As Colorado’s second-largest river by volume and the second-largest tributary to the Colorado River (behind only the Green River in water contribution), it also provides fishing and rafting on mostly easy Class I-II water with gentle waves and scenic views of green pastures, cottonwood groves, and volcanic rock formations—perfect for beginners, kids, and relaxed outings. Gunnison Gorge—within the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and Wilderness—provides one of Colorado’s premier multi-day wilderness experiences, blending gold-medal trout fishing with commercial rafting on Class III-IV whitewater. This remote 14-mile stretch boasts exceptional populations of rainbow and brown trout in deep green pools, riffles, pocket water, and abundant hatches, making it renowned for outstanding fly fishing from boats or wading, often hailed as having some of the highest fish densities in the state. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, where the river plunges through sheer, towering walls with a steep gradient and extreme Class V-VI whitewater that demands expert skills, generally ran by expert kayakers, a few rafts have made the descent.