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Contact: Sandra Snell-Dobert, 970-641-2337, x227
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Curecanti National Recreation Area is continuing to increase recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.
The following facilities will be opening in Phase II
June 1 - Elk Creek Campground – all loops except C. Reservations recommended and can
be made at recreation.gov
Stevens Creek Campground – A loop only. Reservation only: recreation.gov
Camping payments are by credit card only. Reservations may be made up to a day in advance on recreation.gov. If you do not have reservations for Elk Creek Campground, some sites may be available on a first come basis. Credit card payment is required. Go to the outside desk at the visitor center between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm to make credit card payments.
June 7 - Stevens Creek boat ramp and inspection station. Hours will be 7 am to 3 pm daily.
With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed:
-Lake Fork Campground– expected to be ready by mid-June.
-Ponderosa, Dry Gulch, and Red Creek Campgrounds – expected later in the summer
-Elk Creek Visitor Center - rangers are staffing a table outside the building for your
assistance.
-All group campsites are closed for the season.
-Cimarron Campground is closed for the season for a major water system project.
In order to protect sensitive wildlife during breeding season, the following seasonal restrictions will remain in effect:
-Climbing routes near the Curecanti Needle closed until July 15.
-East Elk Creek Campground is closed to ALL entry through June 30.
As a reminder, the following facilities and services are currently open:
-Blue Mesa Reservoir for boating and on-shore recreation
-Elk Creek Boat Ramp and Inspection Station 5:30 am to 9 pm daily
-Lake Fork Boat Ramp and Inspection Station 5:30 am to 9 pm daily
-Iola Boat Ramp and Inspection Station 6 am to 4 pm daily
-Boat-In dispersed camping along the reservoir at least ½ mile from developed areas and roads
-Gunnison River from Riverway to Blue Mesa Reservoir with extreme caution advised for changing water conditions, strainers, and other hazards.
-Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs open to all boating. Please exercise caution for changing water levels and floating debris. These areas are open to overnight use.
-Gateview Campground is open – sites are limited in number and are first-come
-Neversink, Dillon Pinnacles, Mesa Creek, Curecanti Creek, Hermits Rest and Crystal trails
Keep in mind that Gunnison and Montrose counties as well as the state of Colorado may be under Public Health Orders that restrict travel and visitors. Please check before you visit your National Park Service areas. The following websites provide updates:
https://www.montrosecounty.net/957/Corona-Virus-COVID-19
https://covid19.gunnisoncounty.org/
https://covid19.colorado.gov/about-covid-19
“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Curecanti, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored,” said Superintendent Deanna Greco. “It is the responsibility of park staff as well as visitors to practice social distancing and proper hand cleaning to prevent further outbreaks of COVID-19.”
Please practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding, and recreate responsibly.
Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website nps.gov/cure and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations across the country will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
Last updated: May 28, 2020