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A short trail leading down into the gorge past some petroglyphs and ending at the banks of the Gunnison River.


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

84%

Runnable

5,283' 1,610 m

High

5,067' 1,544 m

Low

5' 1 m

Up

220' 67 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fishing · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Need to Know

A dirt/gravel road leads to the trailhead.

Description

This trail starts at a gravel parking lot and leads down to a cliff where there is a protected exhibit of petroglyphs that date back 13,000 years. Past this archaeological site, there are some wood steps that lead further down on to the floodplains of the Gunnison River. The trail leads further down parallel to the river.

Flora & Fauna

Description from the Gunnison Gorge Brochure ( blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files…): Common species include mule deer, elk, mountain lion, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, coyote, ringtail cat, small mammals, neo-tropical birds, raptors, chukar, river otter and many more. The Gunnison River is designated as a Gold Medal Trout Fishery by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife because of its excellent trout population, including rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Sensitive species include Clay-loving wild-buckwheat, Montrose penstemon, Rocky Mountain thistle, Delta lomatium, Colorado hookless cactus, Gunnison sage-grouse, bald eagle, spotted bat, river otter and kit fox.

Contacts

Shared By:

Beth Prior

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#2889

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#347

in Colorado

#2,889

Overall
23 Views Last Month
179 Since Nov 26, 2021
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Photos

Petroglyphs along the Eagle Rock Shelter Trail.
Nov 26, 2021 near Orchard…, CO
Eagle Rock Shelter Trail leading down into the Gunnison Gorge.
Nov 26, 2021 near Orchard…, CO
Description of a river structure in the Gunnison River.
Nov 26, 2021 near Orchard…, CO

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