Skip to Main Content
A cold september night out on taylor lawn.

Visit Western Colorado University

There’s no better way to decide whether Western is right for you than to experience our campus in Gunnison, Colorado firsthand. Visit Western Colorado University and explore college tours in Colorado designed for every stage of your college search, from your first campus visit to admitted and deposited student experiences.

Find the Right Colorado College Tour or Campus Visit

Our college tours in Colorado offer a range of ways to experience Western—from daily visits lasting a few hours to full-day events and immersive weekend experiences. Each visit provides a deeper look at academics, campus life and the Western community, with options tailored to your current stage in the admissions process.

Daily
Base Camp
Ascend
Summit
Three deer lay in the shade of the Rady building during the summer.

Daily Campus Visits

Available most weekdays and select Saturdays, our daily college campus tours give you a firsthand look at life at Western. During your campus visit, explore campus with a student guide, attend an admissions information session, meet with a professor and get answers to your questions about academics, student life and the admissions process.

Two girls visit a table during the club fair in the University Center

Base Camp Western: Western Open House

Base Camp Western goes beyond a traditional Colorado college tour, giving prospective students and their guests a full day to experience Western. Explore Western’s campus, connect with the Mountaineer community, learn more about academics and student life, and experience what makes studying in the Gunnison Valley unique.

A skier grabs his ski while in the air on a bluebird day.

Ascend Western: Admitted Student Weekend

Now that you’ve been admitted, it’s time to celebrate and experience what life as a Mountaineer could look like. Ascend goes beyond a traditional college tour, giving admitted students the opportunity to explore academic programs, connect with the Western community, discover ways to get involved and experience favorite Gunnison traditions. Plus, you’ll receive a complimentary lift ticket!

New friends smile as they take in the views on a sunset hike during Summit Western.

Summit Western: Deposited Student Experience

Calling all committed Mountaineers! Summit Western is an immersive campus experience designed to help you prepare for your next chapter at Western. Connect with future classmates, EPIC mentors and Western alumni while getting to know the campus, community and Gunnison Valley you’ll soon call home.

Not sure where to start?

Use the dropdown menu to show the visit options that best fit your needs

I am...

getting to know Western.

Why Visit Western Colorado University?

A campus visit gives you the chance to go beyond websites, rankings and brochures and experience what being a student could actually feel like. At Western, you’ll explore our campus in Gunnison, meet members of the Mountaineer community and see firsthand how academics, student life and the surrounding mountains shape the college experience.

During your visit, you can:

Explore academic buildings, residence halls and campus spaces.

Learn about Western’s academic programs and hands-on learning opportunities.

Meet current students and get a feel for campus life.

Connect with faculty and Admissions staff.

Experience Gunnison and Colorado’s Western Slope.

Get answers to the questions that matter most to your college decision.

What to Expect During a Western Campus Visit

A typical weekday campus visit at Western Colorado University includes a student-led college campus tour and an Admissions information session, with the option to meet with an academic department. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the places where Western students learn, live and spend their time while getting answers about academics, admissions, financial aid and student life.

Plan Your Visit to Western

When you visit Western Colorado University, you’ll experience our campus in Gunnison, Colorado, in the heart of the Gunnison Valley. Whether you’re traveling from across the state or across the country, use these tips to plan your campus visit and make the most of your time in the valley. Whether you’re traveling from across the state or across the country, use these tips to plan your campus visit and make the most of your time in the valley.

Where to Stay
Gunnison offers a variety of hotels, motels and other accommodations within a short drive of Western’s campus. Visitors can also find additional lodging throughout the Gunnison Valley and in nearby Crested Butte.

What to Wear
Western sits at 7,700 feet in elevation, and mountain weather can change quickly in any season. Campus tours involve walking outdoors, so wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Bring sun protection and a water bottle, and check the Gunnison weather forecast before your visit.

Explore Gunnison
Your campus tour is a great opportunity to experience the community Western students call home. Spend some time exploring downtown Gunnison, local restaurants, shops and the places that make this mountain town unique. Watch our video about life in Gunnison on YouTube.

Explore Crested Butte & the Gunnison Valley
There’s more to the Western experience than campus. From Crested Butte to the surrounding mountains, trails, rivers and public lands, the Gunnison Valley gives Western students access to year-round outdoor recreation and a one-of-a-kind Colorado mountain community. Discover more about life in the Gunnison Valley and everything the area has to offer Western students.

Planning Your College Search?

A campus visit is just one part of choosing the right college. Find answers, tips and free college planning resources in the Western Admissions Guide to help you compare colleges, choose a major, understand financial aid, navigate the application process and prepare for what’s next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

Contact Information

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Taylor Hall L1
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231