Where is Gunnison, Colorado

Gunnison is a mountain city in west-central Colorado, located in Gunnison County in the Gunnison Valley. It is about 30 miles southwest of Crested Butte and 160 miles southwest of Denver. The city is known for its high-elevation setting, Western State Colorado University, nearby Blue Mesa Reservoir, and access to the mountains and outdoor areas of the Gunnison National Forest.

Location Map of Gunnison, Gunnison County, Colorado

About Map: The map shows the location of Gunnison in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Gunnison Map, Colorado

Where is Gunnison Located?

Gunnison is a city located in Gunnison County, Colorado, the United States. It lies in west-central Colorado in the Gunnison Valley, about 30 miles southwest of Crested Butte and roughly 160 miles southwest of Denver. Gunnison is part of a high mountain region surrounded by the Sawatch, Elk, and West Elk ranges. The city is located at approximately 38.545° North latitude and 106.928° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 6,368 residents. Gunnison covers about 3.24 square miles, or 8.39 square kilometers, and is primarily land. The community was established in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1880. Its early development was linked to mining, ranching, and transportation through the mountain valleys. Today, Gunnison is an important service and education center for the surrounding region and is home to Western Colorado University. The Gunnison River flows through the valley, while Blue Mesa Reservoir lies to the west and provides boating, fishing, camping, and scenic recreation. The city also serves as a gateway to Gunnison National Forest and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. U.S. Highway 50 and Colorado State Highway 135 connect Gunnison with Montrose, Crested Butte, and other Colorado mountain communities.

Most Viewed US Maps

Gunnison City Facts

Distance from Gunnison, CO to Nearby Cities

• Montrose, CO – 65 miles (105 km)
• Crested Butte, CO – 30 miles (48 km)
• Salida, CO – 95 miles (153 km)
• Lake City, CO – 50 miles (80 km)
• Ouray, CO – 95 miles (153 km)
• Telluride, CO – 120 miles (193 km)
• Buena Vista, CO – 90 miles (145 km)
• Leadville, CO – 120 miles (193 km)
• Grand Junction, CO – 130 miles (209 km)
• Durango, CO – 165 miles (266 km)
• Aspen, CO – 115 miles (185 km)
• Vail, CO – 150 miles (241 km)
• Colorado Springs, CO – 180 miles (290 km)
• Denver, CO – 160 miles (257 km)
• Fort Collins, CO – 215 miles (346 km)

Top Attractions in Gunnison

• Blue Mesa Reservoir – Colorado's largest reservoir, offering boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Gunnison National Forest – A vast mountain forest surrounding Gunnison with opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and winter recreation.
• Gunnison Pioneer Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts, buildings, vehicles, and stories from Gunnison Valley's history.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – A dramatic canyon carved by the Gunnison River, known for steep cliffs, overlooks, hiking trails, and scenic drives.
• Western Colorado University – A public university in Gunnison with a historic campus and strong connections to the surrounding mountain environment.
• Curecanti National Recreation Area – A large recreation area surrounding several reservoirs west of Gunnison, popular for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.
• Hartman Rocks Recreation Area – A nearby high-desert recreation area with trails for mountain biking, hiking, climbing, and off-road activities.
• Gunnison River – A major western Colorado river flowing through the valley and offering fishing, rafting, wildlife viewing, and scenic recreation.

Airports Near Gunnison

• Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) – 2 miles
• Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) – 65 miles
• Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) – 125 miles
• Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – 130 miles
• Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) – 115 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Gunnison city website and local government records.

Colorado Maps and Info