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
👏🏼 Desert 👏🏼 season 👏🏼 is 👏🏼 calling.
Head north or west of Montrose and explore rugged trails, wide-open views, and quiet canyon beauty before the summer heat arrives. Right now is the sweet spot for soaking in the desert without breaking a sweat.
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Have you downloaded the Merlin app? Montrose is home to some unique species and spring is a special time for bird watching as migratory species return and local birds become more active. Grab your binoculars, head outside, and add some of these unique-to-here species.
These highly sought after species can be found here:
Gunnison Sage-Grouse
Lewis’s Woodpecker
Pinyon Jay
Virginia’s Warbler
Bonus points, tell us in the comments what bird is picture.
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Welcome to Spring in Montrose
Longer days, brighter skies, and wildflowers waking up across the valley — spring is a season of renewal here in Montrose.
Whether you’re strolling downtown, hitting the trails, or planning your first picnic of the year, there’s no shortage of fresh-air adventure and small-town charm waiting for you.
🌷 Ready to plan your spring in Montrose?
Tap through to get inspired, then head to the blog for the full guide.
https://visitmontrose.com/welcome-to-spring-in-montrose/
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Do you have a favorite activity you like to do in February? Share it with us in the comments!
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Did you know that the desert areas around Montrose can sometimes receive snow? This rare sight is a reminder of the beauty that nature can surprise us with. Embrace the adventure and consider adding a desert hike to your weekend plans.
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Share your favorite photo of your pet in the snow and inspire us with their joyful spirit! Tag us so we can see!
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If you`re eager to engage with the future of our community, join us for the State of the City Address and Open House at the Montrose Pavilion on February 23 at 5:30 PM. Discover inspiring insights about our city and seize the opportunity to connect with local government officials.
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Can you find the heart? If so, share this with someone you love.
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For a truly memorable Valentine`s Day gift, explore the beauty of locally made items in shops around town.
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The Ridgway Reservoir is beautiful year-round, even in winter. You can enjoy easy walks and stunning views of snow-capped mountains on a sunny winter day. Be sure to check it out!
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We’re proud to celebrate a moment of national recognition for Montrose’s history and heritage. Congratulations to Richard Fike on this achievement, which shines a spotlight on the stories that make our community unique.
MUSEUM OF THE MOUNTAIN WEST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECEIVES RECOGNITION
Montrose, CO – The Museum of the Mountain West’s Founder and Executive Director Richard E. Fike was selected by True West Magazine as “Best Western History Collector” for 2026.
Recognition by the magazine was revealed in its January/February “Best of the West 2026” special collector’s edition available on national newsstands in January. Museum Founder and Executive Director Richard E. Fike commented, “I very much appreciate being honored again with this True West award because it affirms my lifelong goal of educating the public on the true historical stories and artifacts of the Western US. Since my first days of collecting in Skagway, Alaska, I continue to treasure the West and share it with the Museum of the Mountain West visitors from around the world to help save the past.” The Museum of the Mountain West, Inc., was also selected by True West Magazine in September/October 2025 as one of the Top Western Museums of the West 2025.
The Museum received grant funds in 2025 from @gocollette Collettee Travel and @dmeacoop for restoration efforts and facility improvements, enabling the Museum to pursue renovation of its 2nd Empire-style house as well as other property enhancements.
Step back in time at the Museum of the Mountain West “Where History Comes Alive” at 68169 Miami Road, Montrose, Colorado. For additional details, visit www.museumofthemountainwest.org or call 970-240-3400.
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Embrace the beauty of the snow; even a small amount can spark incredible sledding adventures. Head to the Visitor Center for suggestions on the best locations.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
