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
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.
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If you haven`t had a chance to yet, catch the last of the fall colors before they`re gone for the season.
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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!
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Sandstone, sunshine, and crisp autumn air. Head north or west of town to check out the beauty of the desert side of town.
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Colorado has the largest elk population in the world! When you are out in the mountains, listen for the sound of bugling elk.
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Why would you want to be anywhere else?
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From green to gold, watch as the mountains put on their best show. Let us know in the comments where your favorite leaf peeping spot is.
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Little hands, big pumpkins, and lots of fall smiles. Take the time to visit the local pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
Tag your favorite local pumpkin patch in the comments.
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October at the Pavilion
From concerts and community gatherings to inspiring performances and banquets, the Montrose Pavilion is the place to be this month.
Highlights include:
🎶 Student and symphony concerts
💃 An unforgettable dance performance
🏃 A community run/walk for a cause
🍽️ Special banquets and guest speakers
There’s something for everyone—mark your calendars and join us in celebrating a month full of music, connection, and community.
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Summer stepped out, fall swept in, and winter is knocking at the door.
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Did you know Colorado has its very own turkey?
Meet the Merriam’s turkey—a beautiful, high-country bird known for its snow-white tipped tail feathers and iridescent plumage. Native to the Rocky Mountains at elevations from 3,500 to 10,000 feet, Merriam’s is the star of Colorado’s turkey hunting season.
With fall in the air, hunters from all over are flocking (pun intended) to Montrose for the chance to experience this unique bird in its natural habitat.
Read the full blog post: visitmontrose.com/montrose-a-world-destination-for-hunting/
For official hunting regulations, dates, and licensing information, visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website: cpw.state.co.us
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Oktoberfest has been a beloved Montrose event for over 20 years. Put it on the calendar and come join us!
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