https://www.nps.gov/cure News releases from Curecanti National Recreation Area. en-us https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/curecanti-low-reservoir-levels-and-operational-changes.htm Sun, 31 May 2026 20:00:00 EST Low winter snowpack and limited spring precipitation have resulted in low water levels on the Blue Mesa Reservoir. As the water level continues to drop, boat ramps and marinas Elk Creek, Lake Fork, and Iola will be impacted. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/curecanti-low-reservoir-levels-and-operational-changes.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/curecanti-prepares-for-summer-boating-season-and-reminds-visitors-to-plan-ahead.htm Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:31:00 EST Curecanti Prepares for Summer Boating Season and Reminds Visitors to Plan Ahead https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/curecanti-prepares-for-summer-boating-season-and-reminds-visitors-to-plan-ahead.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/curecanti-national-recreation-area-seeks-input-on-upgrades-to-water-and-wastewater-systems.htm Tue, 03 Mar 2026 07:17:00 EST The National Park Service seeks public input on a proposed project to replace the water and wastewater systems within Curecanti National Recreation Area. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/curecanti-national-recreation-area-seeks-input-on-upgrades-to-water-and-wastewater-systems.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/curecanti-winter-operations.htm Fri, 14 Nov 2025 06:44:00 EST Curecanti National Recreation Area is transitioning to winter operations. Check the park websites for park hours, closures, and current conditions before your trip. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/curecanti-winter-operations.htm https://www.nps.gov/blca/learn/news/black-canyon-winter-operations-2025-2026.htm Wed, 17 Sep 2025 20:00:00 EST As summer comes to an end, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will transition to winter operations. Check the park websites for operational hours, closures, and current conditions before your trip. https://www.nps.gov/blca/learn/news/black-canyon-winter-operations-2025-2026.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/black-canyon-and-curecanti-move-to-stage-1-fire-restrictions.htm Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:42:00 EST Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective September 5 at 12:01 am. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/black-canyon-and-curecanti-move-to-stage-1-fire-restrictions.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/black-canyon-astrofest-2025.htm Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:11:00 EST The National Park Service invites you to discover your local day and night skies at the 2025 Black Canyon AstroFest. Come celebrate the heavens above at the annual astronomy festival. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/black-canyon-astrofest-2025.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/seasonal-change-of-operations-for-blue-mesa-boat-ramps.htm Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:59:00 EST The hours of operations for the boat ramps and aquatic invasive species (AIS) stations on the Blue Mesa Reservoir at Curecanti National Recreation Area will be reduced as fall begins and daylight hours decrease. Staffing levels also drop in the fall. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/seasonal-change-of-operations-for-blue-mesa-boat-ramps.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/black-canyon-and-curecanti-move-to-stage-2-fire-restrictions.htm Wed, 13 Aug 2025 11:51:00 EST Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective August 14 at 12:01 am. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/black-canyon-and-curecanti-move-to-stage-2-fire-restrictions.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/blue-mesa-water-quality-advisory-toxic-algae-found-august-2025.htm Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:16:00 EST Throughout the summer, National Park Service staff sample and analyze the Blue Mesa Reservoir water for the presence of blue-green algae containing cyanotoxins. The latest testing revealed that concentrations of the harmful algae within the Iola Basin exceed public health safe exposure levels. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/blue-mesa-water-quality-advisory-toxic-algae-found-august-2025.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/blue-mesa-reservoir-open.htm Sun, 20 Jul 2025 11:04:00 EST Effective at 3:00 pm, all areas of Blue Mesa Reservoir will be open to all water activities on the surface. The closure issued on July 18, 2025, is released and rescinded. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/blue-mesa-reservoir-open.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/status-of-blue-mesa-reservoir.htm Fri, 18 Jul 2025 12:34:00 EST Effective immediately, the Blue Mesa Reservoir West of Middle Bridge will be closed to all boating activities on the surface, from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm daily. This closure will remain in effect from until further notice. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/status-of-blue-mesa-reservoir.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/nps-seeks-public-input-on-grazing-management-at-black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park-and-curecanti-national-recreational-area.htm Thu, 22 May 2025 10:35:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on the Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (GrMP/EA) for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/nps-seeks-public-input-on-grazing-management-at-black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park-and-curecanti-national-recreational-area.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/visitor-center-hours-of-operations-change.htm Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:35:00 EST The Elk Creek Visitor Center at Curecanti National Recreation Area will be open five days per week from Monday through Friday starting January 20, 2025. The building will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with a lunch closure from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. Hours and days of operations are subject to change, due to staffing levels. The visitor center will be closed on federal holidays, including January 20 and February 17. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/visitor-center-hours-of-operations-change.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/fire-management-plan-public-commenting.htm Tue, 07 Jan 2025 03:03:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing a fire management plan (FMP) and its associated environmental assessment (EA) for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (BLCA) and Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE). The NPS is seeking public input on the plan’s EA from January 7, 2025, through February 6, 2025. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/fire-management-plan-public-commenting.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/visitor-center-hours-of-operations.htm Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:01:00 EST Gunnison, Colo. – The Elk Creek Visitor Center at Curecanti National Recreation Area will be open five days per week from Thursday through Monday starting January 2, 2025. The building will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with a lunch closure from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. Hours and days of operations are subject to change, due to staffing levels. The visitor center will be closed on federal holidays. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/visitor-center-hours-of-operations.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/fee-increases-approved-for-black-canyon-and-curecanti.htm Mon, 25 Nov 2024 06:17:00 EST MONTROSE, Colo. – The National Park Service (NPS) proposed this summer to charge fees for wilderness permits on the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and increase group campsite fees for Curecanti National Recreation Area. Park managers sought public comment on the fee changes in July. Comments were reviewed and the fee increase was approved in November. The proposed fee changes will take effect in January 2025. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/fee-increases-approved-for-black-canyon-and-curecanti.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/winter-operations-at-curecanti.htm Sun, 20 Oct 2024 04:40:00 EST Gunnison, Colo. – Curecanti National Recreation Area will have changes to operations as winter approaches. Winter is a time to enjoy quiet hiking trails, ice fishing, and winter scenery. Visitors should be prepared for chilly weather at Curecanti. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/winter-operations-at-curecanti.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/fire-management-plan-for-black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park-and-curecanti-national-recreation-area.htm Tue, 03 Sep 2024 04:53:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) invites public input in the development of a fire management plan (FMP) and its environmental assessment (EA) for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Curecanti National Recreation Area. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/fire-management-plan-for-black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park-and-curecanti-national-recreation-area.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/black-canyon-regional-astrofest-september-5-to-7-2024.htm Wed, 21 Aug 2024 10:44:00 EST Come celebrate the starry night skies of Black Canyon at Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Curecanti National Recreation Area. The region’s annual astronomy festival, known as AstroFest, will take place Thursday in Montrose, Friday at Black Canyon, and Saturday at Curecanti. This event connects us to the dark skies of the region and provides the opportunity to look through telescopes, learn about wildlife, and appreciate dark skies. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/black-canyon-regional-astrofest-september-5-to-7-2024.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/nps-seeks-public-input-on-grazing-at-black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-and-curecanti.htm Mon, 19 Aug 2024 12:30:00 EST The National Park Service (NPS) invites public input in the development of a Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, under the National Environmental Policy Act.   https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/nps-seeks-public-input-on-grazing-at-black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-and-curecanti.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/proposed-fee-changes-black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park-and-curecanti-national-recreation-area.htm Fri, 28 Jun 2024 05:23:00 EST MONTROSE, Colo. – The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to charge fees for wilderness permits on the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and increase group campsite fees for Curecanti National Recreation Area. Park managers are seeking public comment on the fee changes. The proposed fee changes would take effect in January 2025. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/proposed-fee-changes-black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park-and-curecanti-national-recreation-area.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/iola-boat-ramp-opening-and-transition-to-summer-hours.htm Mon, 06 May 2024 13:29:00 EST The Iola boat ramp on Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area opens Thursday May 9, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. It will be open daily from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm through May 17, 2024. Starting May 18, Iola and Elk Creek inspections stations will be available for summer hours from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm. Lake Fork inspection station will remain open from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, until further notice. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/iola-boat-ramp-opening-and-transition-to-summer-hours.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/elk-creek-boat-ramp-opening-for-2024.htm Wed, 10 Apr 2024 06:45:00 EST The Elk Creek boat ramp on Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area opens Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/elk-creek-boat-ramp-opening-for-2024.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/winter-boating-public-forum-on-april-8-and-april-15.htm Tue, 26 Mar 2024 09:56:00 EST Gunnison, Colo. – Interested parties are welcome to join a public forum hosted by the National Park Service staff to discuss winter boating opportunities on Blue Mesa Reservoir at Curecanti National Recreation Area. The public forum will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Fred Field Event Center, located at 275 South Spruce Street in Gunnison. An additional public forum will be held on Monday, April 15, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm the Montrose Police Department Community Room, located at 434 S. First St. in Montrose. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/winter-boating-public-forum-on-april-8-and-april-15.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/partial-boat-ramp-opening-at-blue-mesa-reservoir-in-curecanti-nra.htm Mon, 25 Mar 2024 03:52:00 EST Gunnison, Colo. – Blue Mesa Reservoir has remained about 40% ice-free this winter, and many anglers have been launching boats from shore to access the open waters. To prevent aquatic invasive species from entering the reservoir, however, boats launched with electric and/or gas-powered engines are required to be inspected prior to launching. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/partial-boat-ramp-opening-at-blue-mesa-reservoir-in-curecanti-nra.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/friends-of-black-canyon.htm Sat, 17 Feb 2024 03:48:00 EST Montrose, Colo. – Have a passion for national parks and public lands? Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area would love some Friends! The non-profit Friends of the Black Canyon group is welcoming like-minded park advocates to a gathering. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/friends-of-black-canyon.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/black-canyon-and-curecanti-fees-will-increase-in-january-2024.htm Wed, 29 Nov 2023 04:58:00 EST Beginning January 1, 2024, Black Canyon National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area will increase camping and boat launch fees. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/black-canyon-and-curecanti-fees-will-increase-in-january-2024.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/elk-creek-marina-ramp-improvements.htm Wed, 08 Nov 2023 04:05:00 EST The National Park Service has recently made improvements to the Elk Creek Marina boat ramp at Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE) to enhance the visitor experience. The recreation area records approximately one million annual visitors, many of whom enjoy water recreation activities on the reservoirs. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/elk-creek-marina-ramp-improvements.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/celebrate-dark-skies-at-astrofest-2023-on-september-14-through-16.htm Fri, 25 Aug 2023 06:48:00 EST MONTROSE, Colo. – The National Park Service (NPS) is excited to join with numerous partners to celebrate the region’s dark skies at the 2023 AstroFest. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/celebrate-dark-skies-at-astrofest-2023-on-september-14-through-16.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/black-canyon-and-curecanti-seek-public-comment-on-proposed-fee-changes.htm Wed, 16 Aug 2023 04:14:00 EST GUNNISON, Colo. – The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking the public’s comment on changes to campground and boating fee increases under consideration for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. The proposed changes would take effect in January 2024. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/black-canyon-and-curecanti-seek-public-comment-on-proposed-fee-changes.htm https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1778/algaltoxins.htm Thu, 14 Oct 2021 07:51:00 EST Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service partnered on a first-of-its-kind, nationwide harmful algal bloom, or HAB, field study that began this summer and will continue over the next two years. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1778/algaltoxins.htm https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/curecanti-national-recreation-area-certified-as-an-international-dark-sky-park.htm Thu, 05 Aug 2021 06:09:00 EST The National Park Service and the International Dark Sky Association proudly announce Curecanti National Recreation Area as an International Dark Sky Park. This certification recognizes the exceptional quality of Curecanti’s night skies and the opportunities to enhance visitor experiences through astronomy-based interpretive programming. Curecanti is the first National Recreation Area to be certified under this program. https://www.nps.gov/cure/learn/news/curecanti-national-recreation-area-certified-as-an-international-dark-sky-park.htm