Gunnison Gorge NCA Kayaking
Kayak, SUP & Raft
Difficulty: Beginner
Requirements:
Kayak - Ages 10+ for solo kayak, 6+ to ride in a tandem kayak
Stand Up Paddle Board - Age 10+. Must be able to stand or kneel for 2 hours
Raft - Ages 3+
Included: Guide, instruction, transportation, all equipment, no added rental fees.
Options: Join the trip in an inflatable Kayak, stand up paddle board, or guided raft
Season: May-October
The ultimate Western Colorado River experience
Just outside the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area is the ideal Colorado destination to learn the art of river SUP, discover a scenic rafting journey, or enjoy a family kayak adventure. Take in warm Colorado sunshine, crystal clear water, and breathtaking scenery as you float through the most inviting river canyon in Colorado.
On this tour, we paddle through calm water, deep canyons and beginner level river features. These picturesque canyons are home to great blue heron, big horned sheep, deer, elk, and bald eagles. Along the way we will watch native trout swim right underneath us in these gold medal fishing waters. From start to finish we will be immersed in continuous views of red, yellow and orange canyon walls, the West Elk Wilderness and the Grand Mesa.
KAYAK
Stand Up Paddle
This scenic river tour begins with instruction. Before launching you will spend 30 minutes with our professional instructors both on land and in the water learning basic SUP and river running skills. Once you are confident on your paddle board, your instructor will guide you through a nature-made, desert water park, which has become the top-rated stand up paddle tour in Colorado.
Unlike most rivers in Colorado, the Gunnison Gorge NCA is especially suited to stand up paddle boarding. The river is calm enough for beginners to get their bearings, warm enough to enjoy a dip, and exciting enough for adventurers of all ages. The small waves, and beginner level river features along the way can be enjoyed standing, kneeling or sitting on your paddle board. By the end of your tour, everyone in your group will have the opportunity, and ability, to stand up through these small features. There is not another river in Colorado like the Gunnison Gorge NCA.
Raft
For the ultimate relaxing day on the river book your tour in a guided raft, the perfect option for families.
Half Day:
All the instruction, plus 5 miles of down-river fun. A complete river SUP, kayak or raft experience, that leaves plenty of time in the day to visit the vineyards and orchards of the North Fork Valley.
Duration: 4 hours (Including shuttle, instruction and tour)
Length: 6 miles
Departure Time: 9:00 am
Included: Guides, transportation, all equipment,
Not Included: Gratuities, personal items such as hat, sunscreen & water bottle
Half Day Rates: $109 per person
- 50% due at time of booking
- Balance due 72 hours before departure
- 72 hour cancellation policy
*Please arrive 20 minutes before departure*
3/4 Day:
Our half day trip plus lunch, the best swimming hole on the river, and optional side hike!
Duration: 5 hours (including shuttle, instruction and tour)
Length: 6 miles
Departure Time: 10:00 am
Included: Guides, transportation, all equipment, locally sourced river side lunch
Not Included: Gratuities, personal items such as hat, sunscreen & water bottle
3/4 Day Rates: $145 per person
- 50% due at time of booking
- Balance due 72 hours before departure
- 72 hour cancellation policy
*Please arrive 20 minutes before departure*
Full Day:
Spend the whole day immersed in nature on our full day trip. Includes a delicious river side lunch plus eight extra miles of down-river fun!
Duration: 7 hours (including shuttle, instruction and tour)
Length: 14 miles
Departure Time: 9:00 am
Included: Guides, transportation, all equipment, locally sourced river side lunch
Not Included: Gratuities, personal items such as hat, sunscreen & water bottle
Full Day Rates: $165 per person
- 50% due at time of booking
- Balance due 72 hours before departure
- 72 hour cancellation policy
*Please arrive 20 minutes before departure*
Awesome time with Western Slope SUP!
“Kayaking on the river was definitely the highlight of my trip to the North Fork Valley. (The views are stunning!!) Western Slope SUP had such an easy reservation process and were very clear with all communication. They are a very organized and professional business, but also know how to have fun. That is the best combo! Special shout out to our fantastic guide Gordy, thank you for such a memorable trip! You are a truly kind human whose passion for adventure is evident. It was so fun spending time on the river with you. All the best!”
Sean C, Trip Advisor
Related Activities
Gunnison Gorge SUP
Gunnison Gorge Rafting
