Fee applies
Boat on Blue Mesa Reservoir
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.
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. Windsurfing is popular at several areas such as the Bay of Chickens or in the Iola Basin. Boaters can explore several arms of the reservoir which reach into secluded canyons. Waterskiers can practice their sport in the late months of summer when waters warm slightly. All boaters on Blue Mesa Reservoir should be aware that strong afternoon winds and accompanying storms can cause hazardous conditions. Be smart and watch for threatening clouds. As soon as strong winds begin to blow, head for shore. Water temperatures remain cold through much of the season. Windsurfers and water skiers are advised to wear wet suits. To protect against the introduction of invasive zebra and quagga mussels into the reservoir, inspection of motorized boats, sailboats, and trailered watercraft is required prior to launching. Inspections of other hand-powered vessels are encouraged but are not required. Hand-powered vessels may be launched without a fee.
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BoatingFishDamsLakesRiver and RipariancurecantiCurecanti National Recreation Areaboatingblue mesa reservoirPaddlingkayakingCanoeingreservoirgunnison rivergunnison
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Details
Fees
Permit fees are for each motorized watercraft vessel. Seasonal permit: $40 7-day permit: $20 Note: Senior and Access passes provide a 50% discount on boat launch permits. Please note that other passes (Interagency Annual Pass, Military Pass, etc) do not provide a discount for boat launch passes or other expanded amenities. Boat launch fees may be paid in one of these ways: Seasonal and 7-day permits are available online through Recreation.gov. On the website, search for “Curecanti Boat.” All seasonal permits MUST be purchased online through Recreation.gov. Don’t have cell service? For 7-day permits, fees may also be paid by submitting payment in the fee envelopes provided at the self-service fee stations at all Blue Mesa boat ramps (Iola, Stevens Creek, Elk Creek, or Lake Fork). Please fill out the information on the envelopes, include payment, remove the stub receipt, and deposit the payment envelope into the fee receptacle at the self-service station. Show your envelope stub to an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) ranger for the 7-day permit, or show your proof of online payment through Recreation.gov to obtain a seasonal permit. Boat Rental Fees Boat rentals are available at Elk Creek Marina and Lake Fork Marina through Elk Creek Marina, LLC.
Fees Apply
Yes
Seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility
Boating may be accessible depending on the type of watercraft and launch location. Docks and marinas have steep grades that are not wheelchair accessible.
Pets
Yes — Pets on leash are permitted and should wear a life jacket on board. Pets are not allowed on marinas or docks, except for direct travel to and from a boat.
Reservations
No
Age Info
PFDs are required for children under the age of 13 unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin. Operators of motorized vessels on Colorado waters must be at least 16 years of age. Persons 14-16 years of age may operate a motorized vessel if they have completed a boating safety course accepted by Colorado State Parks and have certification of course completion in their possession.
Location
Blue Mesa Reservoir