Travelling from Denver to Gunnison

Question

My daughter is looking at studying at The University of Western Colorado. She would like to visit before she makes her final decision. We will be flying into Denver and then can't decide if we should fly to Gunnison, hire a car and drive or use the bus? Flying seems quite expensive for a short flight? If it wasn't for the weather we would probably choose to drive, is this a silly idea in March/April? I would be very grateful for any advice.

Also, if anyone knows Gunnison it would be great to know of any recommendations for somewhere to stay for a few days? We want to be in Gunnison so our daughter can get a feel for it.

Thanks for reading.

Answer

Visiting Gunnison in March or April requires some planning because of the potential for winter weather, but it is definitely doable.

Driving from Denver to Gunnison

The drive is approximately 5–6 hours under normal conditions, covering around 280 miles. However, in March or April, you may encounter snow, ice, or slick roads, especially over mountain passes such as Vail Pass and Monarch Pass. If you choose to drive, make sure:

Your rental car is equipped with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
It has winter tires or that you request a vehicle with snow-rated tires from the rental company.
You check road conditions via CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) before departure.
You allow extra travel time for weather delays.

Driving offers flexibility, the chance to see scenic mountain landscapes, and convenience if you plan to explore around Gunnison and Crested Butte.

Flying

Flights from Denver to Gunnison are limited and often expensive, with small regional aircraft. Flight times are short (around 1 hour), but prices can be high, and you may still need a car in Gunnison to get around. Weather can also cause cancellations in spring.

Bus

There are bus services like Colorado Mountain Express and other regional shuttles, but these are limited in schedule and typically longer than driving (around 6–7 hours). Buses are fine if you prefer not to drive, but they offer less flexibility, especially for visiting local neighborhoods or the university.

Accommodation recommendations in Gunnison:

Hampton Inn Gunnison – comfortable, centrally located, convenient for families.
Quality Inn Gunnison – budget-friendly, good for short stays.
Airbnb/VRBO – options near downtown or close to Western Colorado University for a more residential feel.
Historic Western Hotel – offers a more local and charming experience.

Recommendation: If your daughter wants to get a real feel for living in Gunnison and you’re comfortable with winter driving, renting a reliable AWD or 4WD car with winter tires is usually the best option. It gives you flexibility to explore the town, university, and surrounding areas. Flying is possible but may be more costly and less convenient, while buses are slower and restrictive.