Gunnison National Forest was named for Captain John Gunnison, a man who came through this area in 1853 in search of a feasible route across the Continental Divide for a railroad. The present forest consists of over 1.7 million acres of public land and over 100,000 acres of private land within its boundaries. There are 2 peaks over 14,000' and another 20 that are over 13,000' in elevation.

The Gunnison, Grand Mesa and Uncompaghre National Forests were administratively combined in 1976. The Supervisor's office is in Delta, CO.

Most campgrounds in the Forest are designed to accommodate campers, tents and small trailers (up to 18 feet long). Length-of-stay limits are posted on the bulletin boards in the campgrounds and the usual limit is 14 days. User fees are charged in some recreation areas that are identified by signs at their entrances.

The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway crosses the forest between Lake City, Silverton and Ouray. This rugged road travels through spectacular and colorful high mountain scenery, providing access to several ghost towns and the summits of Redcloud, Handies, Sunshine, Wetterhorn, and Uncompahgre Peaks.