• Curecanti National Recreation Area

    Curecanti

    National Recreation Area Colorado

Morrow Point Boat Tours

Morrow Point Boat Tour

Take a boat ride into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Join a park ranger for a leisurely 1½ hour boat tour on the Morrow Point Reservoir. You will travel into the famous Black Canyon of the Gunnison, learning about geology, wildlife, early inhabitants, the narrow-gauge railroad, dams, and reservoirs. Be sure to bring your camera!

Tour Times
Tours run twice a day at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm everyday except Tuesday. Tours begin around the beginning of June and end after Labor Day. (Start dates are influenced by spring runoff and releases from Blue Mesa Dam. Please call (970) 641-2337 ext. 205 for start dates.)

 
Video
Video: Introduction to the Morrow Point Boat Tour
 

Reservations
Please 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 and walk-ons will not be permitted. We begin taking reservations for the season on May 1.

Special tours for educational groups available upon request. Please call (970) 641-2337 x205 for more information.

Fees
$16.00 - Adults
$8.00 - All Children 12 and under
$8.00 - Adults w/ Interagency Senior/Access Pass
* Boat tour fees are non-refundable.

Directions
Tours begin at the Pine Creek boat dock, accessed from the Pine Creek Trail at US Highway 50, milepost 130 (35 miles east of Montrose and 25 miles west of Gunnison).

From the Pine Creek Trail parking area, you will walk down 232 stairs, then enjoy an easy 3/4-mile scenic walk along the old narrow-gauge rail bed before reaching the boat dock. We suggest allowing one hour for the walk, or more time for a slower pace. Plan to meet the ranger at the boat dock 15 minutes before your scheduled departure; tours begin promptly at the scheduled departure time.

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.

 
Road Construction Ahead

Passengers Traveling from Montrose
Please be aware that major road construction will be taking place all summer on Blue Mesa Summit. Expect to be delayed by construction for 30 minutes and adjust your travel time to the boat dock accordingly.

 

Be Prepared
Dress for the Colorado mountains, where a warm sunny day can quickly become cold and stormy. Bring drinking water, snacks, sun protection, rain gear, and your camera.

For security reasons, carry-on bags and packs are subject to search. All passengers must wear a Personal Flotation Device (provided). Pets, smoking, firearms, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the boat.

Accessibility
Due to the rugged nature of the trail leading to the boat dock, the boat tour is inaccessible to most visitors with mobility impairments. Accommodations can be provided for alternative programs with two weeks' notice. Accommodations for visitors with hearing impairments can also be made with two weeks' notice.

 

 

Did You Know?

Elk

A wide range of mammals can be found within Curecanti, including mule deer, mountain lion, black bear, coyote, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, elk and even an occasional moose.