Gunnison County, Colorado
Gunnison County covers a large area of central Colorado, stretching from high mountain peaks to broad valleys covered in sagebrush. Crested Butte, one of Colorado’s best-known ski towns, is located in the northern part of the county.
Gunnison serves as the county seat and is home to Western Colorado University. Much of the county remains rural, with vast areas of public land and spectacular mountain scenery. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the region’s most impressive natural attractions.
Ranching remains important, particularly in the Gunnison Valley, while tourism plays a major role in the local economy. Despite the steady flow of visitors, Gunnison County maintains a strong local culture and a distinct mountain-town character.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Gunnison County |
| County Seat | Gunnison |
| Etymology | Named after John W. Gunnison, a 19th-century explorer |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Gunnison, Crested Butte, Mount Crested Butte, Almont, Somerset |
| Interstates and Highways | US 50, CO 135, CO 149 |
| FIPS Code | 08-051 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 3,257 square miles (Land: 3,231 sq mi, Water: 26 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Pitkin County (North), Chaffee County (East), Saguache County (Southeast), Hinsdale County (South), Ouray County (Southwest), Delta County (West), Montrose County (West), Mesa County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (MST) |
| Population | Approximately 18,000 |
| State | Colorado |
| Coordinates | 38.5463° N, 106.9206° W |
| Major Landmarks | Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Gunnison National Forest, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park |
