Gunnison Valley was named after Captain John W. Gunnison, a man employed as a surveyor by the United States Government, in 1853.

The Gunnison party crossed the Green River two miles above present Green River City, using the Old Spanish Trail Crossing.  After crossing the river, they followed the trail through the desert, skirting the San Rafael Swell, passing north along the foot of Cedar Mountain, to Castle Valley then south and over the mountains to Salina, Utah.  Then they traveled on to the Sevier Valley where they were attacked by Indians and Gunnison was killed.

Gunnison Butte, up river from Green River City

Sand Dunes in Gunnison Valley

A great place to ride ATV's, and motorcycles.  For more information visit the Information Center in the John Wesley Powell River History Museum, 885 East Main, right on the river.