Curecanti National Recreation Area Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

Curecanti National Recreation Area Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

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Panoramic of the mountains in Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado
Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado (courtesy, National Park Service)
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Curecanti National Recreation Area Parks and Outdoors Travel Tips

By Kim Lipker
  • Curecanti National Recreation Area offers camping by boat, a rare treat in Colorado. Each reservoir—Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal— has established boat-in campsites. This is some of the best lake camping in Colorado, so experience it if you never have before.
  • With one group and two individual sites, Red Creek is the smallest group and individual campground in Curecanti National Recreation Area. Red Creek is located 19 miles west of Gunnison and the sites are located among large cottonwood trees, which offer great shade.
  • East Elk Creek is the smallest group campground in Curecanti. There is only one site, but it accommodates a total of 50 people. Located 16.5 miles west of Gunnison, it too is located among beautiful, old cottonwood trees.
  • The main Elk Creek Campground has 160 campsites, including 15 walk-in and 20 pull-through sites. Located 16 miles west of Gunnison, on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir, this is treeless, sagebrush, mesa country. Reservations are accepted and recommended. You’ll be with plenty of other campers here, so be sure to reserve a tent campsite and look at the map before you book your spot.
  • Cimarron Campground is 20 miles east of Montrose and has 21 campsites—reservations are not available. In the vicinity of the campground are a historic narrow gauge railroad town, Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad exhibits, and access to Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam.

Curecanti National Recreation Area Overview

The old rock faces of the Black Canyon tell of changes that have occurred over a period of two billion years. The surrounding mesas are capped with cliffs and rocky spires, evidence of violent volcanic eruptions approximately 30 million years ago. These formed the West Elk Mountains to the north. Later volcanic episodes to the south formed Southwestern Colorado's scenic San Juan Mountains, and spewed vast quantities of ash over this area. Read More

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Hotels

Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal Reservoirs

Curecanti National Recreation Area
Gunnison, CO

Distance: 3.8 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0

Red Creek Campground

Curecanti National Recreation Area
Gunnison, CO

Distance: 3.8 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0

East Elk Creek

Curecanti National Recreation Area
Gunnison, CO

Distance: 3.8 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
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Attractions

Blue Mesa Reservoir

expert favorite attraction
U.S. Hwy. 50


Distance: 6.6 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Colorado's largest body of water, Blue Mesa Reservoir boasts endless shoreline. It's a popular destination for windsurfers, boaters, and fishing enthusiasts.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Elk Creek Marina

expert favorite attraction
15 miles west of Gunnison


Distance: 12.8 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Boaters will find everything they need at full-service Elk Creek Marina—slip rental, a gas dock, a repairs facility, and a gift shop. ... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

J & Ray Guides & Outfitters

Commercial Horse Packer
8310 6400 Rd.
Montrose, Colorado 81401

Distance: 28.2 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Family-owned and operated J & Ray Guides & Outfitters will fill your belly with a home-cooked breakfast, then accompany you into the wilderness on horseback for a five-day hunting excursion. ... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Curecanti National Recreation Area

Distance (mi.)
Colorado Springs Municipal Airport 147.2 map
Denver International Airport 174.9 map
Albuquerque International Airport 239.3 map

Other Smaller Airports near Curecanti National Recreation Area

Distance (mi.)
Montrose County Airport 26.4 map
Grand Junction Walker Field 75.9 map
Eagle/Vail Eagle County Airport 85.8 map

Flight Deals to Curecanti National Recreation Area

Originating From
Phoenix (PHX) to Colorado Springs (COS) $165
Ontario (ONT) to Colorado Springs (COS) $233
Baltimore (BWI) to Colorado Springs (COS) $242
Chicago (CHI) to Colorado Springs (COS) $381

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Trip Ideas

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Curecanti National Recreation Area Vacation Rentals

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from: $171

3 Bedroom VACATION HOME in NATIONAL, WA

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.5
Sleeps: 10
Amenities: Air Conditioning, Alarm Clock, BBQ, Blender, CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, DVD Player, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Freezer, Full kitchen, Garage, Hot Tub, Iron, Laundry, Linens, Lounge, Microwave, No Pets, Non-Smoking, Oven, Patio, Phone, Refrigerator, Stereo, TV, Toaster, Utensils, VCR
check rates
from: $75

VACATION HOME in NATIONAL, WA

Bathrooms: 1
Sleeps: 12
Amenities: BBQ, Full kitchen, Iron, Pets OK, Phone, Restaurant, Towels
check rates
from: $92

2 Bedroom VACATION HOME in NATIONAL, WA

Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Sleeps: 4
Amenities: No Pets, Non-Smoking, Patio, Phone, TV, VCR
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Curecanti National Recreation Area Parks and Outdoors Travel Guides

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