Several of the access points require mountain goat skills to negotiate, especially when carrying boats and gear. This is bear country so be bear aware and take proper precautions to prevent dangerous encounters (including going with somebody whom you can outrun.) Much of the adjoining lands are privately owned, so avoid trespassing whenever possible. Required equipment includes a camera because the Gunnison and its tributaries are true marvels to behold. This most definitely includes Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park less than 10 miles east of Montrose. And while the runs through Black Canyon National Park are through a tight canyon most of the river flows through open, private land on one or both sides, so care should be taken to avoid trespassing. There are numerous private road crossings that do not lend themselves to use as access except in emergency situations, but the road is seldom far away from the river except in the canyons.

Parts of the Gunnison and some of its tributaries, especially Lower Black Canyon between Crystal Dam and Chukar Trail, are strictly Class V to V+ kayak runs, though most of this basin has rivers that can be safely paddled by those with novice to intermediate whitewater skill levels. Access is often difficult and access at many public roads is prohibited by private fences attached to bridge abutments blocking access. Parking is also a major issue on most of the rivers in this section. This results in some runs that are a little longer than many people prefer, but that is the price we pay for the thrills of paddling these streams. Runs that are particularly hazardous will be noted with bold, red typeface calling attention to the difficulty level of the run. Though parts of the Gunnison River have adequate flow almost all the time the section from the headwaters to Blue Mesa Reservoir will become low and non-navigable between September and March or April except in really wet years.