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
Behind every great visit is a friendly face who makes it memorable.
Today, we celebrate our incredible Visitor Center volunteers who go above and beyond to make every guest feel welcome. Whether it’s sharing local tips or offering a warm smile, your dedication truly makes a difference.
Thank you for all you do—you are the heart of our community and a big part of what keeps visitors coming back.
Calling local businesses!
Be featured in the upcoming Visitor’s Guide and showcase your business to people planning where to eat, shop, stay, and experience our community.
Advertising opportunities available for:
Restaurants
Retail Shops
Lodging
Attractions
Services & More
Sign up at:
qrco.de/VGadds
@city_of_montrose @montroselifestyle @montrosdart
The results are in for the 2026 Montrose Mudder! Congratulations to this year’s winners:
Male Division
Ben Tobler
Adam Woodden
Maximus Hunter
Female Division
Jennis Gillespie
Katie Dreitlein
Jaslyn Hunter
Youth Division
Easton Drakulich
Jess Good
Elle Drakulich
Team Division
Mudder Budder
View full race times and results here: my.raceresult.com/377417/info
Already thinking about next year? Mark your calendars for Friday, May 7, and Saturday, May 8, 2027!
Thanks so much to Paul Eller and Michaela Kahle Photography
Checkout the full album on Facebook!
@city_of_montrose @montrosedart @montroselifestyle @kahle.photography
What an unforgettable weekend for the Montrose Mudder 2026!
It was especially exciting to work alongside the @blackcanyonrotary Interact students again, on their homegrown annual race event, which raised a record amount to support Rotary Interact’s community projects. Their creativity and dedication helped make this year’s Mudder bigger and better than ever.
From the incredible energy at the Mudder Kickoff Party featuring @chuckjaymusic & @discofuegocolorado and the epic drone show by @brightflightdrones, to a race day full of the best mud conditions we’ve had yet, new obstacles, course upgrades, and fun, this year’s event was one to remember.
Most importantly, thank you to all of our racers, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, spectators, and supporters for making the Montrose Mudder such an incredible community event. We appreciate everyone who came out to be part of the fun and help make this year such a success.
We’re putting the final touches on the full gallery with race results, so stay tuned!
PC: @daly_adventures, Paul Eller, @gunnison_c_photography
Montrose Mudder Kickoff Party & Drone Show tonight!
Join us at 8:45 PM at the Rotary Amphitheater in Cerise Park for the Montrose Mudder Drone Show presented by @brightflightdrones
To hear the synchronized music during the show, simply open this link on your phone or tablet and leave it open:
fireflymusic.app/montrosemudder
The audio will automatically begin when the drone show starts.
Don’t miss it!
Did you know that there are dirt biking trails less than a twenty-minute drive from downtown? Stop by the Montrose Visitor Center, 107 S Cascade Ave, to learn all about the local trails!
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Spring runoff will start to fill the Ridgway Reservoir back up again. While it might not be as full as past years, this is still the perfect time to bring out the fishing gear and boats. Be sure to check with @Ridgway State Park`s regulations before you hit the water.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Loshaw
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Mud, smiles, and nonstop fun await!
Join us for the Montrose Kids Mudder on Saturday, May 9th at 10:00 a.m. at Cerise Park (Colorado Outdoors). This exciting event, presented by Maslow Academy and Bright Beginnings, is open to all children!
Ages 6–12 can take on the course solo
Ages 5 & under must have a parent or guardian with them
Unlimited runs—kids can go again and again!
Don’t forget: a parent or guardian must sign a waiver for participation.
Bring the kids and let them get messy in the best way possible!
Check out the Facebook Event:
qrco.de/MudderEvent
maslow @montroselifestyle @MCSD
Did you know that May will have two full moons? Take some time to go outside after dark and enjoy the mountains illuminated by moonlight.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
The Montrose area boasts a wealth of local produce. While spring may start slowly, it is a crucial season for local farmers. Be on the lookout for early-season produce such as:
- Asparagus
- Rhubarb
- Fresh herbs
- Leaf lettuce & mixed greens
- Swiss chard
- Peas
-Broccoli
These items are a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season!
@montrosecoloradofarmersmarket
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Make the most of your time in the desert before the summer heat sets in. Explore popular spots like Escalante Canyon or the local National Monument. These areas are ideal for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and river floating. Always go with a buddy and exercise caution around water.
Before you head out, remember to check the regulations, and don’t forget to bring plenty of water.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Still thinking about it? This is your sign.
The Montrose Mudder is almost here, and there’s still time to get in on the action. Whether you’re showing up to compete or just have fun in the mud with your crew, it’s all about the experience.
May 9
10:00 AM
Cerise Park
Register before May 4 to grab early pricing:
🔗 qrco.de/mmudder
Kick things off Friday night, May 8th with live music, food trucks, vendors, and an epic drone show.
