About Curecanti National Recreation Area
Three reservoirs and surrounding lands make up this recreation area in western Colorado. It is a landscape of tradeoffs; natural and human made features exist together. Geologic wonders are abundant from the sagebrush shrublands to forests. Visitors can experience the park year-round on both land and water.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.
Activities
Getting There
Curecanti is located between the Colorado towns of Gunnison (to the east), Montrose (to the west), and Lake City (to the south). The West Elk Mountain Wilderness area borders Curecanti to the north. U.S. Highway 50 runs the length of Curecanti east to west.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Hike Pine Creek Trail
This trail follows Pine Creek as it cascades into the depths of the upper Black Canyon to Morrow Point Reservoir.…
Boat on Morrow Point Reservoir
For the more adventurous, Morrow Point Reservoir is a great location for canoeing or kayaking. The easiest access to launch…
Hand-carried craft only. Sudden releases from Blue Mesa Dam may create hazardous boating conditions in either of these reservoirs.
Boat on Crystal Reservoir
Crystal Reservoir provides backcountry flatwater boating opportunities. Hand-carried craft only. Access is from Mesa Creek Trail located at Cimarron.
Hand-carried craft only. Fluctuating water levels and releases from Morrow Point Dam can create navigational problems.
Hike Mesa Creek Trail
This trail crosses Crystal Reservoir via footbridge and meanders along the river's edge for views of the sheer canyon walls.
Hike Neversink Trail
This short trail is located nearest to Gunnison along the Gunnison River and provides good birdwatching opportunities.
Hike Curecanti Creek Trail
After descending from the high rim of the Upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the trail follows Curecanti Creek as…
Visitor Centers
Elk Creek Visitor Center
This visitor center provides information, exhibits, book and map sales, restrooms, and outdoor seating. Water is available inside when the building is open.
Hours: The visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Campgrounds
Cimarron Campground
Cimarron Campground is located 20 miles (32 km) east of Montrose, CO on U.S. Highway 50 at the site of Cimarron, a historic narrow gauge…
Dry Gulch Campground
Dry Gulch Campground is located 17 miles west of Gunnison just north of U.S. Highway 50. The campground is shaded by large cottonwood trees and…
East Elk Creek Group Campground
East Elk Creek is a group campsite that can accommodate a total of 50 people. The site is located 16.5 miles west of Gunnison just…
East Portal Campground
East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon National Park ($30 entrance fee).…
Elk Creek Campground
Elk Creek Campground is located 16 miles west of Gunnison on U.S. Highway 50 on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. We recommend making reservations prior…
Gateview Campground
Gateview Campground is located in a deep, narrow canyon at the extreme south end of the Lake Fork Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Take CO…
Lake Fork Campground
The campground is located 27 miles west of Gunnison on CO Highway 92 near the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 on the shore of Blue…
Ponderosa Campground
Ponderosa Campground is located at the northwest end of the Soap Creek Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. From U.S. Highway 50, follow CO Highway 92…
Red Creek Campground
Red Creek Campground is located 19 miles west of Gunnison just north of U.S. Highway 50. There is only 1 site--a group site available by…
Stevens Creek Campground
The campground is located 12 miles west of Gunnison on U.S. Highway 50 on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Tents to large RVs can…
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