Gunnison Parks & Recreation

06/18/2026

The Rec Center will be OPEN on June 19th from 8:00AM to 6:00PM. There will be NO Early Morning Swim, NO Adult or Senior Fitness Classes, NO Senior Meals and NO Youth Programming. We'll be back to our regular schedule on Saturday!

06/17/2026

🏊 June is PACKED at the Gunnison Aquatics Center! 🌊

Whether you're a Stingrays family, a new swimmer, or just looking to stay active this summer there's something in the pool for everyone this month. Here's a peek at what's happening:

📅 A few important dates to note:
• June 19 — Juneteenth: Modified pool hours 8am–5:45pm

🐟 Stingrays Swim Team — practices most mornings 7:30–11am and evenings 5–6pm
👶 Parent & Tot (5:45–6:30pm Tues–Thurs) — perfect for your littlest water lovers
🏫 Morning Swim Lessons — 10–11:30am (Session 1 wrapping up, Session 2 starting mid-month!)
🐠 Guppies — Tuesdays & Thursdays 11am–12pm
🎯 Stroke Clinics 1& 2 — 4–4:45pm & 4–5pm, Tues & Thurs
🌙 Evening Lessons — 5:30–8:30pm Tues &Thurs
🧘 Deep Water Senior Exercise (Active Senior Class) — Tues & Fri 10–11am
💪 Adult Learn to Swim — Thursdays 5:30–6:15pm
🎓 Adult Stroke Clinic — Tues & Thurs 6:30–7:30pm
🏕️ Western Youth Camps — Wednesdays 12:30–3:30pm (June 4–18) It gets busy during this time!

Check out the full June calendar in the image below and plan your swims accordingly. Questions? Drop them in the comments or give us a call!

06/17/2026

1st Live Music Cruise - The Strand Hill Band

06/16/2026

⚽️🌍 World Cup fever is in the air… and we’re bringing the excitement right here to Gunnison 🌏⚽️

Challenger Sports Soccer Camp is always a community favorite, and it’s the perfect way for your kiddo to channel all that World Cup energy into some real on‑the‑field fun!

Early Bird Pricing ends SOON — don’t miss your chance to score big savings!

City of Gunnison P&R, working together with Challenger Sports, is excited to announce the best soccer programs in the area!SPACES ARE LIMITED, SO SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

06/15/2026

JOIN US FOR AMAZING LOCAL GUIDED HIKES! (Ages 55+)

* **June 16, 8:00 AM:** *Brush Creek Butterfly Hike* (Easy) featuring a 2.4-mile hike with 320 feet of elevation gain and opportunities to observe butterflies and wildflowers.
* **June 23, 7:00 AM:** *Monarch Mountain* (Intermediate/High Elevation) featuring a 6-mile hike with 500 to 700 feet of elevation gain and alpine views near Monarch Pass.
* **June 30, 7:00 AM:** *South Baldy/West Elks* (Intermediate/High Elevation) featuring a 6-mile hike with approximately 1,000 feet of elevation gain, wildflowers, and panoramic mountain views.

Registration is required in advance at the Recreation Center.
Cost is **$20 per hike ($23 for non-members)**
Transportation is provided, and all hikes are led by trained, knowledgeable, skilled guides. Hikes may be canceled due to weather or trail conditions.

06/13/2026

Summer Youth Climbing Classes starting soon. Session 1 6/22-7/2 and Session 2 7/13-7/30. Learn climbing fundamentals and new skills with friends! Register online or at the Rec Center.

06/10/2026

Swimming Lessons Open for Summer Registration

Our program is designed to help swimmers of all ages build confidence, improve skills, and stay safe in the water.

Lessons available for:
• Kids, teens, and adults
• Beginners through advanced swimmers
• Group and private instruction options

All sessions are led by experienced instructors in a supportive environment.

Space is limited and sessions are filling quickly.

Register today!
(970) 641-8426
https://www.gunnisonco.gov/departments/parks___recreation/aquatics.php

06/09/2026

CALLING ALL Gunnison and Crested Butte SENIORS (55+)! Summer programs are in full swing through the Senior Center (located in the Gunnison Rec Center).
Please register online, or call me (Alicia) at the Senior Center to sign up! (970)641-8272
***THIS THURSDAY (JUNE 11) is our hike to LILY LAKE*** – Hike fees include a skilled and knowledgeable guide and transportation to/from the trailhead. Sign up by 5pm on Wednesday (6/10)! If we don't have enough hikers enrolled, we will have to cancel, so don’t wait!
Difficulty: Intermediate Length: 3.5 miles Elevation gain: 400' (starting near 10,000')
Jeri will lead this hiking adventure! What we call Lily Lake doesn't actually have an official name. It's a 3.5 mile round trip hike on a steeper trail through forest to flat/rolling terrain in beautiful alpine meadows featuring "Lily Lake". Enjoy spectacular views, wildflowers and possibly spot a few lake salamanders! Hiking poles are highly recommended. Make sure to dress appropriately, pack plenty of water and snacks/lunch.
*Note: the hiking program requires that participants complete an EASY rated hike before they are eligible to sign up for INTERMEDIATE rated hikes. If you completed an Easy hike last year, you are eligible. Call Alicia with questions.
REGISTER for the LILY LAKE HIKE HERE: http://apm.activecommunities.com/gunnisonrec/Activity_Search/13642

***Line Dancing - Wednesdays*** has already started, but there are still 3/4 classes left if you want to join – you still can. This will be the last line dancing class until the fall, so don't miss out! Class is held in the Senior Center Wednesdays at Noon.
REGISTER for LINE DANCING HERE: http://apm.activecommunities.com/.../Activity_Search/13652

***Brush Creek Butterfly Hike – June 16th*** Hike fees include a skilled and knowledgeable guide, and transportation to/from the trailhead. Sign up by 5pm on Monday (6/15)! If we don't have enough hikers enrolled, we will have to cancel/postpone, so sign up now and enjoy the fun!
Difficulty: EASY Length: 2-4 miles Elevation gain: 320’
Join Sandy on this classic area hike. Seeing butterflies and wondering who they are and what they’re up to? This is the hike for you. We will stroll along looking for butterfly flowers, watching butterfly behavior, and perhaps even identifying a few. Hikers of all levels can enjoy the beautiful views on this trail! Bring binoculars if you have them. Make sure to dress appropriately, pack plenty of water and snacks/lunch.
REGISTER for the BRUSH CREEK BUTTERFLY HIKE HERE:
http://apm.activecommunities.com/.../Activity_Search/13643

***Rafting the Gunnison River – June 22nd*** Experience the beauty and excitement of the Gunnison River on a guided rafting adventure designed especially for older adults! In partnership Adaptive Sports, this enjoyable outing offers the perfect mix of fresh mountain air, scenic views, gentle adventure, and plenty of laughter along the way. Whether you’re an experienced rafter or trying it for the very first time, trained guides will help make the trip safe, comfortable, and fun for all ability levels. Drift through stunning canyon scenery, watch for wildlife, splash through refreshing river currents, and enjoy a memorable day outdoors with friends old and new. Come make waves, create lasting memories, and discover the joy of the Gunnison River from a whole new perspective!
*We will start a waiting list if it fills up.
REGISTER HERE for RAFTING the GUNNISON RIVER: http://apm.activecommunities.com/.../Activity_Search/13651

***Monarch Mountain Hike – June 23rd*** Hike fees include a skilled and knowledgeable guide and transportation to/from the trailhead. Sign up by 5pm on Monday (6/22)! If we don't have enough hikers enrolled, we will have to cancel, so don’t wait!
Difficulty: Intermediate Length: 6 miles Elev, gain: 500-700' (starting near 11,300)
Stuart will be leading this hike. Starting from Monarch Pass (11,317') we cross Hwy 50 to the north and follow a trail that contours southwest along a ridge, then cross the Old Monarch Pass and follow ski area roads up to the summit of the ski area (11,860'). We'll plan on lunch at a picnic table atop the mountain. Ater returning to the van folks can stop at the pass for ice cream, food or drink. Hiking poles are highly recommended. Make sure to dress appropriately, pack plenty of water and snacks/lunch.
*Note: the hiking program requires that participants complete an EASY rated hike before they are eligible to sign up for INTERMEDIATE rated hikes. If you completed an Easy hike last year, you are eligible. Call Alicia with questions.
REGISTER for the MONARCH MOUNTAIN HIKE HERE: http://apm.activecommunities.com/.../Activity_Search/13644

***Senior Day at the Pioneer Museum – June 25th *** Join us for an exclusive trip to a local treasure – The Pioneer Museum! Explore 41 buildings filled with historical artifacts that highlight what life was like in Gunnison’s past. Get a closer look at the Pioneer Society’s enormous collection of donated artifacts and see just how much the times have changed in the Gunnison Country… and how much they’ve stayed the same!
REGISTER for the PIONEER MUSEUM HERE:
http://apm.activecommunities.com/.../Activity_Search/13650

***Jewelry Making (4th of July earrings) – June 30th*** Get ready to add a little sparkle to your Independence Day celebration! Join Elise for a fun and creative jewelry-making class where you'll learn how to design and create your own festive red, white, and blue earrings. No experience is needed, and all supplies are provided. By the end of class, you'll leave with new jewelry-making skills and up to three pairs of handmade earrings perfect for parades, barbecues, fireworks, and all your holiday festivities.
REGISTER FOR JEWELRY MAKING HERE: http://apm.activecommunities.com/gunnisonrec/Activity_Search/13661

COMING LATER IN THE SUMM..
June 30th - South Baldy/West Elks:
http://apm.activecommunities.com/gunnisonrec/Activity_Search/13645

July 7th - Ptarmigan Lake:
http://apm.activecommunities.com/gunnisonrec/Activity_Search/13646

July 14th - Beaver Ponds:
http://apm.activecommunities.com/gunnisonrec/Activity_Search/13647

COMING LATER IN THE SUMMERto Beaver Pass:
http://apm.activecommunities.com/gunnisonrec/Activity_Search/13648

July 28th - Mill Lake:
http://apm.activecommunities.com/gunnisonrec/Activity_Search/13649