Curecanti National Recreation Area
CO
Park Alerts (1)
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.
Things To Do
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Hike Pine Creek Trail
This trail follows Pine Creek as it cascades into the depths of the upper Black Canyon to Morrow Point Reservoir. It follows the old narrow gauge railroad bed along the 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 is via the Pine Creek Trail.
Boat on Crystal Reservoir
Crystal Reservoir provides backcountry flatwater boating opportunities. Hand-carried craft only. Access is from Mesa Creek Trail located at Cimarron.
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 it descends toward Morrow Point Reservoir.
Available Activities
Weather
During spring and fall, temperatures range from 44°F to 70°F (7°C to 34°C) with overnight lows from the teens to about freezing (-9°C to 2°C). In summer, temperatures are usually in the 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). Nights are usually 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C).
The wind often picks up at 12 pm and continues through the afternoon. Thunderstorms are common. In winter, temperatures usually reach 20°F to 30°F (-7°C to -1°C) and lows often dip below zero (-18°C).
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.
Plan Your Visit
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Curecanti National Recreation Area
Open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.