Chukar Trailhead serves as the primary boating access to the wilderness portion of Gunnison Gorge, featuring four campsites with shade structures, fire rings, and picnic tables, plus a vault toilet and self-serve permit station.

Access requires a primitive 4WD road ending at the wilderness boundary, followed by a 1-mile hike down Chukar Trail to the river where all gear and boats must be carried (no wheeled devices allowed in wilderness).

This is the launch point for Class III/IV whitewater rapids and excellent fishing opportunities in the Gold Medal Trout Water section of the Gunnison River.