Map of hikes

Our Pictures of Hikes in the Gunnison and White River National Forest - 2007

These two National Forest got lumped together because we visited them on the same trip. We were basically Aspen hunting in the fall and hit the jackpot taking the back road over to Redstone outside Gunnison. To the east of Crested Butte there were quite a few folks, and some bow hunters about. Nothing like two people and three dogs to ruin a hunt. They were very gracious, and we let them "play through" in the hopes they could get far enough out in front of us to get something with those bows. Not wanting to ruin anymore hunts we tried heading west of Crested Butte the second day, and that's when we found the Aspens. Still lots of people, but we headed straight up the side of a mountain and left everyone else behind. Works every time.

Redstone and the surrounding area was way too busy and we were unable to get away from people, horses, people, and more people. It was so bad, we left a day early and forfeited our money for the reservations (some $200.00 - so you know we really didn't like it), and went home.

So in summary:

• Great Aspens and fantastic views west of Crested Butte.
• Have to do some fairly long drives (up to an hour?) to get to some decent hiking. Otherwise plan on company.
• Skip Redstone and the surrounding area. The locals are not friendly and there are tons of tourists. Bad combination.

White River National Forest - 2007