Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

Caution Toxic Algae May Be Present In Blue Mesa Reservoir

Cyanotoxin levels in the Blue Mesa Reservoir are now below state thresholds. Toxins are still present at low levels, therefore keep kids and pets out of the water. Avoid all contact with algae. If exposed, shower immediately.

Overview

Three reservoirs and surrounding lands make up this recreation area in western Colorado. It is a landscape of tradeoffs; natural and human made features exist together. Geologic wonders are abundant from the sagebrush shrublands to forests. Visitors can experience the park year-round on both land and water.

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Boating
  • Motorized Boating
  • Sailing
  • Jet Skiing
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
  • Group Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Climbing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horse Camping (see also camping)
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting and Gathering
  • Hunting
  • Ice Skating
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Freshwater Swimming
  • Water Skiing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Curecanti National Recreation Area: Open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year.

Getting there

Curecanti is located between the Colorado towns of Gunnison (to the east), Montrose (to the west), and Lake City (to the south). The West Elk Mountain Wilderness area borders Curecanti to the north. U.S. Highway 50 runs the length of Curecanti east to west.

Visitor centers

  • Elk Creek Visitor Center

Campgrounds

  • Elk Creek Campground (155 sites) — reserve
  • Lake Fork Campground (90 sites) — reserve
  • Stevens Creek Campground (53 sites) — reserve
  • Cimarron Campground (21 sites)
  • Ponderosa Campground (28 sites)
  • Dry Gulch Campground (9 sites)
  • East Portal Campground (15 sites) — reserve
  • East Elk Creek Group Campground (1 sites) — reserve
  • Red Creek Campground (1 sites) — reserve
  • Gateview Campground (6 sites)

Weather

During spring and fall, temperatures range from 44°F to 70°F (7°C to 34°C) with overnight lows from the teens to about freezing (-9°C to 2°C). In summer, temperatures are usually in the 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). Nights are usually 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C). The wind often picks up at 12 pm and continues through the afternoon. Thunderstorms are common. In winter, temperatures usually reach 20°F to 30°F (-7°C to -1°C) and lows often dip below zero (-18°C).

Phone: 9706412337

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Underexposed shot of waves coming off a reservoir. Mesas in the background.
Blue Mesa Reservoir · NPS/Amy Washuta
Large pinnacle spires across a body of water
Dillon Pinnacles · NPS Photo
Tall spires alongside steep canyon walls. A narrow body of water flows below.
Morrow Point Reservoir · NPS Photo
Frozen over body of water with snow covering it. Mesas are on the edge.
Blue Mesa Reservoir in winter · NPS/J. Boerner-Mercier

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