Outdoor Science and Learning

The GMUG  National Forest is a great place to learn about local history and nature. There are many interpretive areas with signs explaining historic or natural features. Check out our Special Places!

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits

The GMUG National Forest has several key sites with interpretive information on the historic, or natural significance of a particular area to enhance your visit.

If you are particularly interested in the early mining history of our area, the Alpine Tunnel Historic District  or the Red Mountain Mining Interpretive Area would be an worthwhile day trip. Refer to our Special Heritage Areas of more information.  Our forest has several other interpretive areas such as Lands End Observatory, Raber Cow Camp,  Windy Point Observation Site, Keystone Hill and Lizard Head Interpretive Sites.

Visitor Centers

The Grand Mesa Visitor Center, located on the Grand Mesa, is a great place to learn some new nature facts. Take a discovery hike, listen to some birds calls, key out a few wildflowers, or join a presentation by some local experts on black bears, wild cats, or our new population of moose!

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Recreation Opportunities

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits (22)

Viewing Plants (18)

Viewing Scenery (30)

Viewing Wildlife (21)

Visitor Centers (3)

Visitor Programs (1)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 47 results

Almont Campground - Gunnison RD

Site Open

Almont Campground is located adjacent to Colorado State Highway 135. This campground is in walking distance of the Almont Gorge, where the East River and Taylor River join to form the Gunnison River.…

Alpine Tunnel Historic District

Alpine Tunnel is a National Historic Railroad District consisting of a two hundred foot wide right-of-way along ten mile stretch of the original Denver, South Park and Pacific rail bed, between the…

Cold Springs Campground - Gunnison RD

Site Open

This rustic campground is located in the Taylor Canyon along the Taylor River. This site provides access to gold-medal fishing in the Taylor River. Rafting and kayaking are also supported by the…

Cottonwood Pass/ Taylor River Road Juncti

Interpretative site describing the Taylor Reservoir area

Crested Butte

CB camping

Dave Wood Interpretive Hike #115.1A

The Dave Wood Interpretive Trail #115.1A begins at the Simms Mesa/Dave Wood Trailhead at the National Forest Boundary and ends at an intersection with the Simms Mesa Trail #115. This trail wanders…

Dinner Station Campground - Gunnison RD

Site Closed

This campground is used primarily by four-wheel drive, ATV and trail bike enthusiasts. It is located 3.75 miles north of Taylor Reservoir. Several fishing sites line the banks of the Taylor River…

Emerald Lake Day Use Area

Emerald Lake Day Use Area is a high elevation picnic area in a picturesque basin providing a quiet restful summer experience.

Gothic Campground - Gunnison RD

Site Closed

The terrain surrounding Gothic Campground is as rugged as it is beautiful. The mountain biking, hiking, motorcycle riding and four-wheel driving can't be beat. This older rustic site lies in a…

Grand Mesa

Largest flat top mountain in the world.Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Motorized boat,…