Gunnison Regulations & Safety

Wilderness Use Permits:

A free permit is required for all backcountry and wilderness use (both day use and overnight) including hiking the innercanyon or off established trails, rock climbing and all river use. Permits are available at the South Rim Visitor Center, North Rim Ranger Station and East Portal registration board (located west of the campground). Permits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If these facilities are closed, there are self registration stations with instructions at each location.

Permits help us monitor use of the wilderness, and to keep tabs on this great resource. They also help us identify potential emergencies by letting us know your expected itinerary.

Please be sure to thoroughly complete the permit with accurate and legible information. While in the backcountry, keep this permit with you at all times. When you have finished your trip, check out with a ranger, or if the building is closed, place your permit in the self registration box.

Permits are not required for any of the following:

    * Established hiking trails including Rim Rock Nature Trail, Oak Flat Loop Trail, Cedar Point Nature Trail, Warner Point Nature Trail, Uplands Trail, Chasm View Nature Trail, North Vista Trail, Deadhorse Trail, Green Mountain Trails

    * Day use anglers and hikers entering the national park from East Portal (all boaters and overnight backpackers do require a permit)

Wilderness Regulations: 

    * Wilderness Use permits are required.

    * Wood fires are prohibited. Use camp stoves only.

    * No pets.

    * A valid Colorado Fishing license is required, and Gold Medal Water regulations apply - artificial lures only; possession limit for brown trout is 4, of which only 1 fish may equal or exceed 16" in length; all fish between 12" and 16" must be released. Rainbows are catch and release only.

    * Possession of firearms is prohibited. No hunting.

    * Collecting wood, flowers, plants, animals and rocks is prohibited.

    * Bury all human waste in 6" deep holes at least 100 feet from the river. If pit toilets are available, please use them.

    * Pack out all trash, including toilet paper. 

Wlidlife Safety:

Black Bears

    * Do not run.

    * Back away slowly.

    * Break eye contact.

Mountain Lions

    * Do not run.

    * Make yourself look bigger.

    * Back away slowly.

    * If attack seems imminent, act aggressively throwing rocks or a large stick.

Leave No Trace Ethics:

    * Plan ahead and prepare. Make sure all the members of your group have the skills required to complete the trip.

    * Avoid creating trails and campsites.

    * Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them.

    * To wash yourself or dishes, carry water 200 feet away from the river and use small amounts of biodegradable soap.

    * Pick up all spilled food.

    * Pack in and pack out everything.

    * Protect wildlife by storing food and trash securely.

    * Do not collect anything.

Winter Survival:

'Tis the season to be extra careful. Irregular weather, lack of experience, or carelessness can turn a nice outing into a fight for survival. The following easy steps can help you make yours a safe, fun filled adventure.

    * Wear adequate clothing. Wool and synthetics will keep you warmer than cotton. Hats, mittens, and extra layers are a must.

    * Be prepared. When possible, travel with a companion. Tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back.

    * Check the weather forecast and the snow and ice conditions where you plan to go.

    * Together with the bare essentials like water and food, bring sunglasses and sunscreen, first aid kit, map and compass. 

Hypothermia is a constant threat to people in the outdoors. Knowing the symptoms and what to do can save someone's life. Symptoms can range from uncontrolled shivering to drowsiness and loss of consciousness. When someone shows one or more symptoms you should:

    * Get the victim to a dry, sheltered place.

    * Remove wet clothing and replace with dry, warm clothing and/or blankets.

    * If the victim is awake, slowly give warm non-alcoholic drinks.

    * Transport to a medical facility as soon as possible.

Fishing Regulations:

These regulations apply to the Gunnison River within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and within Curecanti National Recreation Area at East Portal (between the closure at Crystal Dam and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park boundary):

    * Use artificial flies or lures only. NO BAIT

    * ALL Rainbow trout are CATCH AND RELEASE.

    * Brown trout 12-16 inches must be returned to the water immediately.

    * Bag and possession limit for brown trout is 4 fish, 12 inches or less OR 3 fish less than 12 inches and 1 fish 16 inches or longer.

    * A Colorado fishing license is required.

    * Fishing is prohibited within 200 yards downstream of Crystal Dam.

General Rules for Horse Use:

    * Any other use of horses or pack animals is prohibited unless authorized by a grazing use permit approved by the superintendent.

    * All hay used for livestock feed or bedding must be certified as weed free in compliance with Montrose or Gunnison County Standards.

    * Grazing is prohibited.

    * There are no hitching posts available along any trails or at trailheads.

    * Picketing, hobbling or tying livestock to natural features, such as trees, bushes or rocks, is prohibited.