Rocky Mountains · Black Canyon Trail

Cooper’s Ranch and the Neversink Trail

Aliases: Curecanti National Recreation Area

Cooper’s Ranch and the Neversink Trail, both part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, provide access to an extensive mature cottonwood forest along the Gunnison River which can be terrific for wildlife viewing. This is some of the best deciduous forest in Western Colorado, and you can find a great diversity of breeding birds here including Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-headed Grosbeak, and even a few pairs of Least Flycatchers, which are quite rare this far west. In spring and fall, many other species of migrants might be found. Watch along the river for muskrats, beavers and striped skunks.

Restrictions: Beware high water during the spring runoff season

County: Gunnison

Directions: To get to Cooper's Ranch from Gunnison, head west on US 50 to mile post 151 (6 miles). Turn left at the sign and park at the bottom of the hill. Explore up- or downstream; there are some nice small ponds downstream. The Neversink Trailhead is half a mile to the east along US 50.

Alternate Directions: From Gunnison, head west on US50 for 6 miles to the entrance, just past mile marker 151, on the left.

Habitat: Stream, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Lowland Riparian, Grassland/Prairie

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: National Park Service
Admission or Fees: Free

Parking: Gravel parking lots

Lodging: Campgrounds in the Curecanti National Recreation Area or hotels in Gunnison

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: The Neversink Trail is wheelchair-accessible.

Delorme: 58 D1

ROC: 100 C3

Latitude: 38.519211
Longitude: -107.006772