The City of Gunnison is truly the Base Camp of the Rocky Mountains. As evidenced by the Tenderfoot Archaeological Site overlooking the city, ancient hunters used the area 12,000 years ago as their base camp to hunt the valley’s abundant game. The City was established in 1874, again as a Base Camp. This time it was as the supply center for the surrounding gold and silver mining camps. Ranching followed the mines and the City was incorporated in 1880. Today, Gunnison is used as a base camp by the locals and visitors alike to enjoy the abundant indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. There is no better place to live, visit, or conduct business than the beautiful Gunnison Valley!