Blue Mesa Reservoir/Curecanti National Recreation Area

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.

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.

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.

Downloads:

Download an area map of
(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.

Places to Stay & Fun things to Do

Blue Mesa Fishing
Gunnison's premier fishing guide service: Fly-fish for trophy brown & rainbow trout on Blue Mesa Res, or on the Gunnison River. Trolling & Jigging for Kokanee Salmon, brown & rainbow trout, plus Lake Trout.

Centennial RV Park & Campground
In the center of beautiful Southwest Colorado in a rural setting 10 miles south of Montrose. Minutes to Black Canyon National Park. FREE WI-FI. 60 Big Rig RV sites, all are 50amp full service & pull thru.

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.

Gunnison-Crested Butte is Colorado Pure & Simple. . .
Highlights are The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, our nation's newest National Park and Curecanti, a National Recreation Area including the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water.

Island Acres Resort
Newly updated cabin-ettes, most with full kitchens. Ol' fashion ambiance on 3 acres of shaded lawn. A half-mile west of Gunnison, walk to the River. Near fishing, boating, rafting, hunting, horses, and hiking.

Mesa RV Resort & Allan Ivy Photography Gallery
Between Gunnison & Blue Mesa Reservoir. Walk to the Gunnison River. Luxury RV sites: patio, gas BBQ grills, furniture - 4 have private hot tubs. Rustic luxury cabins open year round. NEW Photography Gallery.

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More Activities & Information

Montrose Area - includes Cimarron & Olathe
Gunnison - includes Almont, Blue Mesa Lake, Ohio City, Parlin, Sargents, Sapinero, Taylor Park & Waunita Hot Springs

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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