Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests

Experience Your Nature!

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests is home to over 3 million acres–from plateaus to peaks. The opportunities are endless!

Find Your Adventure

Scenery and an abundance of opportunities for access draw you in and trails lead the way to the rugged canyons, vast mountains, wildlife and history of the GMUG. Over 3,000 miles of trails and routes provide access to areas of rugged beauty and solitude. The topography allows the forest to provide trails—beginner to extreme—all year. The mountains, plateau and mesa that make up the forest will always provide a scenic backdrop and a unique experience.

Grand Mesa Visitor Center Closed

The Grand Mesa Visitor Center will remain closed for the 2024 season. More information here.

  • Recreation

    A placeholder image

    The GMUG offers over 3,000 miles of trails, four scenic byways, six peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation, 10 wildernesses, over 3,600 miles of perennial streams and elevation ranges from 5,800 to 14,309 feet.

    Explore the GMUG

  • Find Your Way

    A placeholder image

    From mobile friendly apps to motor vehicle use maps, help find your way with forest maps and publications for your next journey on the GMUG.

    Maps

  • Plan Ahead

    A placeholder image

    Passes and permits are needed for activities such as collecting firewood, cutting Christmas trees, commercial filming and other special events.

    Passes and Permits

  • Designated Camping in Crested Butte

    A placeholder image

    Find comprehensive information on designated camping regulations in the Gunnison National Forest around Crested Butte.

    Learn More

Features

Every Kid Outdoors 4th Grade Pass

Every Kid Outdoors Pass

The Every Kid Outdoors pass grants students and their guests free access to most federally managed lands and waters—including national forests, parks, wildlife refuges and marine sanctuaries. The pass is valid for the school year and grants free entry for fourth graders and three accompanying adults (or an entire car for drive-in parks) at more than 2,000 federally-managed sites. The pass also includes a free Christmas tree permit!

View Feature

Your Input Matters!

A person in an orange vest speaks with a female in her car

The National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) survey is happening on the GMUG National Forests until September 2024. If you see us conducting surveys during your visit, please stop and take the survey! It’s a great opportunity to let us know how your recreational expectations are being fulfilled on Forest Service lands.

During the NVUM, the public may encounter contract employees working in developed and dispersed recreation sites and along Forest Service roads. They will be out in all types of weather conditions, wearing bright orange vests, and will have signs that say, “Traffic Survey Ahead.”

All survey responses are voluntary and confidential.

View Feature

View All Features