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Spend a night on the water with Western Slope SUP’s Gunnison Gorge Overnight trip, paddling, hiking, and camping amid Colorado’s stunning canyon landscapes. A fully outfitted journey combining river thrills with calm desert nights.
Spend a night on the water with Western Slope SUP’s Gunnison Gorge Overnight trip, paddling, hiking, and camping amid Colorado’s stunning canyon landscapes. A fully outfitted journey combining river thrills with calm desert nights.
Book with Western Slope SUP
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Western Slope SUP · Hotchkiss, Colorado
Carving through sandstone cliffs and deep pools, the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area offers a raw, intimate wilderness experience along the Gunnison River in western Colorado. Western Slope SUP’s Gunnison Gorge NCA Overnight trip invites paddlers to immerse themselves in this rugged landscape over two days and one night, navigating Class I and II waters on a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or raft. This all-inclusive expedition stands out by blending active river travel with comfortable, thoughtfully provided camping gear and gourmet meals made from local North Fork Valley organic ingredients.
The Gunnison Gorge showcases steep canyon walls formed from volcanic and sedimentary rock layers, creating dramatic terrain peppered with pinyon pines and sagebrush. Wildlife is abundant here—keep an eye out for mule deer along the banks and the occasional soaring golden eagle. One highlight of the trip is a hike to one of Colorado’s oldest archaeological sites, where you can connect with the human history embedded in these canyons.
Guests paddle through quiet side channels, rest on a sandy Gunnison beach, and spend clear desert nights under star-studded skies with all sleeping gear provided, including insulated pads and dry bags. The package also includes transportation from Grand Junction, making logistics simple for travelers.
What makes Western Slope SUP uniquely suited for this trip is their commitment to quality outfitting and local connection: from calm instruction on diverse watercraft to meals and wine tastings rooted in the valley’s sustainable agriculture. Whether you’re new to paddleboarding or an experienced river runner, this trip offers a chance to disconnect and engage with a lesser-known slice of Colorado’s wild heart on your own schedule and skill set.
moderate.
2 days/1 night.
Participants should be in decent physical shape, comfortable paddling 1-3 hours daily and able to hike short canyon trails.
No, basic instruction is provided, and the water difficulty is manageable for beginners.
All meals are prepared by guides using local organic ingredients, with an optional wine tasting upgrade.
Yes, the trip is suitable for ages 10 and up with appropriate physical fitness.
Yes, pickups and drop-offs are available from hotels in Grand Junction or the put-in location.
Participants receive tents, sleeping bags, insulated pads, pillows, and personal dry bags.
Trips run from May and then July through October; booking early is recommended for your preferred dates.
The Gunnison Gorge contains some of Colorado’s oldest archaeological sites, reflecting ancient human presence.
The area is managed to protect delicate riparian habitats; visitors are encouraged to adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
Western Slope SUP is a Hotchkiss, Colorado outfitter focused on river-based recreation along the Gunnison River and within nearby national conservation areas. The operation offers a clear set of experiences: a Scenic Rafting Float through the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, a Self-Bailing Whitewater Raft & Inner Tube Rental for full-day river fun, and the Dominguez Escalante SUP + Kayak trip in the Dominguez & Escalante National Conservation Area. Each offering is described as fully outfitted or clearly outfitted rental options, and trip descriptions emphasize safety, appropriate gear, and local river knowledge. Trips and rentals cover a range of activity levels from relaxing family floats to more active paddle or whitewater experiences. The 14-foot inflatable raft accommodates up to eight people, while inner tubes provide a rugged, leisurely alternative. SUP and kayak options allow paddlers to move quietly along the Gunnison River and explore canyon sections near 800-foot walls and desert landscapes. Western Slope SUP lists wildlife viewing, swimming stops, and canyon scenery as primary trip highlights. Booking information and trip summaries help guests select experiences that match skill level and group size. Overall, Western Slope SUP combines location-specific river access in Hotchkiss, Colorado with rental flexibility and guided options to deliver reliable, family-friendly water experiences in the Gunnison Gorge and Dominguez & Escalante areas.
Book with Western Slope SUP