# From Gunnison over passes, lakes and peach orchards – by camper through Colorado’s Western Slope: Curecanti, Black Canyon, Grand Mesa and Palisade

> From Gunnison on Blue Mesa Reservoir via the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the orchards of Hotchkiss and Paonia and the high plateau of the Grand Mesa to…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-594-colorado-western-slope-grand-mesa-black-canyon/

**At a glance:** 7-day road trip of about 293 km (182 mi) with 12 stops, from Gunnison to Grand Junction. About 3 h 15 min of driving in total. Best time to go: May and September–October. No toll roads expected for a car. From Gunnison on Blue Mesa Reservoir via the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the orchards of Hotchkiss and Paonia and the high plateau of the Grand Mesa to Palisade and Grand Junction: about 530 kilometres between 1,400 and 3,300 metres of elevation.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | approx. 293 km (182 mi) |
| Driving | 3 h 15 min |
| Suggested days | 7 |
| Stops | 12 |
| Route | Gunnison → Grand Junction |
| States | CO |
| Best time to go | May and September–October |
| Tolls and vignettes | None expected |
| Updated | October 1, 2026 |

[Download GPX file](https://camping-spirit.com/gpx/rf-594-colorado-western-slope-grand-mesa-black-canyon.gpx)

Practical guides for this route: [Driving in the US: The Rules European Visitors Most Often Get Wrong at the Wheel](https://camping-spirit.com/magazine/us-driving-rules-visitors/), [Fuel, Tolls and Distances: Practical US Driving Math for Motorhome and Camper Travelers](https://camping-spirit.com/magazine/us-fuel-tolls-distances/), [US national parks: entry fees, passes and reservations in plain terms](https://camping-spirit.com/magazine/us-national-park-passes/)

*From Gunnison on Blue Mesa Reservoir via the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the orchards of Hotchkiss and Paonia and the high plateau of the Grand Mesa to Palisade and Grand Junction: about 530 kilometres between 1,400 and 3,300 metres of elevation.*

## The spirit of the route

The Western Slope is the dry, warm side of the Rocky Mountains, and the route makes the most of it. It starts at 2,300 metres in a cold high valley, follows a dammed river through Curecanti Canyon and looks into a gorge whose floor lies in shadow while the juniper smells sweet above. Then it drops through fruit valleys where peaches are sold at the roadside in late summer, and climbs back up the Grand Mesa to over 3,000 metres: spruce, aspen and hundreds of lakes on a basalt lid. At the end, the vineyards of the Grand Valley lie beneath the Book Cliffs, and at night the sky stretches from edge to edge. From the sliding door you see mist over the water in the morning, sagebrush slopes at midday and glowing rock in the evening. For campers, this is an elevation profile you have to feel in the vehicle and plan for.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Gunnison to Curecanti National Recreation Area (Blue Mesa Reservoir) (approx. 45 km)

- **The drive:** Gunnison lies at about 2,350 metres in a broad high valley. From there, US-50 follows the Gunnison River west: two lanes, speed limits mostly 55–65 mph, with passing lanes on the climbs. Soon Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest lake, opens up, and the road runs for a long way along the north shore, past bays, access roads and the Elk Creek Visitor Area. Pure driving time is about 40 minutes; fuel stations and large supermarkets in Gunnison, then nothing for a long while. If you arrive from the east over Monarch Pass (about 3,450 metres), you are already high up; if you come from the lowlands, you will feel the altitude: start slowly and drink plenty.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Blue Mesa Reservoir: a reservoir about 30 kilometres long between sagebrush slopes and the peaks of the West Elk Mountains; anglers, sailors and paddlers share the bays. There is access to the water at several recreation areas.
  - Dillon Pinnacles: needles of volcanic rock on the north shore, reached by a hiking trail from US-50; good for photos in the evening light.
  - Elk Creek Visitor Area: visitor information for Curecanti National Recreation Area with an exhibit on the three reservoirs on the Gunnison; you can also ask here about boat trips and hikes.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Elk Creek Campground in Curecanti National Recreation Area (National Park Service): the largest campground on Blue Mesa Reservoir; electric hookups (30 and 50 amp) only in Loop D; drinking water, flush toilets and dump station run seasonally and are switched off in winter (then vault toilets only, bring your own water); reservations through Recreation.gov. Alternatives on the same lake: Lake Fork Campground (no hookups, dump station recently out of service) and Stevens Creek Campground (no hookups, drinking water only from about late May to mid-September). Check vehicle length when booking.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In Curecanti National Recreation Area, overnight stays are only allowed at the designated campgrounds. Dispersed camping is available on BLM and National Forest land around Gunnison; Hartman Rocks Recreation Area (BLM) has its own camping and stay rules, which you should check with the BLM beforehand. Access roads are partly gravel, and it can freeze even in summer.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Stock up on water and food in Gunnison; after that there are only small shops until Montrose. Nights can be very cold even in summer – check your heater and propane. If you do not cope well with altitude, take the first night easy and postpone hikes.

### Stage 2: Curecanti National Recreation Area to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (South Rim and East Portal) (approx. 90 km)

- **The drive:** Continue on US-50 through Curecanti Canyon: the road leaves the lakeshore, crosses the foothills of the West Elk Mountains and leads to Cimarron and over Cerro Summit (about 2,430 metres) down into the Uncompahgre Valley. The pass is wide and well built but has long descents – brake in a low gear. In Montrose (about 1,800 metres), take US-50 east for a short stretch, then CO-347 north to the South Rim, about 25 kilometres from Montrose. Pure driving time is about 1.5 hours. Fuel stations and supermarkets in Montrose.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Morrow Point and Cimarron: viewpoints on US-50 over the middle one of the three reservoirs; the river flows here in a narrow gorge. Boat tours with rangers start at the Pine Creek Trail (access via many steps, seasonal).
  - East Portal Road: the steepest access to the river, about 8 kilometres from the park entrance down to the Gunnison River at Crystal Dam. It is paved but narrow, with grades of 16 percent in places, and only for short vehicles; a trip by car or bike is more realistic than by camper.
  - South Rim, Painted Wall, star programmes: the CampingSpirit travel guide “Black gorge, high plateau and orchards – by camper through western Colorado’s canyon country” describes the viewpoints on the South Rim in detail; here it is enough to note that the park is designated an International Dark Sky Park.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** South Rim Campground in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: after the South Rim Fire in 2025, only 25 sites without hookups had most recently reopened, and parts of the campground remain closed; reservations all year only through Recreation.gov, water seasonal and switched off in winter. Check length, status and water on nps.gov beforehand. East Portal Campground by the river (part of Curecanti National Recreation Area): most recently only the upper sites were open, no reservations (first come, first served, payment via Scan & Pay), water only in summer; East Portal Road is unsuitable for vehicles over 22 feet. Alternative: campgrounds near Montrose, such as the Black Canyon/Montrose KOA.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Dispersed camping is prohibited in the national park. Dispersed camping on BLM and National Forest land around Montrose is possible in some places; near the park, watch for signs and access conditions.
- **Insider tip for campers:** On East Portal Road, vehicles over 22 feet (about 6.7 metres), trailers included, are prohibited under NPS rules; it has grades of 16 percent in places, is repeatedly closed at short notice during storms and when there is a risk of landslides (especially on the slopes affected by the 2025 fire), and is usually closed in winter from about November to April. The South Rim is the vehicle-friendly side: paved access and pull-outs at the viewpoints. The park is cashless and mobile reception is weak – download the app beforehand. South of Montrose the Million Dollar Highway begins; there is a CampingSpirit travel guide to the San Juan Skyway and Million Dollar Highway.

### Stage 3: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (South Rim) to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (North Rim) (approx. 130 km)

- **The drive:** Back to Montrose, north on US-50 to Delta and on CO-92 through the fruit valleys to Hotchkiss and Crawford (about 2,000 metres, on Crawford Reservoir). From Crawford it is about 18 kilometres (11 miles) to the North Rim; the last 11 kilometres or so of the access road and the whole North Rim Road are unpaved gravel with washboard sections. It can get slippery in the rain, and in winter and early spring the road is closed without notice. The drive from the South Rim to the North Rim takes a good two hours, half a day with sightseeing. Fuel in Montrose, Delta and Hotchkiss.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Delta: market town on the Gunnison River with supermarkets and fuel stations – good for shopping before the gravel road.
  - Crawford State Park: swimming lake beneath the Needle Rock Hills; beach, fishing and hiking trails, warm and windy in summer.
  - North Rim: fewer visitors but deeper views: Chasm View, Balanced Rock View and Exclamation Point show the gorge up close, and the North Vista Trail leads through oak and juniper woodland.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** North Rim Campground in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: small, basic campground with 13 sites, toilets, water only seasonally (none in winter), no hookups; no reservations (first come, first served), payment via Scan & Pay through Recreation.gov. Check road conditions and vehicle length beforehand with a ranger or on nps.gov. Crawford State Park (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) by the lake is better equipped; check facilities, electricity and length in advance through the Colorado Parks system, reservations there.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** No dispersed camping in the park. In Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest around Crawford and Paonia there is dispersed camping; access roads are mostly gravel and often impassable for large vehicles in the rain.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The North Rim Road is not for long rigs: it is better to leave long vehicles and combinations in Crawford; according to the park, the road is passable for most vehicles in dry weather, but ask the park about conditions and suitability beforehand. Bring water. Fill up on fuel and groceries in Hotchkiss or Crawford beforehand.

### Stage 4: Black Canyon (North Rim) to Paonia (approx. 55 km)

- **The drive:** Back along the North Rim Road to Crawford and on CO-92 through the North Fork Valley to Hotchkiss and Paonia: two lanes, winding, speed limits mostly 45–55 mph, orchard slopes and vineyards on both sides. The valley lies at about 1,700 metres. Driving time is about 1.5 hours including the gravel section. Fuel stations in Hotchkiss and Paonia. For more on Paonia and its farms, see the CampingSpirit travel guide “Black gorge, high plateau and orchards – by camper through western Colorado’s canyon country”; here the focus is on the passes above.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Hotchkiss and Paonia: fruit, farm stands and small wineries in the North Fork Valley, harvest season in high summer and autumn.
  - Paonia Reservoir: reservoir behind Paonia on CO-133, at the foot of the West Elk Mountains; Paonia State Park lies on the water.
  - West Elk Loop Scenic Byway: the scenic road runs over US-50, CO-92, CO-133 and CO-135 around the West Elk Mountains. CO-133 leads over McClure Pass (about 2,670 metres, paved) to Carbondale; Kebler Pass (about 3,050 metres, mostly gravel) to Crested Butte is not for large motorhomes.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Paonia State Park (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) on Paonia Reservoir: about 20 basic sites, seven of them with electricity, vault toilets, no drinking water; according to the park, closed from 1 October to 1 May; reservations mandatory through the Colorado Parks system. Check length and access with the park beforehand. The valley also has private RV parks and farm campsites with pitches (check selection and status locally).
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Around Paonia and Hotchkiss, dispersed camping is possible on BLM and National Forest land, for example on the access roads towards Kebler Pass; observe stay limits and fire bans. Overnight stays are prohibited on private orchards and in the towns.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Buy fruit directly at the farm. Narrow driveways and turning circles are often tight for motorhomes – better to park on the road and walk, or ask first. Kebler Pass is known for its aspens in autumn but is mostly gravel; McClure Pass, by contrast, is paved but has long descents. Frost can fall in autumn, so do not leave the water lines in the camper empty.

### Stage 5: Paonia to Grand Mesa (Island Lake) (approx. 110 km)

- **The drive:** From Paonia on CO-92 via Hotchkiss towards Delta and on CO-65 through Orchard City to Cedaredge. The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway begins here: the road climbs in long switchbacks through scrub oak and aspen forest to more than 3,000 metres. Two lanes and paved, with long climbs and descents, speeds sometimes well below 55 mph. Pure driving time is about 2 hours. Fuel stations in Delta and Cedaredge, none on the mesa itself; high-summer thunderstorms in the afternoon.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Cedaredge: gateway town to the mesa with fruit stands, a small museum and shops – for shopping before the ascent.
  - Land’s End Observatory: viewpoint on the southwest edge of the mesa with a wide view over the Gunnison and Uncompahgre valleys; the access road (Land’s End Road) is unpaved and impassable in the cold season; better not suitable for long vehicles, check the status beforehand.
  - Lakes of the Grand Mesa: the mesa is considered one of the largest high plateaus in the world, with more than 300 lakes; Island Lake and Cobbett Lake lie right by the road, and in autumn the aspens glow.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest: Island Lake Campground (about 40 sites at around 3,050 metres, some with electricity; according to Recreation.gov not reservable there, check allocation and status with the Forest Service), also Jumbo, Little Bear and Ward Lake Campground, basic and partly without drinking water. Lengths, water and opening times vary – check before you go; many campgrounds close in autumn.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On the Grand Mesa, dispersed camping in the National Forest is allowed in many places, mostly up to 14 days at the same spot and at a distance from water and campgrounds; observe wildfire levels and fire bans. Access roads are partly gravel, and clayey when wet.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Nights at 3,000 metres can be near freezing even in summer; plan for heating and enough propane. Black bears are active on the mesa: store food and rubbish locked in the vehicle or in bear boxes. Mosquitoes are an issue at the lakes in July. Stock up on drinks and gas in Cedaredge before the climb.

### Stage 6: Grand Mesa (Island Lake) to Palisade (approx. 80 km)

- **The drive:** Continue on CO-65 north across the mesa, past Powderhorn and down to Mesa; if you need supplies, you can make a detour to Collbran via CO-330. At the foot of the mesa, CO-65 meets I-70, which you follow west through De Beque Canyon to Palisade. Speed limits up to 75 mph on the interstate, mostly 55 mph on CO-65. Pure driving time is about 1.5 hours. Fuel stations on I-70 and in Palisade.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, north side: Powderhorn and the descent to Mesa offer clear views of the Book Cliffs and the Colorado River valley; the mesa carries a blanket of basalt.
  - Palisade: fruit and wine-growing region on the Colorado River with peaches, apricots, cherries and dozens of wineries; in late summer the streets smell of fruit.
  - Palisade Rim Trail and Riverbend Park: hiking trail on the edge of the mesa and riverside park on the Colorado River.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Island Acres Section (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) near Palisade: campground between a swimming lake, fishing lakes and the river, next to the interstate and railway line (expect noise); dump station, showers and laundry only in summer, in winter only sites with electricity and tent sites are open; reservations for all sites through the Colorado Parks system, up to six months in advance. Check length when booking. Alternative: the Fruita Section of the same park near Fruita. Palisade also has some private RV parks and pitches in orchards (check status).
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Around Palisade and Grand Junction, dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land in some places; it is very hot there in summer, and the access roads are sandy. In the towns and on the wineries, overnight stays outside designated sites are prohibited.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Peaches are usually ripe from July to September, apples from September; harvest time brings traffic and full campgrounds. Wineries often provide parking for motorhomes, but if you taste, you do not drive on afterwards – drink-driving is strictly enforced here too. In high summer, cover the windows and plan outings early in the day.

### Stage 7: Palisade to Grand Junction (approx. 25 km)

- **The drive:** From Palisade on the I-70 Business Loop to Grand Junction at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers (about 1,400 metres): flat, short, urban. The city is the last major supply stop on the route: supermarkets, fuel stations, propane and dump stations. Pure driving time is about 30 minutes.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Grand Junction: Riverfront Trail on the Colorado River, downtown with sculptures along Main Street, wineries in the Grand Valley.
  - Palisade Rim Trail and wineries: if you have not tasted in Palisade yet, you can do so on the way back; drivers should stay sober.
  - Colorado National Monument and Fruita: red rock towers, Rim Rock Drive and mountain-bike terrain west of the city; see also the CampingSpirit travel guide “Black gorge, high plateau and orchards – by camper through western Colorado’s canyon country”.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Island Acres near Palisade or the Fruita Section of James M. Robb Colorado River State Park (reservations through Colorado Parks and Wildlife); in Grand Junction also private RV parks with hookups (check status and length locally).
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Around Grand Junction, dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land in some places; it is very hot there in summer, and the access roads are sandy. In the city area and in parking lots, overnight stays outside designated sites are prohibited.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Before the journey home, fill up on water, propane and fuel and visit a dump station. In high summer, cover the windows and plan outings early in the day; temperatures often rise above 35 degrees.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- Dispersed camping in Colorado is mostly allowed on National Forest and BLM land for up to 14 days at the same spot, on the Grand Mesa at a distance from water and campgrounds. It is prohibited in the national parks, and also in Curecanti National Recreation Area outside the campgrounds.
- Fire bans often apply to whole counties in late summer; campfires only in fire rings and when the level allows it, and if in doubt ask the Forest Service or BLM. Fires in Colorado can result in heavy penalties.
- Overnight stays on streets, rest areas and supermarket parking lots are mostly prohibited in the towns (Gunnison, Montrose, Delta, Grand Junction); only with the express permission of the store.
- Reservations: South Rim, Elk Creek, Lake Fork and Stevens Creek through Recreation.gov; State Park sites (Crawford, Paonia, James M. Robb) through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife reservation system. North Rim and East Portal allocate their sites without reservation according to the NPS (payment via Scan & Pay). On the Grand Mesa, check the status with the Forest Service. Book early in late summer and at weekends.
- Fees: for visitors without US residency, higher entrance fees and surcharges may apply at national parks; check current amounts and pass rules for Black Canyon and Curecanti on nps.gov.
- Wildlife: black bears on the Grand Mesa and around Paonia; store food locked away. Rattlesnakes in the dry canyons in Black Canyon and near Grand Junction; keep dogs on a leash.
- Apps: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt; road conditions at COtrip.org.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Dump stations: in Curecanti NRA seasonal (at Elk Creek out of service in winter, at Lake Fork most recently out of service), at State Park campgrounds (Island Acres only in summer) and at private campgrounds in Gunnison, Montrose and Grand Junction; the basic campgrounds on the Rim, at the North Rim and on the Grand Mesa have no disposal. Check locations beforehand.
- Drinking water: at taps on the campgrounds, but only seasonal; the water systems at the national park and Curecanti campgrounds are switched off in winter, and there is no drinking water at Paonia State Park. For the Grand Mesa, Paonia and the North Rim, bring water.
- Empty grey water and chemical toilets only at dump stations; dumping into lakes and rivers is strictly prohibited.
- Propane: fuel stations, hardware stores and campgrounds in Gunnison, Montrose, Delta, Cedaredge and Grand Junction fill US cylinders; European cylinders are generally not filled. At high altitude (above 2,500 metres) gas appliances may ignite less reliably – check heater and fridge operation beforehand.
- Electricity: sites with 30 or 50 amp at Elk Creek (Loop D only), at Paonia State Park (seven sites), at Island Acres and at private campgrounds; South Rim most recently without electricity, North Rim and East Portal without hookups, on the Grand Mesa only partly (Island Lake). Generators only at certain times.
- Fuel and shopping: supermarkets in Gunnison, Montrose, Delta and Grand Junction; between Gunnison and Montrose, on the Grand Mesa and at the North Rim no or hardly any shops.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits: US-50 mostly 55–65 mph, CO-92 and CO-65 mostly 45–55 mph, I-70 in rural Colorado up to 75 mph; slower on mountain passes. Motorhomes have no additional limit; keep combinations slow on climbs.
- Elevation: Monarch Pass about 3,450 metres, Cerro Summit about 2,430 metres, Kebler Pass about 3,050 metres, McClure Pass about 2,670 metres; the road over the Grand Mesa reaches about 3,300 metres. Engine power drops at altitude; relieve the brakes before the long descents and drive in a low gear.
- Tolls: there are no toll roads on this route.
- Dimensions: East Portal Road in Black Canyon: vehicles over 22 feet (about 6.7 metres), trailers included, are prohibited, grade up to 16 percent in places. North Rim Road and Land’s End Road: gravel roads, avoid with large vehicles.
- Mobile phones while driving: in Colorado, hand-held use is prohibited. Drink-driving is strictly enforced in the wine regions too.
- Weather: high-summer thunderstorms on the Grand Mesa and in Black Canyon, in autumn early snow from about October on the passes; in winter North Rim Road, Land’s End Road and East Portal Road are closed, East Portal Road also at short notice after storms. In autumn and spring keep snow chains or winter tyres ready and check COtrip.
- Emergency: 911. Mobile reception is weak in places in the canyons and on the mesa.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Plenty of drinking water and sun protection for the altitude: the route swings between about 1,400 and 3,100 metres, and sun and dry air quickly make you tired.
- An extra water canister: at the North Rim, at Paonia State Park and on the Grand Mesa, water is scarce or not available.
- Bear-proof boxes or lockable containers for food: black bears are active on the Grand Mesa.
- Warm sleeping bag and a working heater: nights on the Grand Mesa can be very cold even in summer.
- Binoculars and a headlamp with red light: Black Canyon is a Dark Sky Park, and the stars are the programme.
- Sun hat and window covers for Palisade and Grand Junction: often over 35 degrees in summer, hardly any shade.

_As of 2026-10. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Sources

- [National Park Service – Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Camping](https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/camping.htm)
- [National Park Service – Black Canyon of the Gunnison: News Release 14.09.2026 (East Portal Road)](https://www.nps.gov/blca/learn/news/2026-09-14.htm)
- [National Park Service – Curecanti: East Portal temporarily closed](https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/2026-09-14-east-portal-temporarily-closed.htm)
- [National Park Service – Black Canyon: East Portal](https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/eastportal.htm)
- [National Park Service – Drive the East Portal Road](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/drive-east-portal.htm)
- [National Park Service – Black Canyon: North Rim](https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/northrim.htm)
- [Recreation.gov – Elk Creek Campground (Curecanti NRA)](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234053)
- [Recreation.gov – Lake Fork Campground (Curecanti NRA)](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234054?tab=info)
- [Recreation.gov – Stevens Creek Campground (Curecanti NRA)](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234055)
- [Recreation.gov – Island Lake Campground (Grand Mesa)](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/poi/233387)
- [Colorado Parks and Wildlife – James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Island Acres](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park/james-m-robb-colorado-river-state-park-island)
- [Colorado Parks and Wildlife – Paonia State Park: Camping](https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/paonia-state-park/paonia-state-park-camping-lodging)

## Which stops are on the route from Gunnison to Grand Junction?

1. **Gunnison** (CO)
2. **Blue Mesa Reservoir** (Gunnison, CO): Colorado’s largest body of water, in Curecanti National Recreation Area along US-50, with campgrounds and boat ramps.
3. **Montrose** (CO)
4. **Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park** (CO)
5. **Black Canyon North Rim** (CO)
6. **Crawford** (CO)
7. **Hotchkiss** (CO)
8. **Paonia** (CO)
9. **Cedaredge** (CO)
10. **Grand Mesa** (CO)
11. **Palisade** (CO)
12. **Grand Junction** (CO)

## When is the best time for the route from Gunnison to Grand Junction?

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is From Gunnison over passes, lakes and peach orchards – by camper through Colorado’s Western Slope: Curecanti, Black Canyon, Grand Mesa and Palisade?**
7-day road trip of about 293 km (182 mi) with 12 stops, from Gunnison to Grand Junction. About 3 h 15 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for From Gunnison over passes, lakes and peach orchards – by camper through Colorado’s Western Slope: Curecanti, Black Canyon, Grand Mesa and Palisade?**
We suggest 7 days: about 3 h 15 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does From Gunnison over passes, lakes and peach orchards – by camper through Colorado’s Western Slope: Curecanti, Black Canyon, Grand Mesa and Palisade start and end?**
It starts in Gunnison and ends in Grand Junction.

**Which states does From Gunnison over passes, lakes and peach orchards – by camper through Colorado’s Western Slope: Curecanti, Black Canyon, Grand Mesa and Palisade pass through?**
Colorado.

**Where can you camp along From Gunnison over passes, lakes and peach orchards – by camper through Colorado’s Western Slope: Curecanti, Black Canyon, Grand Mesa and Palisade?**
OpenStreetMap lists 86 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: The Campers Hub, Cedar Creek RV Park and Riverbend RV Park.