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 shrublands to forests. Visitors can experience the park year-round on both land and water.
Map showing location of park.
Black Canyon and Curecanti move to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective August 14 at 12:01 am.
Blue Mesa Water Quality Advisory – Toxic Algae Found August 2025
Throughout the summer, National Park Service staff sample and analyze the Blue Mesa Reservoir water for the presence of blue-green algae containing cyanotoxins. The latest testing revealed that concentrations of the harmful algae within the Iola Basin exceed public health safe exposure levels.
Blue Mesa Reservoir Open
Effective at 3:00 pm, all areas of Blue Mesa Reservoir will be open to all water activities on the surface. The closure issued on July 18, 2025, is released and rescinded.
Status of Blue Mesa Reservoir
Effective immediately, the Blue Mesa Reservoir West of Middle Bridge will be closed to all boating activities on the surface, from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm daily. This closure will remain in effect from until further notice.
NPS seeks public input on grazing management at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreational Area
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on the Grazing Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (GrMP/EA) for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
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