Curecanti National Recreation Area Colorado Tourism

Over 20 miles of the Scenic West Elk Loop (U.S. 50 and Hwy. 92) meander through the Curecanti National Recreation Area, a land of canyons and mesas surrounding a hydro-electric power and irrigation project on the Gunnison River.

The three dams within the recreation area have converted this section of the river into Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal Lakes. Blue Mesa, the largest body of water in the state (20 miles long, 92 miles of shoreline), is the most accessible of the three lakes for boating and other recreation. It has three huge basins — Sapinero, Cebolla and Iola — that are popular with sailboaters and powerboaters alike.

Because of their location in the Black Canyon, Morrow Point and Crystal Lakes are limited to hand-carried water craft.

Most visitors come to the park for the outstanding fishing. The lakes hold brown, rainbow, brook and huge lake trout, as well as kokanee (landlocked sockeye) salmon.
Other popular activities include windsurfing in the many secluded bays, camping, horseback riding, hiking and hunting in season.

There are also self-guided tours, interpretive trails and a Morrow Point Lake boat tour. A Visitor Center, restaurant and marina can be found at Elk Creek. There are several picnic and camping areas along U.S. 50 and Hwy. 92.

Curecanti National Recreation Area