Curecanti National Recreation Area

Dillon Pinnacles, Curecanti National Recreation Area
Three reservoirs and surrounding lands make up this recreation area in western Colorado. It is a landscape of tradeoffs; natural and human made features exist together. Geologic wonders are abundant from the sagebrush scrublands to forests. Visitors can experience the park year-round on both land and water.
Map showing location of park.
Fire Management Plan for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area
The National Park Service (NPS) invites public input in the development of a fire management plan (FMP) and its environmental assessment (EA) for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Curecanti National Recreation Area.
Black Canyon Regional AstroFest September 5 to 7, 2024
Come celebrate the starry night skies of Black Canyon at Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Curecanti National Recreation Area. The region’s annual astronomy festival, known as AstroFest, will take place Thursday in Montrose, Friday at Black Canyon, and Saturday at Curecanti. This event connects us to the dark skies of the region and provides the opportunity to look through telescopes, learn about wildlife, and appreciate dark skies.
NPS seeks public input on grazing at Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curecanti
The National Park Service (NPS) invites public input in the development of a Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, under the National Environmental Policy Act.  
Proposed fee changes Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area
MONTROSE, Colo. – The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to charge fees for wilderness permits on the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and increase group campsite fees for Curecanti National Recreation Area. Park managers are seeking public comment on the fee changes. The proposed fee changes would take effect in January 2025.
Iola boat ramp opening and transition to summer hours
The Iola boat ramp on Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area opens Thursday May 9, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. It will be open daily from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm through May 17, 2024. Starting May 18, Iola and Elk Creek inspections stations will be available for summer hours from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm. Lake Fork inspection station will remain open from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, until further notice.
The snow-capped San Juan Mountain Range looms in the distance as viewed from the Crystal Trail
Photo by NPS image by Matt Johnson
Blue Mesa reflects the color of the sky in the dawn twilight.
Photo by NPS image by Matt Johnson
Hedgehog Cactus flower blooming along the Crystal Trail
Photo by NPS image by Matt Johnson
Large pinnacle spires across a body of water
Photo by NPS Photo
An arm of the Milky Way galaxy glows over Blue Mesa.
Photo by NPS image by Leo Pareti
Tall spires alongside steep canyon walls. A narrow body of water flows below.
Photo by NPS Photo