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Blue Mesa Reservoir/Curecanti National Recreation Area

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Blue Mesa Reservoir, located in the Curecanti National Recreation Area, is Colorado's largest body of water. The reservoir is located in Western Colorado between Montrose and Gunnison at an elevation of 7,519'. Formed by damming the Gunnison River, Blue Mesa Lake is one of the three reservoirs formed from the Gunnison River. Also located in Curecanti National Recreation Area, the other two reservoirs are Crystal Reservoir and Marrow Point Reservoir. The area is filled with beautiful mesas, deep narrow canyons, and fjord like lakes. Covering 41,972 acres, the park brings over 960,000 visitors each year. One of the best deals in the state: there is no entrance fee.

Kayaking on Blue Mesa, Gunnison, Colorado, The CVD
blue mesa reservoir, Gunnison, Colorado, The CVD

Life on a lake presents many exciting activities to pursue. The Elk Creek Marina on Blue Mesa Reservoir offers many services. The marina offers mooring with a permit (available at the convenience store). At the dock you can also fuel and service your boat. The marina also has a convenience store to purchase bait and tackle, as well as, a fishing guide service. Being the largest Kokanee Salmon fishing spot in the United States, these services are more than useful.

blue mesa reservoir, Gunnison, Colorado, The CVD
blue mesa reservoir, Gunnison, Colorado, The CVD

Along the Marrow Point Reservoir, boat tours are offered. The tour travels through the upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison on a 42-passenger pontoon boat. The tour runs 1.5 hours (reservations are required).

Popular recreation activities include wind surfing, waterskiing, and in the winter excellent ice fishing. Other activities that are not water based are visiting the 5,000-acre archeological district and exploring the old Narrow Gauge Railroad of Gunnison. Rangers in the area will give you the history of this old mining railroad. Hiking is another popular pastime. In the area, there are trails ranging from easy to very strenuous. Close to the park, you can also visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison or the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. Visitor centers are located at Elk Creek Marina and Cimarron. There are also overlooks at Dillon Pinnacles trail and Hermit's Rest trail.

Places to Stay and Fun Things to Do

Blue Mesa Fishing mutual link button on advertiser page
Western Colorado Fishing Guide. Gunnison Colorado's premier fishing guide service. Fly fish for trophy brown & rainbow trout on the Blue Mesa Reservoir, or spend a day on the Gunnison River.
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Centennial RV Park & Campground book online from advertiser page
In the center of beautiful Southwest Colorado in a rural setting 10 miles south of Montrose. Minutes to Black Canyon National Park. FREE WI-FI. 60 Big Rig RV sites, all are 50amp full service & pull thru.
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Gunnison Lakeside Resort email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page book online from advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
On Blue Mesa Reservoir 15 minutes west of Gunnison with full hookups - 30 & 50 amp electrical service and nice cabins. Hunting and sightseeing. WI-FI. Boat launch and rental nearby. Great views.
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Island Acres Resort email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
A half-mile west of Gunnison, walk to the River. Newly updated cabin-ettes, most with full kitchens. Ol' fashion ambiance on 3 acres of shaded lawn. Near fishing, boating, rafting, hunting, horses, and hiking.
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Mesa RV Resort & Allan Ivy Photography Gallery email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page book online from advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Between Gunnison & Blue Mesa Reservoir. Walk to the Gunnison River. Luxury RV sites: patio, gas BBQ grills, furniture - 4 have private hot tubs. Rustic luxury cabins open year round. NEW Photography Gallery.
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Rockey River Resort email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page rates sub-page link on advertiser page
6 miles north of Gunnison on the river. 15 fully furnished & equipped log cabins - open all year. Group facilities along the Gunnison River and in a 100 year old barn. RV spaces - open May to November.
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Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting Raft, Fish, Kayak email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page location map sub-page available on business page vacation specials & packages
Features modern river front cabins with kitchens. Fly shop. Rafting, Fishing & Kayaking. 10 miles north of Gunnison in Almont, on Taylor, East & Gunnison Rivers. Smokehouse Grill. Cabins can be purchased!
cabins Vacation Homes pets ok water groups national parks scenic byway fishing restaurants atving jeeping rafting winter downhill skiing
Wildwood Resort Vacation Cabins & Motel photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
In Gunnison, an ideal spot for those who want the convenience of town but love the peace & quiet of a rocky mountains. New cabins & cabinettes with kitchens plus 3 bedroom vacation homes. WI-FI.
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More Activities & Information

Greater Gunnison Local Area Map

Downloads:

Download an area map of Blue Mesa Reservoir/Curecanti National Recreation Area
(Map provided by the U.S. National Park Service)

Directions:

Access the park via Highway 50 which runs the length of the recreation area between Montrose and Gunnison.

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park • Blue Mesa Reservoir/Curecanti National Recreation Area • Canyons of the Ancients National Monument • Chimney Rock Archaeological Site • Colorado National Monument • Comanche National Grassland • Dinosaur National Monument • Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area • Great Sand Dunes National Park • Hovenweep National Monument • Mesa Verde National Park • Pawnee National Grassland • Pikes Peak • Rocky Mountain National Park • The United States Air Force Academy
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