Blue Mesa Reservoir/Curecanti National Recreation Area - The Colorado Directory

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Blue Mesa Reservoir/Curecanti
National Recreation Area

click here for info on gunnison/crested butte

Blue Mesa Reservoir, located in the Curecanti National Recreation Area, is Colorado's largest body of water. The reservoir is located in Western Colorado between Montrose and Gunnison at an elevation of 7,519'. Formed by damming the Gunnison River, Blue Mesa Lake is one of the three reservoirs formed from the Gunnison River. Also located in Curecanti National Recreation Area, the other two reservoirs are Crystal Reservoir and Marrow Point Reservoir. The area is filled with beautiful mesas, deep narrow canyons, and fjord like lakes. Covering 41,972 acres, the park brings over 960,000 visitors each year. One of the best deals in the state: there is no entrance fee.

Kayaking on Blue Mesa   blue mesa reservoir

Life on a lake presents many exciting activities to pursue. The Elk Creek Marina on Blue Mesa Reservoir offers many services. The marina offers mooring with a permit (available at the convenience store). At the dock you can also fuel and service your boat. The marina also has a convenience store to purchase bait and tackle, as well as, a fishing guide service. Being the largest Kokanee Salmon fishing spot in the United States, these services are more than useful.

blue mesa reservoir   blue mesa reservoir

Along the Marrow Point Reservoir, boat tours are offered. The tour travels through the upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison on a 42-passenger pontoon boat. The tour runs 1.5 hours (reservations are required).

Popular recreation activities include wind surfing, waterskiing, and in the winter excellent ice fishing. Other activities that are not water based are visiting the 5,000-acre archeological district and exploring the old Narrow Gauge Railroad of Gunnison. Rangers in the area will give you the history of this old mining railroad. Hiking is another popular pastime. In the area, there are trails ranging from easy to very strenuous. Close to the park, you can also visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison or the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. Visitor centers are located at Elk Creek Marina and Cimarron. There are also overlooks at Dillon Pinnacles trail and Hermit's Rest trail.

Places to stay near Blue Mesa Reservoir/Curecanti National Recreation Area:

  • Gunnison Lakeside Resort
      On Blue Mesa Reservoir 15 minutes west of Gunnison with full hookups - 30 & 50 amp electrical service and nice cabins. Hunting and sightseeing. WI-FI. Boat launch and rental nearby. Great views.
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  • Island Acres Resort
      A half-mile west of Gunnison, walk to the Gunnison River. Newly updated kitchenettes, while maintaining the ol' fashion ambiance. Close to fishing, boating, rafting, hunting, horseback riding, and hiking.
  • LakeFork Resort Cabins & RV Park
      Modern fully equipped Cabins, NEW RV full hookup pull-thru sites, all overlooking Blue Mesa Lake and Curecanti National Recreation Area, between Gunnison and Montrose. FREE WI-FI. Guided fishing.
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  • Rockey River Resort
      6 miles north of Gunnison on the river. 15 fully furnished & equipped log cabins - open all year. Group facilities along the Gunnison River and in a 100 year old barn. RV spaces - open May to November.
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  • Tall Texan Campground & Cabins of Gunnison
      Grassy, shaded sites, some by pond. New Cabins. Large group pavilion. Pull thru full hookups, cable TV. Tents, popups and motorcycles A-OK. Free WI-FI hotspot. Near Gunnison river, close to Gunnison.
  • Wildwood Resort & Cabin Rentals
      In Gunnison, an ideal spot for those who want the convenience of town but love the peace & quiet of a rocky mountains. New cabins & cabinettes with kitchens plus 3 bedroom vacation homes. Hot tub. WI-FI.
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    Download a map of Blue Mesa Res/Curecanti National Recreation Area
    (Map provided by the U.S. National Park Service)

    Directions:
    Access the park via Highway 50 which runs the length of the recreation area between Montrose and Gunnison.

    click here for info on gunnison/crested butte

    • Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site / Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park / Blue Mesa Reservoir/Curecanti National Recreation Area / Canyons of the Ancients National Monument / Chimney Rock Archaeological Site / Colorado National Monument / Comanche National Grassland / Dinosaur National Monument / Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

    / Garden of the Gods Recreation Area / Great Sand Dunes National Park / Hovenweep National Monument / Mesa Verde National Park / Pawnee National Grassland / Pikes Peak / Rocky Mountain National Park / The United States Air Force Academy
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