Boating

Sailboat and sunset in Cebolla Basin and Blue Mesa.
Sailboat and sunset in Cebolla Basin and Blue Mesa.

NPS image by Matt Johnson

Each of the three reservoirs within Curecanti has a character all its own. They each provide a different type of boating experience.

Before launching, please visit the watercraft inspection page to see where your type of watercraft can launch and if it requires an inspection for aquatic invasive species.

Hidden and unmarked obstacles exist due to fluctuating water levels. Stay safe by being prepared and using the appropriate equipment.

Click here to learn more about how the National Park Service is adapting its operations and facilities to manage for the effects of climate change, such as fluctuating reservoir levels.


BLUE MESA RESERVOIR

Twenty mile long Blue Mesa has 96 miles of shoreline and provides many 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 near the Lake City Bridge. 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.
 
Elk Creek marina
Elk Creek Marina slips.

NPS image by Matt Johnson

All boaters on Blue Mesa should be aware that strong afternoon winds often accompanied by 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.

Blue Mesa facts and data


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.


Blue Mesa boat launch fees: The fee for boat launching is $20 per vessel for a 7-day permit, or $40 per vessel for a seasonal permit (half-price for those with an interagency senior or access pass).

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 below.

Show your envelope stub to the Aquatic Invasive Species inspector for the 7-day permit, or show your proof of online payment through www.recreation.gov to the inspector to obtain a seasonal permit.

Visit the Fees and Passes page for more information on purchasing boat permits.

Boat launch fees at Curecanti increased on January 1, 2024. Read here for more details.

 
Chipeta Falls along Morrow Point
Chipeta Falls along Morrow Point

NPS image by Matt Johnson

MORROW POINT RESERVOIR

For the more adventurous and hearty, Morrow Point provides 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.

Morrow Point Reservoir is twelve miles long. The first half-mile of water is swift, but then becomes calm and still. Be aware that fluctuating water levels and releases from Blue Mesa Dam can suddenly create very challenging boating conditions.There are boat-in/backcountry campsites in the canyon, so you can make this an overnight 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. Now comes the hard part, hauling your boat and gear back up the stairs!

Backcountry Use Permits For Morrow Point Reservoir - Boaters are required to fill out a free backcountry use permit. Permits are available at the Pine Creek trailhead.

Morrow Point data and flow

 
Crystal Reservoir
Crystal Reservoir at Cimarron.

NPS image by Lisa Lynch

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.

Crystal Reservoir data and flow

 

Warning: Reservoir levels change without warning! Be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions, and very cold water temperatures!

There are few, if any, passing boats on Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs to assist in an emergency, so wear your personal flotation device (PFD) at all times!

SAFETY CHECKLIST

  • Personal flotation devices (PFD's) of correct size and type for all passengers. PFD's are required for children under the age of 13 unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
  • Paddle or oar ready for use
  • Bail bucket
  • Tools for minor repairs
  • Warm clothing in case of weather changes
  • Anchor and line
  • Remember, rangers are glad to inspect your boat for necessary items.
  • 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.
  • All craft must travel wakeless in the designated no wake buoy areas.

COMMON SENSE RULES

  • Always wear your PFD.
  • Don't overload, stay within capacity limits of your craft.
  • Don't stand up in the boat.
  • If you have trouble maneuvering in the current, lighten your load.
  • Avoid getting sideways in the current.
  • On river sections, don't hesitate to portage.
  • Tie down loose items and secure your motor to your boat.

Please consult the current Colorado Boating Statutes & Regulations for details.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Report all accidents to a park ranger. Contact a staff member at either the Elk Creek Visitor Center or any Aquatic Invasive Species boat inspection station.

Emergency phone number: 911

Last updated: January 8, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230

Phone:

970 641-2337 x205

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