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
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.
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Looking for a cozy winter activity? Check out what’s happening at our local theater, the @Magic Circle Players! Enjoy live performances, great atmosphere, and a chance to support the arts right here in our community. Grab your tickets and enjoy a night out!
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Welcome to Winter in Montrose!
Whether you’re chasing snow-covered trails, bundling up for hot cocoa downtown, or planning your next weekend escape — winter in Montrose is filled with quiet magic and endless ways to explore.
This season is for slowing down, bundling up, and breathing in the crisp Colorado air.
Ready to plan your winter in Montrose?
Tap through to get inspired, then head to the blog for the full guide.
https://visitmontrose.com/welcome-to-winter-in-montrose/
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Get off the beaten path and explore the trails around Cerro Summit Recreation Area. You never know what you will find. visitmontrose.com/listing/cerro-summit
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Cold days call for warm drinks and cozy corners. This winter, treat yourself to a comforting cup from one of our local coffee shops. It’s the perfect way to stay warm — and support the businesses that make our community special.
If you are looking for suggestions, swing by and chat with us!
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Want to enjoy the snow without the stress of dealing with the ski slopes? Give snowshoeing a try! The Black Canyon National Park is a beginner friendly place to start.
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Even during the shorter days, the sunsets in this region are truly remarkable. We invite you to share your favorite sunset photo from the area with us!
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Even if winter isn`t your favorite season, you can`t overlook the spectacular beauty that Colorado offers. Embrace the wonder around you; sometimes it reveals itself in the most unexpected places.
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Looking for a truly unique way to experience Colorado?
The Ouray Ice Festival is back January 22–25, 2026 at the Ouray Ice Park — featuring climbing clinics for all levels, vendor gear demos, mixed climbing competitions, and fun evening events downtown.
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Winter offers numerous opportunities for stunning photographs! We invite you to share your favorite winter photos of Montrose with us by tagging us.
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If you`re looking for a fun way to stay active this winter, consider cross-country skiing! It`s an excellent way to enjoy the snow, experience beautiful winter scenery, and get a full-body workout. For recommendations on where to cross-country ski in the area, stop by the Montrose Visitor Center for more information.
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