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 Winter Operations 2025/2026
As summer comes to an end, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will transition to winter operations. Check the park websites for operational hours, closures, and current conditions before your trip.
Black Canyon and Curecanti move to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective September 5 at 12:01 am.
Black Canyon AstroFest 2025
The National Park Service invites you to discover your local day and night skies at the 2025 Black Canyon AstroFest. Come celebrate the heavens above at the annual astronomy festival.
Seasonal Change of Operations for Blue Mesa Boat Ramps
The hours of operations for the boat ramps and aquatic invasive species (AIS) stations on the Blue Mesa Reservoir at Curecanti National Recreation Area will be reduced as fall begins and daylight hours decrease. Staffing levels also drop in the fall.
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.
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