Kayaking
The Gunnison Valley offers a wide variety of kayaking adventures from Class V creeking on the Upper East River and Oh-Be-Joyful Creek to Class II runs on the Gunnison and Taylor Rivers, and even some fun playboating at the Gunnison Whitewater Park. If rodeo moves are your style, try them out at the Gunnison Whitewater Park. For kayak lessons, we offer expert instruction with our experienced guides. Duckie trips (inflatable kayaks) are also a popular option. We offer guided trips as well as rentals if you want to go out on your own.
Guided Duckie Trips
A duckie is an inflatable kayak paddled by one or two people. It is a stable boat like a raft and does not require you to be enclosed or to have a roll, as a hard kayak does. All duckie trips include round trip transportation from the resort and all gear necessary: boat, paddle, helmet, wetsuit, splash clothes and booties. Taylor River trips include Splash Flash Photography services and 3% US Forest Service fees. All trips leave at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Plan to arrive at Three Rivers Resort 30 minutes prior to trip time. To expedite your check-in, be sure to complete the online waiver in advance. You will receive a link to this in your trip confirmation email.
| Trip Type |
Min. # of people |
Price/ person |
Notes |
| Lower Taylor, Class II (beginner, never kayaked on moving water) |
2 |
$90 |
Min. age is 12 yrs. old |
|
|
|
|
| Upper Taylor, Class III (intermediate, has kayaked on moving water) |
2 |
$100 |
Min. age is 16; prior kayak experience required (not rafting) |
| |
Kayak Instruction:
Spend time with our expert instructors. They have logged many miles paddling our local rivers. If you are just learning, try a roll clinic on the pond to learn the basics of rolling and then progress to moving water on the Taylor or Gunnison River. If you are experienced, take a lesson to improve your paddling skills or to learn how to play at the whitewater park. Contact us for schedules and rates.
Rentals:
We have the following available for daily rentals: inflatable duckies (kayaks), Stand Up Paddleboards and any river gear you may need. Please contact the Activities Desk for rates and availability. For larger gear, you must have a vehicle that will be able to transport gear safely and securely. Inflatables may be deflated and we can send a pump with you. Three Rivers offers private shuttles for an additional fee.
Responsibility and Liability: River rafting, kayaking and fishing are adventure sports that involve risk. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged articles or personal injury. We are fully bonded insured and licensed but you participate at your own risk and must sign a waiver of liability.
Three Rivers Outfitting is a member of the Colorado River Outfitting Association and America outdoors. Colorado Outfitting License #389-Colorado River License #D0092. All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands unders special permit from the USFS, BLM &NPS. Three Rivers Outfitting is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is a water sport with a long-standing Hawaiian heritage. It has grown rapidly in recent years due to the popularity among celebrities and athletes who use it for an effective core workout. SUP’s offer a fun way to cruise around lakes, surf big ocean waves or even run rivers.
We offer SUP’s for rent daily. Our SUP’s are inflatable and can be easily rolled up and stuffed into a backpack for portability. All rentals come with SUP, paddle, pfd and pump. Other gear like wetsuit and booties are available for an additional rental cost. Because of the rocky nature of the rivers here, we do not recommend SUP’s for river usage as the potential for injury is fairly high. However, we have a number of beautiful high mountain lakes in the area where paddle boarding is very enjoyable. Try Lake Irwin, Spring Creek Reservoir, Lost Lake, or the larger Taylor or Blue Mesa Reservoirs.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Rentals
Rentals are full day from 8 am to 6:45 pm.
$60/day per paddleboard.
Skiing/Snowboarding
Many people who live in the Gunnison Valley first came here for the winters. Why? World class skiing and snowboarding and lots of snow! With over 300 inches of snow per year,
Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers a great variety of terrain including the best extremes in the country. Like any first class resort, there are multiple dining options available, shops at the base area, lessons and rentals for all ages and abilities, special events, etc.
Check our
Hot Deals Page often for the latest in savings on your winter ski/snowboard vacation.
Other Skiing and Snowboarding Nearby:
For a different but equally as wonderful ski experience, try nearby
Monarch Mountain with over 350 inches of all natural snow, fantastic terrain and the feel of an “old time” ski resort without all the frills (and without the huge price tag!).
For 50 km of perfectly groomed trails with jaw-dropping scenery and terrain, visit the
Crested Butte Nordic Center. They offer affordable passes, rentals and lessons plus kids under 16 years old, ski and rent for FREE!! Ask us about our partnership and discounts with the CB Nordic Center.
For epic early season Nordic skiing, head out to Lily Lake off Kebler Pass Road in Crested Butte. It is only accessible by car for a short time. For many other free options, visit groomed trails at Hartman Rocks Recreational area in Gunnison, Mill Creek trails off of Ohio Creek Road and get a local’s recommendation on their favorite trails all over the valley.
Other Recreational Activities
Ask Our Friendly Staff!
Remember, we all live and play here so chances are, someone on staff can give expert advice on your recreational interest. We are happy to help you with recommendations on horseback riding, Jeep tours, 4WD trails and rentals, mountain biking and hiking trails, scenic drives and more.
Check out
JJ’s Jeeps for guided Jeep tours in the Gunnison-Crested Butte area!
Hunting
Every fall, we welcome many hunters at the resort. In the fly-fishing shop, we can sell over the counter hunting licenses. Our location is perfect for getting after that trophy elk! We sit in game management unit (GMU) 55 and across the highway is GMU 54. Our cabins and homes offer many different configurations for groups of hunters. During the peak 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons we offer an area to clean and hang your animal.
