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The Gunnison River in western Colorado is one of the primary headwaters of the Colorado River system. Cascading down from alpine lakes in the Elk Mountains, the river travels past its namesake town before widening into the Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado. Past the reservoir the river winds through the spectacular Black Canyon, with narrow rock walls rising over 2,000 feet on either side. The Gunnison Gorge just west of the park is the most-rafted spot on the river, and the inspiring scenery here is the reason. The river continues on to the city of Grand Junction, which got its name from the confluence here of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers. While the Gunnison Gorge is the most popular spot on the river, both the Upper and Lower Gunnison segments can also be rafted. These are described below. Guides are available to run the various segments of the river.
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