Boat on Blue Mesa Reservoir

Boats on Blue Mesa Reservoir

NPS/Victoria Stauffenberg

Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado, has 96 miles of shoreline and provides opportunities for motorboating, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and more. Windsurfing is popular at several areas such as the Bay of Chickens or in the Iola Basin. Boaters can explore several arms of the reservoir which reach into secluded canyons. Waterskiers can practice their sport in the late months of summer when waters warm slightly.

All boaters on Blue Mesa Reservoir should be aware that strong afternoon winds and accompanying storms can cause hazardous conditions. Be smart and watch for threatening clouds. As soon as strong winds begin to blow, head for shore. Water temperatures remain cold through much of the season. Windsurfers and water skiers are advised to wear wet suits.

To protect against the introduction of invasive zebra and quagga mussels into the reservoir, inspection of motorized boats, sailboats, and trailered watercraft is required prior to launching. Inspections of other hand-powered vessels are encouraged but are not required. Hand-powered vessels may be launched without a fee.

Details

Activity

Boating

Age(s)

PFDs are required for children under the age of 13 unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

Operators of motorized vessels on Colorado waters must be at least 16 years of age. Persons 14-16 years of age may operate a motorized vessel if they have completed a boating safety course accepted by Colorado State Parks and have certification of course completion in their possession.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets on leash are permitted and should wear a life jacket on board. Pets are not allowed on marinas or docks, except for direct travel to and from a boat.

Activity Fee

Yes

Permit fees are for each motorized watercraft vessel.

• Seasonal permit: $40
• 7-day permit: $20

Note: Senior and Access passes provide a 50% discount on boat launch permits. Please note that other passes (Interagency Annual Pass, Military Pass, etc) do not provide a discount for boat launch passes or other expanded amenities.

Boat launch fees may be paid in one of these ways:

• Seasonal and 7-day permits are available online through Recreation.gov. On the website, search for “Curecanti Boat.” All seasonal permits MUST be purchased online through Recreation.gov.
• Don’t have cell service? For 7-day permits, fees may also be paid by submitting payment in the fee envelopes provided at the self-service fee stations at all Blue Mesa boat ramps (Iola, Stevens Creek, Elk Creek, or Lake Fork). Please fill out the information on the envelopes, include payment, remove the stub receipt, and deposit the payment envelope into the fee receptacle at the self-service station.

Show your envelope stub to an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) ranger for the 7-day permit, or show your proof of online payment through Recreation.gov to obtain a seasonal permit.

Boat Rental Fees
Boat rentals are available at Elk Creek Marina and Lake Fork Marina through Elk Creek Marina, LLC.

Location

Blue Mesa Reservoir

Visitors can launch boats from various boat ramps and put ins. Elk Creek Marina, Lake Fork Marina, and Iola Boat Ramp are open for launch and inspections of motorboats, sailboats, and trailered watercraft. Stevens Creek and Ponderosa are open for hand-launched craft only.

Check boat ramps for operating hours.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Any Time

Each reservoir has established boat-in campsites available. In addition, backcountry camping is permitted except within 1/2 mile of any developed area, bridge, maintained public road or boat-in campsite.

Boat-in and backcountry camping is limited to a visit of 14 consecutive nights, and a total limit of 30 days during the calendar year. Overnight boat camping is not allowed within the main channel of Iola, Cebolla and Sapinero basins, or within 1/2 mile of any developed area.

Accessibility Information

Boating may be accessible depending on the type of watercraft and launch location. Docks and marinas have steep grades that are not wheelchair accessible.