The Gunnison Valley and the surrounding mountains, lakes and rivers offer a multitude of outdoor recreational activities including; Summer Activities: world class trout fishing, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, 4-wheeling and more. There are two major lakes in the area for boating activities (Taylor Reservoir and Blue Mesa Reservoir). Area summer art festivals, bike races, rodeos and outdoor music events provide entertainment throughout most of the summer. Winter Activities: There are two ski areas open in the winter (Crested Butte and Monarch): downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, hunting, wildlife viewing (big game animals include: bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bear, elk, deer, moose).