Curecanti National Recreation Area

Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado, has 96 miles of shoreline and provides opportunities for motorboating, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and more.

Crystal Reservoir provides backcountry flatwater boating opportunities. Hand-carried craft only. Access is from Mesa Creek Trail located at Cimarron.

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.

Colorado (CO) Highway 92 crosses over Blue Mesa Dam and winds along the north rim of the Black Canyon, providing access to scenic overlooks and trailheads.

East Portal Road is a windy, steep scenic road down to the Gunnison River. East Portal is within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but only accessible from within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited on the East Portal Road.

U.S. Highway 50 travels west from Gunnison and brings you into Curecanti National Recreation Area. The highway follows along the Gunnison River before reaching Blue Mesa Reservoir, continuing along its edge and crossing two bridges.

Fishing is allowed along the Gunnison River and all three reservoirs of Curecanti National Recreation Area. All Colorado State fishing regulations apply.

Winding through abundant wildflowers, Gambel oak, aspens, conifers and a recovering burn area, Crystal Creek Trail is ideal for spring or fall hiking.

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.