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
R E M I N D E R that even if the conditions in the Valley are still looking like Fall, the areas around Montrose have some super fun spots to get your winter outdoor activity fix.
#ExploreColorado #ExploreMontrose
Have you explored everything Montrose has to offer? You might be surprised! The winter Farmer’s Market takes place on the first three Saturdays in December. You can browse unique gifts and enjoy a carriage ride around downtown. Have you visited the Winter Market? Have you had a chance to try the carriage rides?
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Pause on this one for a minute. Zoom. Take it in. Life can be busy, doubly so during the holidays. Don`t forget to take time to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Montrose has a front row seat with your name on it. Whether you’re craving a live performance, indie flick, or classical concert, there’s always a stage to explore.
Swipe to discover where to catch the show — and then head to the blog to plan your night out.
Read the blog post here: visitmontrose.com/where-to-catch-the-show/
@montroselifestyle
#VisitMontrose #MontroseCO #MontroseTheater #MagicCirclePlayers #FoxTheaterMontrose #MontrosePavilion
This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for YOU — our Montrose neighbors, adventurers, and travelers who make this town shine.
We’re thankful for every visitor who helps make Montrose such a special destination. Here’s to gratitude, good times, and mountain views!
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose #BlackCanyon
As Thanksgiving approaches, take the time to pause. What are you thankful for this year?
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How`s the Christmas parade float prep coming? We`re excited to see what you all put together! RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1VQq3zfTJU/
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Looking for a beautiful backdrop for your winter wedding? Montrose is the perfect place! A November wedding offers many benefits: off-season rates, better venue availability, and cooler temperatures.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose @sarah_hall_photography
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.
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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
