Gunnison River Whitewater Park is a fun, several hundred foot, section of whitewater that can get pretty serious at times. It’s located about a mile from downtown Gunnison on Highway 50.
It was built for canoeing, kayaking and rafting. It’s mainly used by kayakers, but it can be fun to tube once the water levels are lower, which is usually later in the summer. Kids under 13 must have life jacket.
Rocks and boulders were used to create a series of currents, eddies, holes and riffles. It’s an ideal place for practicing your whitewater technique. It’s also a fun spot to just hang out and enjoy the scenery. It’s used for commercial rafting trips in town.

The whitewater park includes a picnic area with grills, and plenty of parking. A trail runs along the shore of the river, granting easy fishing access. Each summer usually around July they host the annual Gunnison River Festival, which invites, rafters to come out and have fun on the whitewater park. It’s a bit of an on-water parade.
Native Plant Walk
A short stroll through riparian habit along the Gunnison River. There are usually brochures available near the start with info on trees, shrubs, and perennial wildflowers.
Details
Address: Corner of Hwy 50 and Co Rd 38, Gunnison, CO
Season: Summer
Hours: Sunrise to 10pm
Admission: Free