Curecanti National Recreation Area • Colorado

A single boat floating out in a reservoir. Mesas surrounding the area are reflected on the water.

Underexposed shot of waves coming off a reservoir. Mesas in the background.

Large pinnacle spires across a body of water

Tall spires alongside steep canyon walls. A narrow body of water flows below.

Frozen over body of water with snow covering it. Mesas are on the edge.

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.

Sapinero Basin
NPS/Kat Connelly

Blue Mesa Reservoir
NPS/Amy Washuta

Dillon Pinnacles next to Blue Mesa Reservoir
NPS Photo

Morrow Point Reservoir
NPS Photo

Blue Mesa Reservoir in winter
NPS/J. Boerner-Mercier

A visitor center building on a brushy hillside with a sign pointing to Visitor Center and Campground

Operating Hours & Seasons

Curecanti is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Elk Creek Visitor Center is open daily, 8 am to 5 pm.

A deep canyon with a blue-green reservoir surrounded by steep brushy slopes and a cloudy sky.

Current Conditions

Check for alerts, weather, road closures, trail conditions, and reservoir levels.

Person wearing a backpack and flannel shirt standing in front of tall pinnacle spires

Curecanti offers hiking opportunities in diverse habitats across the park.

A yellow sign with 'Watercraft Inspection Station' and an NPS arrowhead.

Boat Ramps & Watercraft Inspections

Check to see which boat ramps are open and hours for watercraft inspections.

Two people casting fishing lines from the rocky shoreline of a lake

The Gunnison River and reservoirs provide excellent angling opportunities. Review possession limits and park regulations.

Tall geologic pinnacles on the side of a mesa

The geologic story of Curecanti hides within the rock layers above and below the water's surface.

Cottontail bunny with brown-gray coat sits on snow surrounded by plants.

Learn about the plants, animals, and natural features of Curecanti.

Sunset light hits a canyon wall and illuminates various colored intrusions in the rock

One River System, Two Park Experiences

Visitors to nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park can experience the Gunnison River system in a different form.

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230

Phone:

970 641-2337 x205
This phone is not monitored when the building is closed. If you are having an emergency, call 911.

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