About the Gunnison Valley
Today more and more people are discovering the beauty and tranquility of this central Rocky Mountain destination for their vacation getaways, camps, and conferences. Surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers and lakes, Gunnison is home base for every imaginable type of summer activity.
Weather
They don't call it Sunny Gunny for nothing. Between 1909 and 1925, Joseph Howland, owner of the La Veta Hotel, offered a free meal to each guest on any day that the sun didn't shine in Gunnison . The owner didn't lose this standing bet too often! Today, we don't have the offer of a 'free meal' when it's cloudy...but we still have the glorious sunshine!
Come prepared for frequent changes in the Rocky mountain weather. Dress in layers and always remember the sunscreen and sunglasses no matter the season. During the summer the average high temperature is in the 70s-80s; however, the nights cool off fast to lows in the 40s.
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Average Minimum and Maximum Temperatures in Gunnison
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Month
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High
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Low
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January
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26
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-7
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April
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56
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22
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July
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81
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42
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October
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62
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22
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The record high was 98º recorded August 15, 1931, and the record low was -47º recorded December 25, 1924.
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Adjusting to High Altitude
Adjusting to a major change in altitude takes several days. To help make you stay more comfortable, drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic fluids, use sunscreen and lip protection and get ample rest.
Recreation
The Gunnison and Taylor rivers provide perfect venues for fishing, rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Taylor River Canyon is a favorite for kayaking and rafting as the high country waters cut through a spectacular alpine landscape. Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado 's largest body of water, is located in the Curecanti National Recreation Area just a few miles west of town.
The mountains draw people to them for hiking, camping, jeeping, bird-watching, mountain biking, wildflower viewing, rock climbing and all the other outdoor activities associated with the great Rocky Mountains . Throughout Gunnison County , you'll find highly respected guide services led by professionals ready and willing to share their knowledge and access to some to the most beautiful places in the world.
Please visit the Gunnison Chamber of Commerce.
