The Gunnison Basin is a high-elevation valley in western Colorado, characterized by its namesake river (the Gunnison), wet meadows, mountain valleys and forests, sagebrush, and the spectacular river canyon known as the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. It also contains the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and the unique landscape of the Adobe Hills bordering the gorge.  The best known of its at-risk inhabitants is the Gunnison sage grouse, but the land is also home to endangered native plants like the clay-loving wild buckwheat and the river to endangered native fish.

The Gunnison Basin is suffering from a rapid loss of habitat as its ranches and open space are consumed by ranchettes and suburban sprawl, overgrazing, and severe pollution problems from irresponsible off-road vehicle use and other sources. Even oil and gas drilling is making its mark as large numbers of acres are leased and new operations started.