
Take one of many spectacular <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/hikingtrails.htm" rel="nofollow">hiking trails</a> such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail and watch for <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/learn/nature/birds.htm" rel="nofollow">birds</a> like the black-billed magpie. 
In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground amphitheater.   
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/winteractivities.htm" rel="nofollow">Winter activities</a> include snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country skiing on South Rim Drive (South Rim Campground is first-come, first-served in winter).
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Perched on the South Rim of the Black Canyon, this campground is surrounded by scrub oak forests and sits atop ancient hard rocks. 
Deer, grouse, bears, and bobcats are known to frequent the area. 
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/learn/historyculture/cimcanyonexhibit.htm" rel="nofollow">Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit</a> to see railcars and the last remaining railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route. Head upstream to Curecanti National Recreation Area to enjoy water recreation on Colorado's largest reservoir.

There is an additional $6 electricity attribute fee for Standard Electric
sites.

South Rim Campground standard non-electric site

One of South Rim Campground's electric sites

Signs seen at water spigots within the South Rim Campground

Recycling and trash disposal options available in South Rim Campground

South Rim Campground Registration Kiosk

One of two pit toilets available in South Rim Loop A

Water spigot available in South Rim Loop B

A campsite at South Rim Campground showing the firepit and picnic table.

Park visitors admire the view of Black Canyon of the Gunnison's high cliff walls at Gunnison Point.

Sunlit Black Canyon of the Gunnison cliff face as seen from the South Rim

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

The Tabeguache (pronounced TAB-a-watch) Trail crosses public land for 142
miles, connecting Montrose and Grand Junction, Colorado. The trail begins in
Shavano Valley and weaves through the canyons, mesas, and highlands of the
Uncompahgre Plateau before ending in No Thoroughfare Canyon, a few miles west
of Grand Junction. The trail is marked by brown fiberglass posts approximately
every mile, and at all intersections. Most of the trail is on remote lands
administered by the U.S. Forest Service and BLM. The adventurous nature of
this trail requires users to be cautious, personally responsible, and self-
sufficient and have a working knowledge of backcountry survival. The use of
topographic maps, a compass and/or GPS unit is strongly recommended. Carry
plenty of drinking water as it is not readily available along the trail.

  
To reduce damage to the resource, you are encouraged to avoid the area when
wet conditions exist. It is difficult, but not impossible, for high-clearance
4-wheel drive vehicles to travel all but single-track sections of the trail.
Users are urged to respect all property rights by closing gates, being
watchful for livestock, and camping only in approved camping areas. Users
should also be aware that the Uncompahgre Plateau is a nationally renowned
hunting area, and during the hunting season, it is highly recommended that you
wear orange hats and jackets. Check state hunting dates with the Colorado
Division of Wildlife before beginning your trip. For more information, please
contact the Uncompahgre and Grand Junction Field Offices, or the Colorado
Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA), which has produced a
brochure for the entire trail.

The Tabeguache (pronounced TAB-a-watch) Trail crosses public land for 142 miles, connecting Montrose and Grand Junction, Colorado. The trail begins in Shavano Valley and weaves through the canyons, mesas, and highlands of the Uncompahgre Plateau before ending in No Thoroughfare Canyon, a few miles west of Grand Junction. The trail is marked by brown fiberglass posts approximately every mile, and at all intersections. Most of the trail is on remote lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service and BLM. The adventurous nature of this trail requires users to be cautious, personally responsible, and self-sufficient and have a working knowledge of backcountry survival. The use of topographic maps, a compass and/or GPS unit is strongly recommended. Carry plenty of drinking water as it is not readily available along the trail. 

 To reduce damage to the resource, you are encouraged to avoid the area when wet conditions exist. It is difficult, but not impossible, for high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles to travel all but single-track sections of the trail. Users are urged to respect all property rights by closing gates, being watchful for livestock, and camping only in approved camping areas. Users should also be aware that the Uncompahgre Plateau is a nationally renowned hunting area, and during the hunting season, it is highly recommended that you wear orange hats and jackets. Check state hunting dates with the Colorado Division of Wildlife before beginning your trip. For more information, please contact the Uncompahgre and Grand Junction Field Offices, or the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA), which has produced a brochure for the entire trail.

Tabeguache

Crawford Reservoir was created by Crawford Dam which crosses Iron Creek, a
tributary of the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River. The reservoir is part of
the Smith Fork Project.Recreation at Crawford Reservoir is managed by the
Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation under agreement with the
Bureau of Reclamation, Western Colorado Area Office, Grand Junction, Colorado.
The 96,000 annual visitors recreation activities are accommodated by 7 miles
of shoreline and 394 acres of water surface. The average elevation is 6,500
feet above sea level.Water activities include boating, waterskiing,
sailboarding, and swimming. For fishing enthusiasts, yellow perch, black
crappie, largemouth bass, trout, channel catfish, and northern pike are in the
reservoir. Winter activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and
snowmobiling. There are 45 campsites with hookups and 21 without. Showers and
flush toilets are available. Call 800-678-2267 for camping reservations

Crawford Reservoir was created by <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Crawford+Dam" rel="nofollow">Crawford Dam</a> which crosses Iron Creek, a tributary of the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River. The reservoir is part of the Smith Fork Project.Recreation at Crawford Reservoir is managed by the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Western Colorado Area Office, Grand Junction, Colorado. The 96,000 annual visitors recreation activities are accommodated by 7 miles of shoreline and 394 acres of water surface. The average elevation is 6,500 feet above sea level.Water activities include boating, waterskiing, sailboarding, and swimming. For fishing enthusiasts, yellow perch, black crappie, largemouth bass, trout, channel catfish, and northern pike are in the reservoir. Winter activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. There are 45 campsites with hookups and 21 without. Showers and flush toilets are available. Call 800-678-2267 for camping reservations

Crawford Reservoir

Located just west of Montrose, Colorado, the Buzzard Gulch Trail System has
evolved into a wonderful renewed resource for non-motorized trail users. The
landscape is classic canyon country -alternating between rocky and sandy
terrain- with elevations ranging from 6,200 to 6,800 feet. Sparse pinyon,
juniper, and big sagebrush offer limited opportunities for shade. While Spring
Canyon Trailhead provides the best access, the trail system can also be
reached from the Lower Spring Creek Trailhead along Dave Wood Road.

  
Designed and constructed as part of the Dry Creek Travel Management Plan
implementation, the trail system is categorized as Non-Motorized Single Track,
defined as routes of 36 inches wide or less intended for mechanized modes of
transportation (such as mountain bikes), as well as foot and horse travel.
Modest elevation changes provide a moderately easy challenge for mountain
bikers. for more information, please contact the Uncompahgre Field Office.

Located just west of Montrose, Colorado, the Buzzard Gulch Trail System has evolved into a wonderful renewed resource for non-motorized trail users. The landscape is classic canyon country -alternating between rocky and sandy terrain- with elevations ranging from 6,200 to 6,800 feet. Sparse pinyon, juniper, and big sagebrush offer limited opportunities for shade. While Spring Canyon Trailhead provides the best access, the trail system can also be reached from the Lower Spring Creek Trailhead along Dave Wood Road.

 Designed and constructed as part of the Dry Creek Travel Management Plan implementation, the trail system is categorized as Non-Motorized Single Track, defined as routes of 36 inches wide or less intended for mechanized modes of transportation (such as mountain bikes), as well as foot and horse travel. Modest elevation changes provide a moderately easy challenge for mountain bikers. for more information, please contact the Uncompahgre Field Office.

Buzzard Gulch Trail System

Fruitgrowers Reservoir was created by Fruitgrowers Dam which crosses Alfalfa
Run. Alfalfa Runs natural flow is augmented by diversions from Surface and Dry
Creeks. The reservoir is the main feature of the Fruitgrowers Dam Project.
Visitation is estimated at roughly 500 people per year. There are about 5
miles of shoreline, 4 of which are open to recreation. No water contact
activities are allowed. Average elevation is about 5,400 feet above sea level.
The site has only primitivefacilities and no on-site manager or law
enforcement.In the spring, Fruitgrowers Reservoir wildlife viewing area offers
a spectacular sight with thousands of sandhill cranes stopping over on their
way north. The reservoir hosts the largest nesting colony of western grebes in
Colorado and more than 200 species of birds have been sighted. Also, a variety
of mammals (i.e., mule deer, fox, mink) and reptiles make the area their home.
There is a hard-surface watchable wildlife trail, about 750 feet long with
turnout. Brochures for Fruitgrowers and other Grand Junction areas may be
acquired by contacting the Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau. You
may call them at 1-800-962-2547 or 244-1480 for local calls.

Fruitgrowers Reservoir was created by <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Fruitgrowers+Dam" rel="nofollow">Fruitgrowers Dam</a> which crosses Alfalfa Run. Alfalfa Runs natural flow is augmented by diversions from Surface and Dry Creeks. The reservoir is the main feature of the Fruitgrowers Dam Project. Visitation is estimated at roughly 500 people per year. There are about 5 miles of shoreline, 4 of which are open to recreation. No water contact activities are allowed. Average elevation is about 5,400 feet above sea level. The site has only primitivefacilities and no on-site manager or law enforcement.In the spring, Fruitgrowers Reservoir wildlife viewing area offers a spectacular sight with thousands of sandhill cranes stopping over on their way north. The reservoir hosts the largest nesting colony of western grebes in Colorado and more than 200 species of birds have been sighted. Also, a variety of mammals (i.e., mule deer, fox, mink) and reptiles make the area their home. There is a hard-surface watchable wildlife trail, about 750 feet long with turnout. 

Brochures for Fruitgrowers and other Grand Junction areas may be acquired by contacting the Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau. You may call them at 1-800-962-2547 or 244-1480 for local calls.

Fruitgrowers Reservoir

The Lower Spring Creek Trail is an 8-mile long, motorized single-track trail
that branches from the Upper Spring Creek Trail about 2 miles west of the
South Dave Wood Road Trailhead at the Forest Service boundary. Initially the
route begins on a two track, then follows an ATV trail that goes out to the
rim of Spring Creek. The Lower Spring Creek Trail begins at the bottom of a
big descent. The trail heads down canyon through a thick canopy of Pinyon and
Juniper trees. Much of the trail is rocky and technical – lots of fun. There
is a hike-a-bike at the north end near the lower trailhead just off of Dave
Wood Road. It can be done as an out and back from the north trailhead, but
many riders shuttle the South Dave Wood Road section. For more information,
please contact the Uncompahgre Field office.

The Lower Spring Creek Trail is an 8-mile long, motorized single-track trail that branches from the Upper Spring Creek Trail about 2 miles west of the South Dave Wood Road Trailhead at the Forest Service boundary. Initially the route begins on a two track, then follows an ATV trail that goes out to the rim of Spring Creek. The Lower Spring Creek Trail begins at the bottom of a big descent. The trail heads down canyon through a thick canopy of Pinyon and Juniper trees. Much of the trail is rocky and technical – lots of fun. There is a hike-a-bike at the north end near the lower trailhead just off of Dave Wood Road. It can be done as an out and back from the north trailhead, but many riders shuttle the South Dave Wood Road section. For more information, please contact the Uncompahgre Field office.

Lower Spring Creek Trail

Needle Rock is an intrusive of rhyodacite volcanic plug located in the Needle
Rock Natural Area, 3.5 miles east-northeast of the Town of Crawford in Delta
County, Colorado, United States. It stands 800 feet tall above the floor of
the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River valley. It originated as the throat of a
large volcano about 28 million years ago in the Miocene geological epoch, when
molten rock intruded between existing sedimentary rocks. The plug may
represent the eroded conduit of a laccolith. There are private property
parcels around the base, but there is a BLM trail that more or less rings the
Needle.

  
Needle Rock lies within the western edge of the West Elk Mountains in western
central Colorado. It is the remnant of a volcanic plug that pushed up through
the crust, and due to the relative hardness of the basalt of which it is made,
has eroded significantly slower than the surrounding mancos shale and
sandstone that makes up many of the rocks in the area. Needle Rock Trail is a
0.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Crawford, Colorado
that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number
of activity options and is best used from March until October. For more
information, please contact the Uncompahgre Field Office.

Needle Rock is an intrusive of rhyodacite volcanic plug located in the Needle Rock Natural Area, 3.5 miles east-northeast of the Town of Crawford in Delta County, Colorado, United States. It stands 800 feet tall above the floor of the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River valley. It originated as the throat of a large volcano about 28 million years ago in the Miocene geological epoch, when molten rock intruded between existing sedimentary rocks. The plug may represent the eroded conduit of a laccolith. There are private property parcels around the base, but there is a BLM trail that more or less rings the Needle. Needle Rock lies within the western edge of the West Elk Mountains in western central Colorado. It is the remnant of a volcanic plug that pushed up through the crust, and due to the relative hardness of the basalt of which it is made, has eroded significantly slower than the surrounding mancos shale and sandstone that makes up many of the rocks in the area. Needle Rock Trail is a 0.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Crawford, Colorado that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. For more information, please contact the Uncompahgre Field Office.