Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

Spanning over 3.16 million acres across western Colorado, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests encompass an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, from the world's largest flat-top mountain to some of the most rugged alpine terrain in the Rocky Mountains. Grand Mesa rises to over 10,000 feet and stretches 40 miles long by 10 miles wide, supporting over 300 lakes and reservoirs on its forested summit plateau. The Uncompahgre division protects the dramatic San Juan Mountains including Uncompahgre Peak (14,309 ft).\n\nThe Gunnison division encompasses the vast Gunnison Basin, world-renowned for elk hunting and trophy mule deer, with the headwaters of the Gunnison River flowing through the Black Canyon. The forest's vast aspen groves produce some of Colorado's most spectacular fall color, with the Kebler Pass corridor ranking among the premier autumn destinations in the state.\n\nThe GMUG supports a critical outdoor recreation economy for communities including Crested Butte, Telluride, and Paonia, providing world-class mountain biking, backcountry skiing, ice climbing in Ouray, and Nordic skiing. The forest manages significant grazing allotments, timber resources, and mineral resources while protecting vital watershed for the Colorado River system.