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Curecanti National Recreation Area

Gunnison, CO

Three reservoirs, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River, form the heart of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Panoramic mesas, fjord-like reservoirs, and deep, steep and narrow canyons abound. Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water, and is the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the United States. Morrow Point Reservoir is the beginning of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and below, Crystal Reservoir is the site of the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Recently discovered dinosaur fossils, a 5,000 acre archeological district, a narrow gauge train, and traces of 6000 year old dwellings further enhance the offerings of Curecanti.

CONTACTS

Email - CURE_Info@nps.gov

Fax- 970-641-3127

Write to
102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230

Phone
Headquarters - 970-641-2337
Visitor Information - 970-641-2337 x205

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
The park is open every day of the year. Visitor centers are open daily, mid-May through the end of September. Elk Creek Visitor Center daily until the end of November, and then is open every weekend throughout the winter (closed on Federal holidays) and intermittently during the week.

Getting There
PLANE - Commercial airlines to Denver, Gunnison, Montrose, and Grand Junction airports.

CAR - Via Highway 50 which runs the length of the recreation area between Montrose and Gunnison, Colorado (approximately 200 miles SW of Denver) and is easily accessed from CO Hwy 149, and CO Hwy 92.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - By bus: To Gunnison, Montrose, and Grand Junction By train: To Grand Junction

Weather & Climate
Weather can vary greatly throughout the day. Summer daytime temperatures range between 50 to 90F (10 to 32C), nights 40 to 60F (4 to 15C) Winter daytime temperatures range between -20 to +40F (-29 to +4C), nights -30 to +20F (-34 to -7C) Precipitation is minimal, brief afternoon thunderstorms can occur during the summer, snow accumulation varies greatly year to year. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended. Current weather information and a live webcam picture from Elk Creek Visitor Center is available by clicking on the "more information" link.

Accessibility
Accessible Visitor Centers at Elk Creek, Lake Fork, and Cimarron. Accessible comfort stations, camping sites at Stevens Creek, Elk Creek, Lake Fork,and Cimarron. Accessible overlooks at Dillon Pinnacles, Hermits Rest.

Getting Around
By boat, by car and on foot.

FEES/PERMITS

Activity Fee
BOAT PERMIT
$30.00 for Annual
$10.00 for 14 Days
$4.00 for 2 Days
Required for all motorized and/or state registered water craft.

CAMPING

Cimarron
Open From April to December
20 miles east of Montrose off Highway 50. Cimarron campground is accessible with 22 sites, 5 pull through sites, located in the vicinity of a historic narrow gauge railroad town. Water and flush toilets, Denver and Rio Grande Wester Railroad exhibits, visitor center, RV dump station, and easy access to fishing on Crystal Reservoir neat the Morrow Point Dam. $10.00 per night. No water available at beginning and end of season.
For More Information on this campground please call 970-249-4074

Dry Gulch
Open From May to November
Located near Blue Mesa Reservoir, 17 miles west of Gunnison. 10 sites secluded among cottonwood trees. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets and water. $10.00 per night.
For More Information on this campground please call 970-641-2337 ext 205

East Elk Creek
Open From mid-May to end of September
16 1/2 miles west of Gunnison off Highway 50. Group camping for up to 50 people located near Blue Mesa Reservoir. One group site among cottonwood trees, picnic tables and shelter, fire grate, vault toilets and water. Showers and marina 1 mile away. Fee is $2.00 a person with a $30.00 minimum per night. Reservations required.
For More Information on this campground please call 970-641-2337

East Portal
Open From mid-april to mid November
Located at the bottom of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison below Crystal Dam. Access via the East Portal Road from the south rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Paved road with steep grade and switchbacks - NO trailers, buses or large RVs. 15 sites among trees next to river, near the historic Gunnison River Diversion Tunnel. Good fishing access. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets, water and vistor contact station. $10.00 per night.
For More Information on this campground please call 970-641-2337 ext 205

Elk Creek
Open All Year
16 miles west of Gunnison on Highway 50. 179 (40 are under construction) sites located on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir in treeless, sagebrush, mesa country. 16 walk-in sites and 15 pull-through sites are available. Elk Creek Campground is accessible, has flush toilets, water, RV dump station, showers, marina, restaurant, and a visitor center. Fee: $10.00 per night. No water available at beginning and end of season. Water is available at the nearby Elk Creek Picnic area year round. Loop D is closed for construction in 2001.
For More Information on this campground please call 970-641-2337 ext 205

Gateview
Open From mid-May to mid-November
Located at extreme southern end of Lake Fork arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir on Lake Fork of Gunnison River. Access vis Colorado Highway 149. Seven sites deep in canyon with remote access. Picnic talbes, fire grates, vault toilets, water. No fee, dirt road access.
For More Information on this campground please call 970-641-2337 ext 205

Lake Fork
Open From mid-April to end of September
27 miles west of Gunnison off Highway 50. 87 sites, most are paved, 16 pull through sites, 5 walk in sites, next to Blue Mesa Reservoir. 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. $10.00 per night. No water available at beginning and end of season.
For More Information on this campground please call 970-641-2337 ext 205

Ponderosa
Open From third week in April to end of November
Located at end of Soap Creek Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Access via Soap Creek Road, 7 miles north on this gravel road - hazardous when wet. Nine walk in and 20 drive in sites among scattered pine trees. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets, water, boat ramp and horse corral. $10.00 per night.
For More Information on this campground please call 970-641-2337 ext 205

Red Creek
Open From mid-May to mid-November
Located near Blue Mesa Reservoir 19 miles west of Gunnison. Two individual sites with picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets and water. $10.00 per night. One group site up to 25 people. $2.00 per person with minimum $20.00 per night.

Stevens Creek
Open From May to end of October
12 miles west of Gunnison off Highway 50. Stevens Creek is an accessible campground with 54 sites on Blue Mesa Reservoir, water, vault toilets, campground amphitheater, boat ramp and fishing access. $10.00 per night
For More Information on this campground please call 970-641-2337 ext 205

FACILITIES

Visitor Centers
CIMARRON
Summer 9:00 - 4:00
Phone - 970-249-4074
Location - near Cimarron, CO, 35 miles west of Gunnison.
Closures - open in summer only
Exhibits - Denver and Rio Grande Western Narrow Gauge Railroad cars and engine. Books, posters, maps and postcard sales outlet.
Available Facilities - adjoining campground

ELK CREEK
Spring 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Summer 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fall 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Phone - 970-641-2337 ext 205
Location - 16 miles west of Gunnison, CO on US Hwy 50.
Closures - in Winter
Special Programs - Morning and Afternoon interpretive programs at the Visitor Center during the summer. Kids programs on weekends. Evening Programs at the Elk Creek campground every weekend evening during the summer.
Exhibits - Photos and displays on scenic, natural and cultural resources of the area.
Available Facilities - Large classroom used for resource education classes and meetings.

LAKE FORK
Summer 9:00 - 4:00
Phone - 970-641-3128
Location - 25 miles west of Gunnison on US Hwy 50, near the Blue Mesa Dam.
Closures - open in summer only
Exhibits - Photos related to history and resources of Curecanti. Book, poster, postcard sales outlet.
Available Facilities - in campground, near marina.

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