Van Tuyl Ranch Trail access provides convenient foot-only access to the Gunnison River and serves as the gateway to the Gunnison Northwest Trail System, offering high-quality trails closest to the City of Gunnison with easy access from town.

The area features a peaceful 3-mile riverside loop through historic ranch pastures with an elevated boardwalk to the river, wildlife viewing opportunities, and connections to BLM public lands and US Forest Service trails.

A valid hunting or fishing license or SWA pass is required for visitors 16 and older, and access to the river is by foot only from the Van Tuyl trail intersection at the Y-gate.