The Chukar Boat Launch is the primary put-in for floating the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, accessed via a primitive rough road (4WD recommended) that ends at the wilderness boundary, followed by a 1-mile hike down Chukar Trail to the river where all gear and boats must be carried.

Boaters must register and pay wilderness permits ($3 day-use or $10-$15 camping) at the trailhead, and a commercial horse packing service is available seasonally to help transport gear.

The launch provides access to 14 miles of technical Class III-IV whitewater and world-class trout fishing, with designated boater campsites available downstream (one night maximum per site).