Morrow Point Boat Tours

NPS\Lisa Lynch

 

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 and learn about local geology, wildlife, early inhabitants, railroads, water control efforts and more. Be sure to bring your camera!

Tour Times
Tours run at 10 am and 1 pm every day except Tuesday, and usually from mid June to mid September. It all depends upon spring snowmelt and water levels, so start and end dates vary. Firm dates are announced in May at the earliest. We will update the website here as soon as the dates are known, or keep an eye on our social media platforms.

 

Reservations
Reservations are required. Beginning in mid-May you may make reservations at Recreation.gov. Reservations may also be made in person at the Elk Creek Visitor Center prior to the day of the tour. Walk-ons are not permitted. Special tours for educational groups available upon request.

Fees (non-refundable)
$25 - adults
$13 - children 12 and under (children need to be 35 pounds or heavier)

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, walk down 232 stairs and enjoy an easy one mile scenic walk along the old rail bed to reach the boat dock. Leave the trailhead no later than 45 minutes prior to the tour and allow more time for a slower pace. Meet the ranger at the boat dock. Pre-boarding begins 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time; tours begin promptly.

Note: A short, steep, gravel-surfaced road leads to the trailhead. Parking space is limited. Drop-off parking for trailers is available at the top of the access road.

 

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 under 13 years of age 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.