Cimarron Campground, Open from Spring to Fall, Phone 970-249-4074.
Details: Cimarron campground is accessible with 21 sites, 5 pull through sites, located in the vicinity of a historic narrow gauge railroad town. Water and flush toilets, Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad exhibits, visitor center, RV dump station, and easy access to fishing. Fee: $10.00 per night. No water available at beginning and end of season. No reservations.
Dry Gulch Campground, Open from Spring to Fall, Phone 970-641-2337 ext 205.
Details: Nine sites among large cottonwood trees. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets, water and horse corral. Fee: $10.00 per night. No reservations.
East Elk Creek (group campground), Open from Spring to Fall, Phone 970-641-2337.
Details: One group site located under large cottonwood trees. Accommodates a total of 50 people. Picnic shelter and tables, fire grates, vault toilets and water. Fee: $50.00 per night. East Elk Creek is available by reservation only. Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance.
East Portal, Open from Spring to Fall, Phone 970-641-2337 ext 205.
Details: Fifteen sites are shaded by box elder trees. Campground is located near the historic Gunnison River Diversion Tunnel. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets, water and visitor contact station. Fee: $10.00 per night. No reservations.
Elk Creek Campground, Open All Year, Phone 970-641-2337 ext 205.
Details: Elk Creek Campground is accessible, has flush toilets, water, RV dump station, showers, marina, restaurant, and a visitor center. Fee: Loops A, B or C - $10.00 per night. Loop D (electric hookups) - $15.00 per night. No water available at beginning and end of season. Reservations may be made for Loops A and D. All sites in Loops A and D are premium sites and have a maximum 14 consecutive day stay in a 30 day period. Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance.
Gateview, Open from Spring to Fall, Phone 970-641-2337 ext 205.
Details: Proceed north 6 miles on an improved narrow gravel road. Six sites located in a deep, narrow canyon. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets and water. No fee. No reservations.
Lake Fork, Open from Spring to Fall, Phone 970-641-2337 ext 205.
Details: Lake Fork Campground is accessible, has flush toilets, water, showers, marina, an RV dump station, visitor center, campground amphitheater and is close to Blue Mesa Dam. Fee: $10.00 per night. No water available at beginning and end of season. Reservations may be made for sites 31-87 (upper loop). Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance.
Ponderosa,Open from Spring to Fall, Phone 970-641-2337 ext 205.
Details: Twenty-eight sites are located among scattered pine trees. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets, water, boat ramp and horse corral. Fee: $10.00 per night.
Red Creek (individual and group sites), Open from Spring to Fall
Details: Sites located among large cottonwood trees. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets and water. First two sites for individual camping. Individual Site Fee: $10.00 per night. Group Site Fee: $25.00. Group campsite accomodates 20 people and is available by reservation only. Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance.
Stevens Creek, Open from Spring to Fall, Phone 970-641-2337 ext 205.
Details: Stevens Creek is an accessible campground with 53 sites on Blue Mesa Reservoir, water, vault toilets, campground amphitheater, boat ramp and fishing access. Fee: $10.00 per night. Reservations may be made for Stevens Creek Loop A (20 sites). All sites in Loop A are premium sites and have a maximum 14 consecutive day stay in a 30 day period. Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance.
The fishery of the Gunnison area has been changed by the three dams of the Wayne N. Aspinall Unit which form the reservoirs of Curecanti. Where once the fish of the Gunnison River fed upon the aquatic insects of the area, new fish species, which make their home in the reservoirs, feed upon plankton. Federal and state fish hatcheries stock over three million fish in the reservoirs each year.
FIVE SPECIES OF FISH:
Rainbow Trout: The colorful rainbow trout, named for the pink stripe along its side, is the most often caught fish of Curecanti. Rainbow trout, introduced into the Gunnison River in the 1880¿s, are stocked quite heavily and can be caught in the river areas or in the reservoirs. River and shore fishing can be very productive, but in the late summer when waters are warm, the fish seek cooler areas. Then, trolling at slow speeds works best.
Lake Trout or Mackinaw: The deep subsurface canyons of Blue Mesa Reservoir provide excellent habitat for the big lake trout or mackinaw. The ¿mac¿ can reach tremendous sizes - one monster weighed over thirty-eight pounds! To catch one of these ¿big ones¿, you must fish deep and in cold water (45-50°F).
Brown Trout or German Trout: Recognized by its dark brown color and red spots, the brown trout is another large fish species which can be found in all three of the reservoirs. Some of the largest fish taken from Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs are brown trout.
Brook Trout: Brook trout live in most of the streams which feed the reservoirs of the recreation area. Curecanti Creek, which feeds into Morrow Point Reservoir, can be one of the best spots for catching the ¿brookies¿.
Kokanee Salmon: The reservoirs have also provided a home for the kokanee salmon. The kokanee travel in schools, feeding on the animal plankton, or zooplankton of the reservoirs. So if you get a strike while trolling, but are unable to bring the fish in, make another slower pass through the same area and you should be able to land the silver colored fish. The salmon are stocked from the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery north of Gunnison. Between August 1 and October 31, all salmon caught east of the Lake City Bridge must be released.
ULES AND REGULATIONS
1) Colorado State fishing regulations apply within Curecanti National Recreation Area.
2) A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all people 16 years of age and over. Licenses may be purchased at the Elk Creek and Lake Fork Marinas or at sporting goods stores in the area.
3) Persons under the age of 16 with a valid fishing license are entitled to the full daily bag limit. Persons under the age of 16 without a valid fishing license are only entitled to half the daily limit.
4) In order to keep the fish populations healthy, please observe the posted limits.
5) All fish that are not kept as part of your daily bag limit must be returned to the water immediately.
6) Check the fishing statutes for any special regulations which may be in effect regarding special limits, closures, seasons, baits, and any other restrictions. Special regulations close some creeks in the area during the rainbow trout spawn.
7) Pets must be kept on a leash, no longer than six feet, at all times.
8) Motor vehicles are restricted to authorized roads and below high water mark.
9) Open fires are allowed only below the reservoir's high water mark. Driftwood may be collected and used as a fuel source. No other firewood gathering is permitted.
HUNTING:
Hunting regulations at Curecanti National Recreation Area are in accordance with Colorado state regulations. Hunting is permitted in certain areas within Curecanti. Hunters are responsible for knowing the regulations before hunting.
The Morrow Point Boat Tour is a 1 1/2 hour trip through the upper Black Canyon within Curecanti. Passengers ride through the canyon on a 42-passenger pontoon boat, accompanied by a National Park Ranger to tell the story behind the scenery.
Tours run twice a day at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm everyday except Tuesday from Memorial Day though Labor Day.
Call (970)641-2337, ext. 205 or stop by the Elk Creek Visitor Center (15 miles west of Gunnison off of Highway 50) to make reservations. Reservations are required. Walk-ons will not be permitted.
Special tours for educational groups available upon request. Please call (970) 641-2337 x205 for more information.
COST:
Children (2 to 12 years old) ..................... $6.00
Infants (under 2 years old)....................... Free
Adults ........................................... $12.00
Adults w/ Golden Age/Access Card.................. $6.00
The tour begins at the Pine Creek boat dock. The 1 1/2 mile round trip hike along the Pine Creek Trail to the dock includes a stairway of 232 steps. The trailhead is located just off U.S. Highway 50, one mile west from the junction with Colorado Highway 92. Allow one hour of travel time for the hike from the trailhead to the boat dock.
Note: A short steep road leads to the trailhead. Parking space is limited. Drop-off parking for trailers is available at the top of the access road.
Be prepared for a hike and a half-day outing. Be sure to bring drinking water and a jacket. Feel free to bring your lunch, picnic tables are provided along the trail and at the boat dock. Sorry, no pets or alcoholic beverages are allowed on the boat.
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM:
Free booklet available. After completion of the activities, you will receive a badge and certificate. Our "Jr. Web Ranger" is coming soon!
The shoreline of the reservoir is steep and rocky in most places, so finding a good swimming spot can be more difficult than you may expect. Good spots include the Bay of Chickens, located 1.2 miles west of Elk Creek, Dry Creek, 1 mile east of Elk Creek, and Old Highway 50 beach, adjacent to the Elk Creek Campground. All have designated "no wake" areas for motorboat traffic.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
1) Swimmers must be aware of boats and personal watercraft. Do not assume they see you.
2) Cliff jumping is extremely dangerous and highly discouraged. Each year individuals have been seriously injured, paralyzed or killed from hitting unseen rocks below the fluctuating reservoir surface.
3) Be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia, which can be brought on by exposure to cold water.
BLUE MESA RESERVOIR:
Twenty mile long Blue Mesa Reservoir, with its 96 miles of shoreline, affords many opportunities for boating. One can lay back, enjoy the sun, and sail on one of the reservoir's three open basins. Boaters can explore several arms of the reservoir which reach into secluded canyons. Water skiers can practice their sport in the late months of summer, July and August, when waters warm slightly.
All boaters on Blue Mesa Reservoir should be aware that strong afternoon winds, sometimes accompanied by storms, can cause hazardous conditions. Be weatherwise: watch for threatening cloud build ups. 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. All motorized and/or state-registered vessels on Blue Mesa Reservoir will be required to have a boat permit.
$30.00 for an annual permit (calendar year)
$10.00 for a 14-day permit
$4.00 for a 2-day permit
These user fees are half-price for those visitors who possess the federal Golden Age or Access permits.
MORROW POINT RESERVOIR:
For the more adventurous and very hearty, Morrow Point Reservoir can provide a fabulous canoeing or sea kayaking trip. The adventure begins with hauling your boat and gear into the canyon. The easiest access to the reservoir is via the Pine Creek Trail. This trail consists of approximately 232 steps into the canyon. From the bottom of the stairs, the trail follows the reservoir for about a mile. You can put your boat in a short distance past the end of the stairs.
Once you're on the water you will realize all the effort has been worth it. The reservoir is almost twelve miles long. The first half-mile of water is swift, but then becomes calm and still. The scenery of the canyon is spectacular. There are several boat-in campsites in the canyon, so you can make this a full weekend outing. At the end of your trip, head back to the Pine Creek Trail to exit the canyon. The current may make it difficult to paddle back to the base of the stairs, but you can easily make it to the bottom of the stairs via the foot trail.
Some whitewater kayakers will haul their boats into Morrow Point Reservoir just to hit the a perfect wave known as a fluffy muffin, which is great for surfing, kart-wheeling, and having fun. The fluffy muffin forms about half a mile past the base of the steps. Be prepared for water around 45 degrees Fahrenheit and fluctuating water levels.
CRYSTAL RESERVOIR:
Like Morrow Point Reservoir, boating on Crystal Reservoir is limited to hand carried craft. The access trail for Crystal Reservoir is reached via the Mesa Creek Trail located near Cimarron. Fluctuating water levels and releases from Morrow Point Dam can create navigational problems. Tricky currents, protruding rocks, and backwashes caused by water rushing over submerged rocks, can overturn the inattentive boater. In addition, conditions along the river section on Crystal can change drastically during the course of a day. Heavy spring runoff from Cimarron and Mesa Creeks can further complicate matters. Before launching, be sure to assess the capabilities of your equipment and the condition of the water.
Warning: Reservoir levels change without warning! Be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions, and very cold water temperatures!
There are few passing boats on Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs to assist in an emergency, so wear your personal flotation device (PFD) at all times!
Curecanti National Recreation Area offers the hiker diversity of habitat, scenic vistas, wildlife and wildflowers. Interpretative signs help visitors understand the rich natural and cultural history of the area.
Pets are permitted on all trails in Curecanti, but must be leashed at all times.
NEVERSINK: The Neversink trail is located nearest to Gunnison on the north bank of the Gunnison River near a Great Blue Heron rookery. This streamside habitat with its heavy undergrowth of grasses, flowers, cottonwoods, and willows, is ideal for birdwatching or just a quiet stroll.
Length: 1.5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: easy: this trail is flat and provides easy walking. It is also wheel chair accessable.
DILLON PINNACLES: Ascending through sagebrush, ponderosa pine and riparian habitats, this trail offers spectacular views of Blue Mesa Reservoir, the distant San Juan Mountain peaks, and the weirdly eroded volcanic Dillon Pinnacles. Along the trail are shady places to rest and open sunny vistas with possible glimpses of bighorn sheep. Horses permitted. Interpretative signs explain geologic history.
Length: 4 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: moderately strenuous; 600ft ascent.
PINE CREEK: Follow the beautiful Pine Creek as it cascades into the depths of the upper Black Canyon to Morrow Point Reservoir. Then take a walk along the old narrow gauge railroad bed along the reservoir. Learn the history of the area by reading the interpretive signs on the trail. Be sure to check for ticks during the hot summer months.
Length: 2 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous. 180 ft. decent into the canyon via maintained steps. MESA CREEK: The sheer walls and extreme narrowness of the Black Canyon are appreciated along this trail as well as views from the base of the Morrow Point Dam. A footbridge over Crystal Reservoir provides access to the north shore of the reservoir, to which this trail follows.
Length: 1.5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to moderately strenuous.
CURECANTI CREEK: After descending from the high rim of the Upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the trail follows Curecanti Creek as it falls toward Morrow Point Reservoir. The Curecanti Needle, a 700 ft. granite spire, towers above at the trail's end. Good shoes or boots are recommended. Two campsites with picnic tables, fire grates, and toilets are provided at the end of the trail.
Length: 4 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Strenuous. Elevation change 900 ft. Allow 2-3 hours for round trip.
HERMITS REST: Zigzagging through oak, pine, juniper, and fir, hikers descend to wooded camp and picnic sites on the shores of Morrow Point Reservoir. Campsites with picnic tables, fire grates, and toilets are provided at the end of the trail. Good shoes or boots are recommended. Carry at least 2 quarts of water per person. Check for ticks frequently during the hot summer months.
Length: 6 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Very strenuous. Elevation change is 1800 ft. Allow 3 hours for round trip.
CRYSTAL CREEK: Winding through abundant wildflowers, Gambel oak, aspens, conifers and a recovering burn area, Crystal Creek Trail is ideal for spring or fall hiking. Sweeping views of Cimarron Valley, the West Elk and San Juan Mountains can be viewed along the way. The trail ends at an overlook, 1800 ft. above Crystal Reservoir. Good shoes or boots are recommended. Carry at least 2 quarts of water per person. Check for ticks frequently during the hot summer months.
Length: 5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous. Trail begins at 8900 ft above sea level. Allow 2 hours for round trip.
HORSEBACK RIDING:
Horseback riding and camping is permitted in specific areas of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Visitors may ride their horses on Dillon Pinnacles Trail and Dry Gulch Trail. Camping is permitted in the Dry Gulch Campground and the Ponderosa Campground. Further rules and restrictions apply to these activites.
A SEMI-ARID SHRUBLANDSome visitors to Curecanti often describe the area as a high mountain desert. With the annual precipitation averaging 12 inches per year, the most accurate classification is semi-arid shrubland. The dominant plant species throughout Curecanti is Big Sagebrush, often mixed with a greener shrub called Rabbitbrush. However, a slight difference in elevation, moisture, or soil structure can result in a noticeable difference in the vegetation.
RIPARIAN ZONES AND DRAINAGESDriving into Curecanti from the east, the green pasture land is a result of human labor and irrigation, but the tall cottonwood trees and lush undergrowth of willow is the result of the Gunnison River. In this moisture rich riparian zone the Narrowleaf Cottonwood plays an important role. Its deep roots help stabilize the riverbank, and its lush growth of leaves and branches provide shade where many other plants can grow. Take a walk at Neversink to enjoy the Gunnison River and the life it supports.
PONDEROSA PINE AND DOUGLAS FIR FORESTHeading north from the recreation area towards the West Elk Mountains the vegetation thickens and the trees grow taller as the elevation changes. Just a seven mile drive north along the Soap Creek arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir to Curecanti's Ponderosa Campground will demonstrate this variation. Ponderosa Campground is scattered with ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and spruce trees. Although requiring more precipitation than sagebrush, a ponderosa pine forest signifies a dry environment, since they usually grow in places that receive less than 25 inches of precipitation per year.
THE CANYON WALLSThe geologic masterpiece called the Black Canyon of the Gunnison begins in Curecanti below Blue Mesa Dam. You can peer into the canyon from above, at one of the overlooks on Highway 92. Take a trail into the canyon or ride through the canyon on the Morrow Point Reservoir Boat Tour. No matter how you decide to view the canyon, you will probably notice a difference in the two walls of the canyon. The south-facing wall of the canyon is extremely steep and is sparsely vegetated with sagebrush and juniper trees. The north-facing wall is not as steep and often thick with Douglas fir, mountain maple, serviceberry, and a dense undergrowth.
