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
Tribute to Aviation Update
This year’s Tribute to Aviation at the Montrose Regional Airport has been canceled.
If you’re still looking to enjoy an airshow on the Western Slope, head to Grand Junction for the Grand Junction Airshow, October 3–4, featuring impressive aircraft, military jets, historic planes, and plenty of aviation excitement.
PC: @Gunnisonclamp
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
This is your sign: make the most of the crisp autumn days by embarking on one last exhilarating high-country adventure before the chill of winter blankets the peaks. Explore breathtaking trails, soak in stunning vistas, and savor the beauty of the changing leaves while you still can!
#GetOutside #MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Montrose is a cyclist`s playground, offering a variety of terrains, including winding mountain singletrack, scenic gravel paths, and peaceful country roads. Regardless of your riding style, you`ll discover miles of stunning landscapes and unforgettable adventures waiting to be explored.
Before you set out, be sure to stop by the Montrose Visitor Center. They provide trail maps, local recommendations, and insider tips to help you maximize your riding experience.
To ensure your adventures are safe, remember to ride in a single file when appropriate, use hand signals, wear a helmet, and stay alert. If you`re driving, please give cyclists plenty of room when passing.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Experience Colorado’s incredible backcountry from a whole new perspective. With thousands of miles of unpaved roads and OHV trails, four-wheeling is one of the best ways to explore the rugged landscapes surrounding Montrose.
If you’d rather leave the driving to an expert, stop by the Montrose Visitor Center for recommendations on local 4-wheeling tour operators. It’s the perfect way to experience the adventure, take in the scenery, and enjoy the backcountry without the stress of navigating the trails yourself.
#LeaveNoTrace #ProtectOurTrails #MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Montrose is surrounded by amazing trails, stunning views, and mountain adventures just waiting to be discovered. Share a picture of your favorite view from your best adventure.
#ExploreMontrose #MontroseCO
Congratulations to our FUNC Fest competition winners! And a big thank-you to everyone who came out to compete, cheer on the participants, and be part of the fun.
Great job, everyone — we’ll see you next year!
Our Visitor Center wouldn’t be what it is without our amazing volunteers like Belynda. You share your time, stories, and local knowledge so generously, and it makes a real difference for everyone who visits. We’re so grateful for you. Thank you.
Western Colorado is renowned not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its locally grown hops, which play a vital role in crafting exceptional beer. With sunny days, cool nights, and dedicated farmers, breweries throughout the region can brew with ingredients sourced close to home. While you`re in the area, be sure to visit the local breweries and sample their unique homebrewed specialties!
#MontroseCO
Do you have a little extra time?
Do you want to give back to your community?
Do you want to be part of something big?
The City is looking for volunteers to help with community events, projects, and programs throughout the year.
If you are interested, call Dawn at the Montrose Visitor Center at 970-497-8558 or fill out an inquiry form at: tinyurl.com/2utndp8e
@city_of_montrose @montroselifestyle @montrosedart
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
