Lake Fork of the Gunnison - How Friendly?

[canoekarena]

I'm interested in having some canoers do the Lake Fork Box followed by the Gate to Red Bridge on July 4th. We'll be on our way to do the Chama on the 6th.

But past posts about the Gateview Ranch and litigation have me worried. What is the current status of those 4 miles and other landowners as well? Does the lawsuit rancher's land start just below the Gate Campground, or where is it?

There are no named rapids, so I assume they are easy III's on the Box section? Any info would be helpful.

[shonuffkayak]

Lake fork box of the gunnison. Is a pretty easy stretch of river. I wouldn't call any of it class 3. The main hazards are strainers and tight bends that wanna push you into the walls. Very pretty relaxed float

[lmyers]

Gateview Ranch is shortly after "The Gate". The stretch from The Gate to Redbridge is 7 miles, not 4. I have not floated that section because it is still a rather hostile situation. I have not heard any recent updates to the situation though.

If you wanted to make the run longer without running the section in question you could put in at Lake City and go down to The Gate. That would add another 3-5 miles to the trip.

No real class III unless you catch it at really high water, which isn't too likely this season, especially in July.