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.
Visitor Center hours of operations change
The Elk Creek Visitor Center at Curecanti National Recreation Area will be open five days per week from Monday through Friday starting January 20, 2025. The building will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with a lunch closure from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. Hours and days of operations are subject to change, due to staffing levels. The visitor center will be closed on federal holidays, including January 20 and February 17.
Fire Management Plan public commenting
The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing a fire management plan (FMP) and its associated environmental assessment (EA) for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (BLCA) and Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE). The NPS is seeking public input on the plan’s EA from January 7, 2025, through February 6, 2025.
Visitor Center Hours of Operations
Gunnison, Colo. – The Elk Creek Visitor Center at Curecanti National Recreation Area will be open five days per week from Thursday through Monday starting January 2, 2025. The building will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with a lunch closure from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. Hours and days of operations are subject to change, due to staffing levels. The visitor center will be closed on federal holidays.
Fee increases approved for Black Canyon and Curecanti
MONTROSE, Colo. – The National Park Service (NPS) proposed this summer 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 sought public comment on the fee changes in July. Comments were reviewed and the fee increase was approved in November. The proposed fee changes will take effect in January 2025.
Winter operations at Curecanti
Gunnison, Colo. – Curecanti National Recreation Area will have changes to operations as winter approaches. Winter is a time to enjoy quiet hiking trails, ice fishing, and winter scenery. Visitors should be prepared for chilly weather at Curecanti.
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