102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone: 970-641-2337
Fax: 970-641-3127
Open All Year
Overview. When three dams were built on the Gunnison River in the 1960s, three reservoirs were created. Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal reservoirs have now become the state's prime water recreation hot spot. Named for the Ute chief Curicata, Curecanti National Recreation Area offers striking scenery; from sagebrush covered mesas to fjord-like canyons. Numerous smaller streams long ago carved these drainages on their way to spilling into what was once the Gunnison River. Rainbow, brook, and lake trout thrive in the deep, cold water. Blue Mesa, the largest reservoir in Colorado, is also one of the largest Kokanee salmon fisheries in the U.S. Visitors enjoy playing on the sun-splashed surface, fishing the depths, and camping in designated campgrounds around the reservoirs. What to see and do. During the busy summer season, the three wheelchair-accessible visitor centers at Elk Creek, Lake Fork, and Cimarron are all open daily. At Elk Creek, an audiovisual program introduces you to the area's history and visitor opportunities. In summertime, check the schedule of ranger talks, and don't miss the trout viewing pond. Pick your water sport, and you'll be sure to enjoy it here. On Blue Mesa reservoir you'll find five boat ramps from which you can launch power boats. If you prefer canoeing, sailing, or windsurfing undisturbed by noise or wakes, put in on the other two reservoirs, which allow only hand-carried watercraft. During the summer, rent boats at the Elk Creek and Lake Fork marinas. If you'd like a tour, sign up for the ranger-guided boat trip on Morrow Point reservoir. Fishing is great anywhere on the reservoirs, provided you have a Colorado license. After a day on the reservoir, camp at one of ten sites throughout the area. Some sites are wheelchair-accessible. At any of the visitor centers, you can get a schedule of evening programs and their locations. On your second day, think about a side trip to the Cimarron Visitor Center. During the summer, you can look through a narrow-gauge train exhibit of old Denver & Rio Grande cars and an engine. A drive along US Hwy 92 offers splendid views at several overlooks. Short hiking trails peel off from the road. There isn't a lot of backcountry for extended hikes, but rangers lead short theme hikes throughout the summer. Rangers can provide information on recently discovered fossils and ancient Native American dwellings. During wintertime, only the Elk Creek Visitor Center is open, but the lake still offers outdoor opportunities. Drop a line beneath the ice once it thickens up; the ice fishing here is outstanding. Cross-country skiers cut paths along the shore or over the snow-covered lakes. Ranger-organized winter treks and snowshoe hikes reveal the chilly splendor of the area. Check at Elk Creek for details about these activities and about hunting regulations.
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Archeological Sites |
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Bird Watching |
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Boat Launching |
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Cross-country Skiing |
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Fishing |
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Food Service |
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Geological Sites |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Horse Trails |
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Motor Boating |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Snowmobiling |
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Swimming |
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Visitor Center |
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Water Skiing |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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