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
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
Don’t miss Reel Rock 20 at the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater on October 24!
Gather your friends, grab a chair, and join us for an unforgettable evening of climbing films and adventure under the stars.
October 24, 2026
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Films Begin: 6:30 PM
Montrose Rotary Amphitheater
Get your tickets now: qrco.de/RR20
Brought to you by Visit Montrose in partnership with the Montrose High School Climbing team
This year`s fall color season may be shorter than usual, so now is the perfect time to start planning your scenic getaway!
Make Montrose your home base and spend the season exploring the stunning fall colors in the surrounding area. With beautiful scenic drives in every direction, there’s plenty to see, photograph, and enjoy.
As you explore, keep in mind that capturing the perfect photo is not worth risking your safety or that of other drivers. Always use designated pullouts or safe, legal parking areas, stay clear of traffic, be aware of changing road conditions, and never block the roadway.
Slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the beauty of fall in Colorado safely!
#FallColors #MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Art lovers, don`t miss the opportunity to explore Montrose!
This beautiful city is a canvas of local and regional talent, featuring established galleries and inspiring creative studios.
From public art that enriches downtown to unique boardwalk shops, every corner reveals hidden gems. Statues and colorful murals infuse the community with creativity, making Montrose a true celebration of art.
Take a stroll through downtown; let yourself be inspired!
#MontroseCO #SupportLocal #ExploreMontrose
FOUR CLIMBERS. FOUR EPIC STORIES. ONE UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT.
Reel Rock 20 is coming to Montrose! Get your Tickets today: qrco.de/RR20
Come watch Olympic champion Janja Garnbret, Michaela Kiersch, Ben Mayforth and Colin Haley push the limits in this year’s premier showing of Reel Rock 20.
Settle in under the stars with a drink in hand, great food, a fire pit nearby, and your community all around you. Bring your chair, gather your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable night of climbing, adventure and connection at the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater.
October 24 | Doors 5 PM | Films 6:30 PM
Montrose Rotary Amphitheater
The first snows of the year have begun to fall, creating a stunning contrast with the vibrant fall colors.
Please be mindful that the high country can transform from fall beauty to winter wonder in an instant. Before you embark on your journey, check the weather forecast and road conditions. Ensure your vehicle is ready for snow and ice, pack warm clothing and emergency supplies, and share your plans with someone.
Most importantly, embrace the journey with extra time and a flexible spirit, ready to adapt if conditions change.
Relish the breathtaking beauty of nature, and prepare to embrace the adventure ahead.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
After several rainy days, the clouds finally cleared and this funky little mushroom made an appearance at the @montrosepd.
We’re calling it a Rocky Mountain Sand Dollar, because apparently, you don’t need an ocean to find one!
Just one of the little surprises that come with a beautiful Colorado fall.
Enjoy one last weekend outdoors in beautiful Montrose!
Late September offers comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore. Spend the day hiking or biking along the winding trails, casting a line in the river, discovering the wonders of Black Canyon, or soaking in the breathtaking, wide-open views of Western Colorado.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Four climbers. Four incredible stories.
Reel Rock returns for its landmark 20th edition, bringing four new films to the big screen featuring some of the world’s best mountain athletes and the most unforgettable climbing stories of the year.
Janja Garnbret - Olympic champion on the Bibliographie.
Michaela Kiersch - the first woman to climb both V15 boulders and 5.15 routes.
Ben Mayforth - pushing boundaries of adaptive climbing in his pursuit of 5.13.
Colin Haley - a solo winter ascent of Cerro Torre.
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Doors: 5:00 PM
Films: 6:30 PM
Montrose Rotary Amphitheater
BUY TICKETS NOW: qrco.de/RR20
The City of Montrose is proud to partner with the Montrose High School Climbing Team to bring Reel Rock to our community. Reel Rock is presented by The North Face and supported by YETI
Are you gearing up for a hunting adventure in Colorado this fall?
If you’re new to hunting, now is your moment to embark on your journey by completing your hunter education.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides year-round courses, including dynamic classroom experiences and convenient online options with an in-person conclusion. These classes equip you with essential knowledge on firearm safety, hunting laws, ethics, and wildlife identification, empowering you to embrace the wilderness confidently.
Learn more at: cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/new-hunting
#MontroseCO #exploremontrose
Hiking around Montrose in early fall has its benefits, like cooler days, fewer crowds, and beautiful colors. However, be ready for unpredictable weather, cooler temperatures at night, shorter daylight hours, and possible storms or wildlife encounters.
To have a safe and enjoyable adventure, plan ahead. Dress in layers, pack food and water, and tell someone where you’re going. A little preparation can make a big difference!
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Fall is the perfect season for fly fishing in the Montrose area. Often regarded as one of the best times to fly fish in Colorado, fall brings cooler temperatures, pleasant days on the water, and more active fish.
With the stunning changing colors and beautiful scenery, it`s hard to beat a day spent on the rivers of Western Colorado.
Grab your fly rod and make the most of the season before winter arrives!
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
After a warm summer, we’re looking forward to cooler days, crisp mornings, and all the seasonal beauty that Colorado has to offer.
With changing leaves, cozy evenings, fall festivals, local harvests, and time spent outdoors, there’s so much to anticipate during this time of year.
What are you most excited to experience this fall in Colorado? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
