Curecanti National Recreation Area Overview
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| Curecanti National Recreation Area (courtesy, National Park Service/Lisa Lynch) |
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Curecanti National Recreation Area
102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone: 970-641-2337
The old rock faces of the Black Canyon tell of changes that have occurred over a period of two billion years. The surrounding mesas are capped with cliffs and rocky spires, evidence of violent volcanic eruptions approximately 30 million years ago. These formed the West Elk Mountains to the north. Later volcanic episodes to the south formed Southwestern Colorado's scenic San Juan Mountains, and spewed vast quantities of ash over this area.
The Gunnison River readily cut down through this volcanic matter, but below laid the tough, ancient rock that has been exposed in Black Canyon. This canyon lends the fjord-like character to Morrow Point Lake's steep, rock walls. Crystal Lake is also steep-walled. Blue Mesa's lakebed formed in less-resistant volcanic mudflow materials. As these eroded beneath solidified volcanic layers, spires formed.
You can see a fine example of this formation when hiking the Dillon Pinnacles Trail. The most striking feature of the lower lakes is the spire-like Curecanti Needle. It is best viewed from the tour boat on Morrow Point Lake. Curecanti's fish—brown, rainbow, and Mackinaw trout and Kokanee salmon—attract the greatest number of people to the park, but other recreational opportunities abound—scenic driving, cross-country skiing, boating, camping and hunting.
But Curecanti National Recreation Area's greatest asset is the opportunity to savor the solitude and silence of canyons and mesas.
Published: 28 Oct 2008
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.
Curecanti National Recreation Area Highlights
- Curecanti National Recreation Area offers camping by boat, a rare treat in Colorado. Each reservoir—Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal— has established boat-in campsites. This is some of the best lake camping in Colorado, so experience it if you never have before.
- With one group and two individual sites, Red Creek is the smallest group and individual campground in Curecanti National Recreation Area. Red Creek is located 19 miles west of Gunnison and the sites are located among large cottonwood trees, which offer great shade.
- East Elk Creek is the smallest group campground in Curecanti. There is only one site, but it accommodates a total of 50 people. Located 16.5 miles west of Gunnison, it too is located among beautiful, old cottonwood trees.
- The main Elk Creek Campground has 160 campsites, including 15 walk-in and 20 pull-through sites. Located 16 miles west of Gunnison, on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir, this is treeless, sagebrush, mesa country. Reservations are accepted and recommended. You’ll be with plenty of other campers here, so be sure to reserve a tent campsite and look at the map before you book your spot.
- Cimarron Campground is 20 miles east of Montrose and has 21 campsites—reservations are not available. In the vicinity of the campground are a historic narrow gauge railroad town, Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad exhibits, and access to Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam.
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Curecanti National Recreation Area Travel Q&A
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- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO (20 mi.)
- West Elk Wilderness, CO (21 mi.)
- Ridgway State Park, CO (25 mi.)
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