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
IT’S HERE! The Great Colorado Time Capsule is at the Visitor Center NOW until 12:00 PM — this is your chance to help leave a piece of Montrose in history!
Can’t make it before noon? No worries, you can still be part of the Great Colorado Time Capsule. Simply bring your items to the Montrose Visitor Center by September 1 for inclusion.
As Colorado celebrates its 150th anniversary and America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Coloradans are being invited to preserve a snapshot of what life is like in 2026 for future generations.
The capsule will be permanently installed at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland and opened in 2076.
Learn more: https://visitloveland.com/colorado-capsule/
The Great Colorado Time Capsule is coming to Montrose. As Colorado celebrates its 150th anniversary and America celebrates its 250th anniversary, residents across the state are being invited to help preserve the stories of life in Colorado in 2026.
Visit the capsule today starting at 11:00 at the corner of the Visitor Center, across from the Rathbone. Community members may bring letters, photographs, artwork, community stories and small artifacts for possible inclusion. The capsule will be permanently installed at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland and opened in 2076.
What should future Coloradans know about Montrose?
Learn more: https://visitloveland.com/colorado-capsule/
#GreatColoradoTimeCapsule #Colorado150 #America250 #ColoradoHistory
Func Fest Update
Due to inclement weather, the lead guitarist for Heavy Diamond Ring is unable to get into Montrose, and the band will no longer be performing tonight.
But the music is still going! 🎶 The Violet Pines will extend their performance and keep the stage rocking from 6:00–8:15 PM, with a brief intermission from 6:40–6:50 PM.
We’re excited to keep the music going and hope you’ll stick around and enjoy the show!
Thank you to everyone who came out tonight to enjoy this free live music event and support our community. We appreciate you being here and hope you have a great evening!
City of Montrose Colorado Government Montrose Lifestyle Montrose DART
Summer nights are made for the drive-in.
Pack your favorite snacks, load up the car, and catch a movie under the stars at the Star Drive-In Theatre. As one of only seven drive-in theaters left in Colorado, it’s a classic experience that’s worth adding to your Montrose itinerary.
Whether you’re making memories with the family, planning a date night, or reliving a favorite tradition, the drive-in is the perfect way to end a summer day in Montrose.
#exploremontrose #MontroseCO
Star Drive-In Theatre
FUNC Food Truck Line up!
This weekend FUNC Fest is bringing the flavor and the fun! Join us for a delicious lineup of local food trucks:
📍 Saturday, August 8
12:00 PM – Riverbottom Park
Come hungry and stay all day — the food village and beer garden will be in full swing during the heart of the festival.
Dk’s Snack Shack
Bo-B-Q
@chicken_n_thebag
@polarexpressbus
Luncharia Koritas
@zipotes424
@dippidydonuts
@you_dessert_this_
Sunny Thai
@city_of_montrose @montroselifestyle @montrosedart
#montroseco
Summer is a wonderful time to explore Western Colorado, but it’s essential to be prepared for changing conditions. Be sure to pack extra water, wear lightweight clothing, protect yourself from the sun, and take breaks to cool off throughout the day.
If wildfire smoke is in the air, stay informed about air quality updates and be ready to adjust your plans as necessary—especially if you’re hiking or biking. It is advisable for individuals, particularly those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, to stay indoors during periods of smoke exposure to protect their health.
Credit:_starlord_wx
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Find the Visitor Center booth under the gazebo during FUNC Fest this Saturday, August 8th at Riverbottom Park.
We’re bringing fresh FUNC Fest swag and limited-edition commemorative America 250, Colorado 150 Sesquisemiquincentennial merch, you know you want.
Swing by, say hello, and grab your FUNC Fest gear.
Please note that the Montrose Visitor Center will be closed on Saturday, August 8, but our team will be at FUNC Fest all day long to answer your questions, share local recommendations, and help you pick up some exclusive festival merchandise.
@city_of_montrose @montroselifestyle @montrosedart
Join Southwest Rescue tomorrow, Friday, August 7, at 1:00 p.m. at the Riverbottom for a free, hands-on water safety event designed to help you build confidence and stay safe around rivers and moving water.
Whether you’re a frequent river adventurer or simply want to be better prepared, this interactive event offers valuable skills that can help keep you, your friends, and your family safer while enjoying our local waterways.
Start your Func Fest weekend by becoming river smart with Southwest Rescue.
@city_of_montrose @montrosedart @montroselifestyle @montrosesurfandcycle @parker.hughey.life @jackwhitekapone
Tubing is FREE at FUNC Fest!
The City of Montrose is excited to partner with Best Slope Adventure to offer FREE tubing during FUNC Fest! Float times will vary throughout the day based on the competition schedule, so be sure to stop by the Best Slope Adventure booth to see when the river is open for tubing.
Getting on the water is easy:
• Stop by the Best Slope Adventure booth along the sidewalk.
• Sign the required waiver.
• Pick up a life jacket before heading out on the river.
Tubing is free, all skill levels are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Missed your chance to register for the Funky Float? Online registration is closed, but you can still join the fun! Stop by the Best Slope Adventure booth on the day of the event to sign up and be part of the 2:00 PM Funky Float on one of the tubes.
With hot temperatures in the forecast this weekend, there’s no better way to enjoy FUNC Fest than by cooling off with a float on the river. We’ll see you on the water!
@city_of_montrose @montroselifestyle @montrosedart
UPDATE: you must check in at Riverbottom first and be at the river put in at Chipeta by 10 am.
IMPORTANT: The route to the Riverbottom Downriver Race has changed! Use the updated directions below to access the put-in.
Please be aware that due to the ongoing reconstruction and final tie-ins for the new roundabout, the intersection of Rio Grande Avenue and East Oak Grove Road will be closed to through traffic. Vehicles will not be able to pass through the curve at Rio Grande and East Oak Grove Road.
To access the race put-in near Chipeta Lake, participants and spectators should follow the designated detour:
• From Riverbottom Park, head to Colorado Avenue.
• Travel south on Townsend/550 to Chipeta Road.
• Follow signs to the put-in location.
Please allow a little extra travel time and follow all posted detour signs. Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the Riverbottom Downriver Race!
FUNC Fest is this weekend!
The water is moving, the waves are ready, and it’s time to get outside and enjoy everything the river has to offer.
Whether you’re coming to compete, be in the parade, watch the action, or just hang with friends, there’s a place for everyone at FUNC.
See you on the river!
Check out the live camera to view current conditions: �https://www.cityofmontrose.org/613/Water-Sports-Park�
Registration for the comps is still open. Sign up today: qrco.de/watercomps
Parade sign up: qrco.de/FUNCYPARADE
@city_of_montrose @montrosedart @montroselifestyle ���
@montrosesurfandcycle
@jackwhitekapone
@parker.hughey.life
@thevioletpines
@heavydiamondring
Headed to FUNC Fest this weekend? Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
PARKING: Limited parking at Riverbottom Drive Lot — grab a spot early! More parking at Sunset Mesa Sports Complex & Cerise Park. 🚴♀️ Bike parking also available!
WHAT TO BRING:
Sunscreen
Refillable water bottles (hydration stations available)
Water shoes or sandals
Towel & dry clothes (you will get wet!)
Blanket or lawn chair for relaxing
WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME:
Outside alcohol (beer garden on-site for 21+)
Drones
FRIDAY: Montrose Rotary Amphitheater
SATURDAY: All-day fun at Riverbottom Park
See the full event schedule: qrco.de/FUNC
Sign up for the parade: qrco.de/FUNCYPARADE
#FUNCFest #MontroseCO
@city_of_montrose @montrosedart @montroselifestyle
