Curecanti National Rec Area
Located an hour east of Montrose, the Curecanti National Recreation Area is home to Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal Reservoirs, named after the corresponding dams on the Gunnison River. Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest body of water in Colorado, boasting 96 miles of shoreline. It is also the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the U.S. and receives a copious stocking of brown, rainbow, and mackinaw trout.
Aside from being a great place to fish, it is celebrated as a favorite place for other water sports such as waterskiing and wakeboarding, swimming, and sailing.
Location & Contact Information
The Elk Creek Visitor Center is located 40 miles east of Montrose, just off Highway 50. For more information, call the Cimarron and Morrow Point Station at 970-249-4074 or the Curecanti National Recreation office at 970-641-2337.
Hikers can choose from seven established hiking trails in the recreation area. The Mesa Creek Trail is a great choice for an easy/moderate hike in the canyon areas below Morrow Point Dam. This trail is located on the western edge of the recreation area, just a short drive from Montrose. While there, enjoy the Cimarron Canyon Railroad Exhibit. The Dillon Pinnacles Trail gives hikers an up-close view of the unique beauty of the volcanic rock formations on the north side of Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Camping options abound with 10 campgrounds in the recreation area, each with its own distinct setting and amenities. RV camping with electrical service is available at the Elk Creek Campground. For a more remote camping experience, try the Ponderosa Campground on Soap Creek.
That’s just a small part of the adventure and beauty you’ll find here in this beautiful National Recreation Area.
Visit the National Park Service Curecanti National Recreation Area website for detailed information plan your visit.
Maps & Resources
With only 14 Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) offices across the state, we are fortunate to have helpful personnel at the Montrose CPW office right down the road. Need a hunting or fishing license? Curious on what parks have the best campsites? Stop in our local CPW office and they will help you!
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose @nativebycarlton @CPWMontrose
Eastern, Osceola, Rio Grande, Merriam`s, and Gould`s, can you guess which type of North American Turkey calls Western Colorado home? Place your guess in the comments below.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Mark your calendars for Montrose Bucks Monday and the tree lighting!
For the first time ever, the annual Montrose Bucks sale is moving to Monday, November 17, in the Community Room of the Public Safety Complex (434 S. 1st Street).
The annual tree lighting will take place on Friday, November 28 at 5:30 pm. The following Saturday is Small Business Saturday, where local shopping downtown really shines.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Ready to take Montrose to new heights?
From the volcanic cliffs of the Black Canyon to sandstone sport routes just outside town, Montrose is a rock climber’s dream — whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned trad climber.
With epic scenery, mild weather, and year-round access, this is your sign to chalk up and get outside.
Read the full climbing guide on our blog:
https://visitmontrose.com/play/outdoors/activities/rock-climbing/
@montroselifestyle @cityofmontrose @montrosedart
#MontroseCO #ClimbColorado
Step into the magic of A Vintage Christmas and experience the wonder of Santa’s Cabin! Santa’s Cabin is located at 530 E Main Street.
Starting November 28, Santa’s cozy cabin opens for the season in downtown Montrose. Families can stop by to drop off letters to Santa or meet the big guy himself for a free photo on select dates through December.
Letters to Santa:
Write your wish list and place it in Santa’s special mailbox anytime between Nov. 28–Dec. 20. Don’t forget to include your return address so Santa can write back before Christmas!
Photos with Santa:
Bring your holiday spirit and visit Santa in person for a free keepsake photo — a perfect memory to treasure for years to come.
Santa’s Cabin officially opens after the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Fri., Nov. 28, and will be open for visits on select dates throughout December.
Brought to you in partnership with the @Montrose Children’s Museum.
For full details and Santa’s schedule, visit cityofmontrose.org/holidays
#visitmontrose #montroseco
@visitmontrose @montroselifestyle @montrosedart
Be part of a Montrose Christmas tradition!
Registration is now open for the 2025 Parade of Lights, happening Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 pm! This year’s theme, A Vintage Christmas, invites you to relive the nostalgic charm of holidays past with classic décor, timeless traditions, and the warmth of yesteryear.
Enter your float and light up Main Street!
Floats are judged on theme, quality, appearance, effort, and participation. It’s a fun way to spread cheer and showcase your organization!
Registration deadline: Monday, Dec. 1
Register today — spots are limited: qrco.de/paradereg
@visitmontrose @montroselifestyle @montroseDART
#visitmontrose #montroseco
Fall is coming to an end. Snow in the high country pushes elk and deer to lower elevations. As you drive, don`t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife near the road.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
November at the Montrose Pavilion
There’s something special happening all month long!
Nov. 8 – Sinners & Saints Band
Presented by @Montrose Regional Health, this lively performance is sure to get you moving!
Nov. 9 – @westernslopeconcertseries
Enjoy an afternoon of incredible live music from talented regional musicians.
Nov. 14 – Crab Crack
It’s back! Dig in at this beloved local tradition featuring delicious crab, community, and fun. @blackcanyonboysandgirlsclub
Nov. 19 – Garrison Keillor Tonight
A night of storytelling, humor, and music from the legendary Garrison Keillor — a must-see event!
@PrairieHomeCompanion
Nov. 28 & 29 – Basement Boutique
Shop unique gifts, handmade treasures, and holiday favorites at one of Montrose’s most charming seasonal markets.
Join us at the Montrose Pavilion Event Center and make this November one to remember!
@cityofmontrose @visitmontrose @montroselifestyle
#motroseco #visitmontrose
The magic of the holidays begins in Downtown Montrose!
Join us Friday, November 28, at 5:30 p.m. at the Montrose County Courthouse for the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring a special performance by the Maslow Academy & High School Choir.
Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, caroling, and a countdown with Santa as we light the community tree and kick off the holiday season!
Then, head across the street to the Montrose Visitor Center, where Lumanity Shows will dazzle with a spectacular holiday light display to keep the celebration glowing bright.
After the lighting, stay for a festive performance by the Valley Youth Orchestra, and don’t miss the opening of Santa’s Cabin and Letters to Santa.
@city_of_montrose @montroselifestyle @montrosedart
#MontroseCo #Montrosechristmas
Visiting us during Halloween? The Annual Candy Crawl in the downtown area is a crowd favorite. Check out the events and happenings over at the Montrose Lifestyle calendar.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
If you haven`t had a chance to yet, catch the last of the fall colors before they`re gone for the season.
#FallColors #MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Don`t miss out on the music. The Montrose Valley Symphony offers exciting musical experiences for all ages. Check out the schedule and get your tickets today!
#CelebrateTheArts #MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
