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A steep scenic trail that leads to the banks of the Gunnison River.


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Map Key

4.5

Miles

7.2

KM

Point to Point

6,530' 1,990 m

High

5,306' 1,617 m

Low

165' 50 m

Up

1,384' 422 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Need to Know

Description from the BLM website ( blm.gov/visit/ute-trailhead…): Site amenities include two campsites with shade structures and picnic tables, a vault toilet, and an informational kiosk. There is a self-serve fee station for use of the wilderness, including Ute Trail. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Gorge NCA or Uncompahgre Field Office. Visitors to the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area will be charged the following user fees: Day Use Only (in and out the same day) = $3 per person. Day Use & Camping = $5 per person per calendar day. 1 night = $10. 2 nights = $15 (maximum allowable stay). Annual Pass for Day Use - $15 per /year. Fees apply to all users, 16 years of age and older.

Bring lots of water!! This trail can get extremely hot in the summer since there is little to no shade.

Description

Description from the BLM website ( blm.gov/visit/ute-trailhead…): The trail begins on a ridge that overlooks the area around Delta, Colorado to the west, over 1200 feet below and the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area to the east with a similar drop in elevation to the level of the Gunnison River where it ends about 4.5 miles away.

The trail drops down through the gorge and eventually ends at the campsites along the banks of the Gunnison River.

Flora & Fauna

Description from the Gunnison Gorge Brochure ( blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files…): Common species include mule deer, elk, mountain lion, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, coyote, ringtail cat, small mammals, neo-tropical birds, raptors, chukar, river otter and many more. The Gunnison River is designated as a Gold Medal Trout Fishery by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife because of its excellent trout population, including rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Sensitive species include Clay-loving wild-buckwheat, Montrose penstemon, Rocky Mountain thistle, Delta lomatium, Colorado hookless cactus, Gunnison sage-grouse, bald eagle, spotted bat, river otter and kit fox.

Contacts

Shared By:

Beth Prior

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#12428

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
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3 Star
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2 Star
33%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,126

in Colorado

#12,428

Overall
11 Views Last Month
152 Since Nov 26, 2021
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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33%
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Photos

Overlook into the Gunnison Gorge on the Ute Trail.
Nov 26, 2021 near Olathe, CO
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Weather


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