Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
About
Nestled in rural western Colorado, where the Colorado Plateau meets the Southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA) encompasses approximately 63,000 acres. At its heart lies the 18,000-acre Gunnison Gorge Wilderness. This area is cherished for its diverse recreational opportunities, including challenging trails, camping, hiking, and trout fishing within a pristine whitewater wilderness. Established by Congress in October 1999, the Gunnison Gorge NCA is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Aside from roads, trails, and a few basic amenities such as primitive campgrounds and trailheads, the NCA remains largely undeveloped. The absence of electrical service within the area ensures no permanent artificial lighting. Despite its proximity to nearby towns like Montrose, Olathe, Delta, and Hotchkiss, Gunnison Gorge NCA is renowned for its exceptionally dark skies and excellent air quality. The area’s dry climate and moderate elevation, ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 feet, contribute to consistently dark skies, with an average sky quality reading of 21.38 magnitudes per square arc-second.
The legislation that designated Gunnison Gorge NCA also established the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument, which has since been expanded into a national park. Adjacent to the NCA, both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and its neighboring unit, Curecanti National Recreation Area, hold International Dark Sky Park certifications. These three areas are now not only connected by a protected river, but by a protected night sky overhead.
The pursuit of this certification for the NCA was driven by local communities, with significant contributions from non-profit partners who organized public outreach events, conducted sky quality monitoring, and supported the application process. The BLM looks forward to ongoing collaboration with local communities, neighbors, and partners in preserving our shared night sky heritage.
The NCA’s peak season runs from April to October, although much of the area remains accessible during winter. From December 1st to May 15th, the east side is closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles to protect the Gunnison sage-grouse and big game winter range. However, visitors can still explore on foot or horseback, making it an ideal time for uninterrupted stargazing. When fully open, the area is popular for dispersed camping and outdoor recreation. Most of the NCA is accessible with a 2WD, low-clearance vehicle.
Area
255 Sq. Km
Designated
2024
Category
International Dark Sky Park
Address
2505 South Townsend Ave,
Montrose, CO 81401
USA
Google Maps
Website
www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/gunnison-gorge-nca
Contact
Documents
Application
Announcement
Annual Reports
Weather
Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for enjoying dark skies near Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (38.46,-107.87).
