One of the most breathtaking drives is Colorado Highway 92 that crosses over Blue Mesa Dam and winds along the north rim of the Black Canyon, providing gorgeous views at every turn. Along this road Pioneer Point offers great views of the Curecanti Needle, Curecanti Creek, and soaring raptors. Get a great view of the canyon at Hermit's Rest Overlook or take a hike to an overlook that begins on Highway 92 at Crystal Creek. Continue northwest to the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Back on Highway 50, head west to Montrose but make sure to stop at the south rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, just a 5 mile drive north on Colorado Highway 347. Colorado Highway 149 winds along the south side of Iola Basin to a popular boat access at the Iola picnic area. Continue heading south, away from the reservoir to the Gateview Campground, about 20 miles from Highway 50. The turn off for the campground is a narrow, dirt road that winds along the Lake Fork Arm of the Gunnison River (directly opposite mile marker 93, and this dirt road is County Road (CR) 25. The scenery is beautiful and more isolated than other campgrounds around Blue Mesa Reservoir. Because of the unimproved road and narrow canyon, trailers or vehicles above 22 feet are not recommended. CO Highway 149 can also be reached via the Blue Mesa Road (CR 25) or Lake City Cutoff Road (also called CR 26 or the Sapinero Road). Both are dirt roads suitable for cars in good weather. From Highway 50, find the Lake City Cutoff Road a half mile west of the Middle Bridge, or Blue Mesa Road one mile west of the junction of Highways 92 and 50. NATIONAL FOREST ACCESSES Consult the BLM or the USFS for regulations regarding recreational use or consult the USFS Gunnison Basin Area map for information on trails and 4-wheel drive roads. SOAP CREEK ROAD RED CREEK ROAD RAINBOW LAKE ROAD |
Last updated: March 9, 2023