Curecanti National Recreation Area

Curecanti National Recreation Area is located in Colorado, encompassing over 41,000 acres of land. It is situated near the town of Gunnison and spans along the Gunnison River. This area is managed by the National Park Service and offers visitors a diverse range of outdoor recreational activities amidst stunning natural landscapes.

The historical background of Curecanti National Recreation Area is rooted in the construction of three dams on the Gunnison River: Crystal Dam, Morrow Point Dam, and Blue Mesa Dam. These dams were built between the 1960s and 1970s as part of the Colorado River Storage Project. The creation of the dams formed three reservoirs within the recreation area: Crystal Reservoir, Morrow Point Reservoir, and Blue Mesa Reservoir.

One of the main attractions at Curecanti National Recreation Area is the Blue Mesa Reservoir, which is the largest body of water in Colorado. This reservoir offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water sports. Anglers can find a wide variety of fish species, including trout, kokanee salmon, and yellow perch.

Another notable feature in the area is the stunning Morrow Point Reservoir. Visitors can enjoy scenic boat tours through the narrow Black Canyon, marveling at the towering cliffs and rugged beauty of the surroundings. Hiking trails near the reservoir provide opportunities for exploration and discovering hidden gems along the way.

Curecanti also offers numerous camping opportunities, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Elk Creek Campground is the largest campground in the area, providing modern facilities and several campsites near the reservoir. Additionally, visitors can enjoy picnicking, bird-watching, and wildlife viewing throughout the recreation area.

Nearby attractions in the vicinity of Curecanti National Recreation Area include the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which offers even more opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife encounters. The charming town of Gunnison, located nearby, provides additional amenities, shopping, and dining options for visitors.

Overall, Curecanti National Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado. Its breathtaking reservoirs, diverse recreational activities, and proximity to other attractions make it a perfect place to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Curecanti National Recreation Area is situated in the beautiful state of Colorado, nestled within the western region of the United States. This stunning recreational area is located in Gunnison County, encompassing parts of both the Gunnison and Montrose counties. It is positioned in close proximity to the iconic Colorado River, which flows through the heart of the area, providing visitors with breathtaking views of deep canyons and towering cliffs. With an elevation ranging from 5,800 to 7,800 feet, Curecanti National Recreation Area boasts a diverse landscape that includes impressive mesas, rolling hills, and serene forests, creating a remarkable backdrop for outdoor activities and adventurous exploration.

Address & Contact

102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230
Driving Directions
Phone: 9706412337
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Curecanti National Recreation Area would be during the months of April, May, September, and October. These months offer pleasant outdoor weather with average maximum temperatures ranging from 56°F to 73°F. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months is relatively low, ranging from 0.8 to 1.5 inches. While visitor counts increase during April and May, it is still possible to avoid large crowds compared to the peak months of June, July, and August.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Curecanti National Recreation Area are: Astronomy Stargazing Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Snowmobiling Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Ice Skating Snowshoeing Swimming Group Camping RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Sailing Horse Camping (see also camping) Stand Up Paddleboarding Freshwater Swimming Water Skiing Jet Skiing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Curecanti National Recreation Area: Animals Geology Night Sky Archeology Industry Laborer and Worker Transportation Tunnels Westward Expansion Fish Canyons and Canyonlands River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Unique Species Explorers and Expeditions Military US Army Forests and Woodlands Grasslands Mountains Astronomy Scenic Views Thickets and Shrublands Endangered Volcanoes Engineering Dams Canals Trains and Railroads Commerce

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.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Elk Creek Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Curecanti National Recreation Area

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 railroad town. The campground accommodates tents to medium sized RVs. All sites are first-come, first-served and the campground rarely fills. Railroad exhibits are adjacent to the campground. Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam is approximately 1.5 miles away (2.4 km).
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 12.00 (Senior / Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 21
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 can accommodate tents or medium sized RVs. All sites are first-come first-served. A horse corral is available. Elevation: 7560 feet
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 10.00 (Senior / Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 9
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 north of U.S. Highway 50. The campsites are located under large cottonwood trees, and space is available for tents or RVs. Elevation: 7535 feet
Fees (US$): 53.00 (East Elk Creek Group Campground)
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

East Portal Campground

The East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which has a $30 entrance fee. The campground is located at the bottom of the canyon, along the Gunnison River. It is a small campground shaded by box elder trees. East Portal is closed in winter, when the Bureau of Reclamation closes the East Portal Road. Elevation: 6549 ft (1996.1 m)
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 10.00 (Senior / Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 15
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 to coming to Curecanti because cell service and first-come, first-served sites may be unavailable. Reservations may be made on recreation.gov from mid-May to mid-September. All types of camping from tents to large RVs can be accommodated. Very few sites have trees. This is the only campground with electricity (Loop D only) at Curecanti. Elevation: 7540 feet
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Loops A & B Standard Camping Fee), 12.00 (Loops A & B Senior / Access Camping Fee), 24.00 (Loop C Standard Camping Fee), 12.00 (Loop C Senior / Access Camping Fee), 34.00 (Loop D Standard Camping Fee), 17.00 (Loop D Senior / Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 155
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 Highway 149 7 miles west of Powderhorn, then 6 miles north on the gravel Blue Mesa Cutoff Road. All sites are first-come first-served. Gateview is best suited for tent camping. Due to the narrow gravel road, even small RVs or pop-up trailers are not recommended. Elevation: 7538 feet
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Gateview Campground)
Total Campsites: 6
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 Mesa Reservoir. We recommend making reservations at recreation.gov prior to coming to Curecanti because cell service and first-come, first-served sites may be unavailable. Reservations may be made on recreation.gov from mid-May to mid-September. Tents and large RVs can be accommodated. The campground is paved except for the tent walk-in sites. Elevation: 7580 feet
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Upper & Middle Sections Standard Camping Fee), 12.00 (Upper & Middle Sections Senior/Access Camping Fee), 24.00 (Lower Section Standard Camping Fee), 12.00 (Lower Section Senior/Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 90
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 1/2 mile past Blue Mesa Dam to Soap Creek Road. Proceed 7 miles north on the gravel Soap Creek Road. Tents and medium sized RVs can be accommodated at Ponderosa. All sites are first-come first-served. Elevation: 7880 feet Note: During dry conditions, the first 7 miles of Soap Creek Road are passable to trailers and RVs. Rain can make the Soap Creek Road impassable.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 10.00 (Senior / Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 28
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Red Creek Campground

Red Creek Campground is located 19 miles west of Gunnison just north of U.S. Highway 50. There are 2 sites--1 individual site and 1 group site. The group site can accommodate a maximum of 20 people. The individual site is first-come first-served, and the group site is by reservation only. RVs longer than 22 feet are not recommended due to a lack of space to turn around. Elevation: 7542 feet
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Red Creek Individual Site - Standard Camping Fee), 10.00 (Red Creek Individual Site - Senior/Access Camping Fee), 28.00 (Red Creek Group Site)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 be accommodated. The 53 sites are surrounded by sage and rabbitbrush. There is no natural shade. All sites are first-come first-served. Elevation: 7540 feet
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 10.00 (Senior / Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 53
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Curecanti National Recreation Area

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gunnison

When you stay at Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gunnison in Gunnison, you'll be near the airport, within a 5-minute drive of Smith Opera House and Dos Rios Golf Club. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 701 W Us Highway 50, Gunnison, Colorado 81230
Web: Link

Quality Inn Near Western State Colorado University

With a stay at Quality Inn Near Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Western State Colorado University and Jorgensen Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-in. Planning an event in Gunnison? This hotel has facilities measuring 1500 square feet (139 square meters), including a meeting room. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 400 E Tomichi Ave, Gunnison, Colorado 81230
Web: Link

Rodeway Inn Gunnison

Located in Gunnison, Rodeway Inn Gunnison is in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Dos Rios Golf Club and Smith Opera House. Featured amenities include a computer station, express check-out, and laundry facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 37760 W. US Hwy 50, Gunnison, Colorado 81230
Web: Link

Alpine Inn & Suites

Located in Gunnison, Alpine Inn & Suites is in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Western State Colorado University and Jorgensen Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1011 Rio Grande Rd (Hwy 50), Gunnison, Colorado 81230
Web: Link

Western Motel

With a stay at Western Motel in Gunnison, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Jorgensen Park and Western State Colorado University. Featured amenities include luggage storage and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 403 East Tomichi Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado 81230
Web: Link

Gunnison Lakeside RV Park & Cabins – A Cruise Inn Park

With a stay at Gunnison Lakeside RV Park & Cabins A Cruise Inn Park in Gunnison, you'll be just steps from Curecanti National Recreation Area and Blue Mesa Reservoir. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 28357 US Hwy 50, Gunnison, Colorado 81230
Web: Link

Long Holiday Motel

With a stay at Long Holiday Motel in Gunnison, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Dos Rios Golf Club and Smith Opera House. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1198 West US Highway 50, Gunnison, Colorado 81230
Web: Link

ABC Motel

A stay at ABC Motel places you in the heart of Gunnison, within a 15-minute walk of Smith Opera House and Western State Colorado University. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge during limited hours, and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 212 E Tomichi Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado 81230
Web: Link

The Gunnison Inn at Dos Rios Golf Course

Located in Gunnison, The Gunnison Inn at Dos Rios Golf Course is within a 5-minute drive of Dos Rios Golf Club and Smith Opera House. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).
Address: 37478 US-50, Gunnison, Colorado 81230
Web: Link

Arrowhead Mountain Lodge

With a stay at Arrowhead Mountain Lodge in Cimarron, you'll be in the mountains, and 6.8 mi (10.9 km) from Curecanti National Recreation Area and 9.2 mi (14.9 km) from Gunnison River. Featured amenities include luggage storage, coffee/tea in a common area, and microwave in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 21401 Alpine Plateau Rd, Cimarron, Colorado 81220
Web: Link