Basic Information

Yellow and orange sunset sky over a reservoir
Storm colors over Blue Mesa Reservoir

NPS Photo

Located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Curecanti National Recreation Area includes three reservoirs in the Upper Gunnison River Basin - Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) went into an agreement in 1965 with the National Park Service (NPS) to create Curecanti National Recreation Area. BOR manages the hydrology and water, while the NPS manages the water recreation and land resources.

Curecanti contains varied habitats including riparian areas, steep canyons, sagebrush hillsides, and forests of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, Colorado narrowleaf cottonwood, and aspen. The recreation area is in mostly high desert country with colorful sedimentary and volcanic rock layers.
 

 

 
A blue reservoir with mesas surrounding it and a small boat on the water
Current Conditions

Check for alerts, road and facility closures, trail conditions, and reservoir levels.

A person sprays a boat down to clean it
Boat Ramps & Watercraft Inspections

Get information about boat ramp hours and where to go for a required watercraft inspection.

A graphic of an overview map of the park
Maps

View an interactive map or download a digital version of the park brochure.

a colorful sky with storm clouds
Weather Conditions

See average temperatures at Curecanti and current weather forecast for Elk Creek Visitor Center.

A 'U.S. Fee Area' triangular metal sign with an arrowhead logo. Sign is mounted to a wall.
Fees & Passes

There is no entrance fee at Curecanti. Most campgrounds have fees. Boat permits can be purchased for a week or seasonally.

A campground with tents and RVs surrounded by vegetation at sunset hour
Campgrounds

Curecanti has ten campgrounds to choose from across the recreation area.

Pets
Pets

Learn where pets can join you for an adventure at Curecanti.

Last updated: April 24, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230

Phone:

970 641-2337 x205
This phone is not monitored when the building is closed. If you are having an emergency, call 911.

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