Curecanti National Recreation Area
Details: Located on the Western slope of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Curecanti includes three reservoirs in the Upper Gunnison River Basin (Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal). There are opportunities for hiking, boating, kayaking, camping, fishing, paddle-boarding, windsurfing, wildlife watching, and many other recreational activities.
Summer highs usually are in the 70° to 80° range, and lows 40° to 50°. The wind often picks up at 12 pm. Beware if you are out in the middle of Blue Mesa at this time! Thunderstorms are common on summer afternoons. Winter highs usually reach 20° to 30° and lows often dip below zero. Snow levels reach one foot in the lowlands and double that in higher elevations. Layered clothing is recommended in any season. www.COtrip.org is a wonderful resource for information about road conditions in Colorado.
Directions: Curecanti is located between the Colorado towns of Gunnison (to the east), Montrose (to the west), and Lake City (to the south). The West Elk Mountain Wilderness area borders Curecanti to the north. U.S. Highway 50 runs the length of Curecanti east to west.
East Portal
East Portal is within the boundary of Curecanti National Recreation Area, but only accessible from the South Rim of Black Canyon National Park. East Portal is named for the Gunnison Tunnel and the town that developed around its construction. Although not much remains of the town, visitors can still experience the trepidation of winding down the canyon and appreciate the difficulties and joys of creating a community at the bottom.
What To Do Here
East Portal has a small campground next to the Gunnison River. This stretch of the river is designated Gold Medal Waters and special fishing regulations apply. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the Crystal Dam at the end of the road.
Getting Here
East Portal is accessible from the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Turn right immediately after the entrance station.
The Road
The East Portal Road is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. The road is paved and two-way, but windy and steep. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited on the East Portal Road. In a few places, the road is a 16% grade; vehicles should be in low gear on the road to avoid burning out the brakes.
The road is closed in winter, typically from November to April.
Water
In the summer months, a water fill-up station is available in the campground. We ask that you use the fill-up stations conservatively and be prepared with your own water. In the Spring and Fall, water is not available.
Pioneer Point Overlook
Pioneer Point offers stunning views of the upper Black Canyon and Morrow Point Reservoir. The overlooks are over 800 feet above the water level. The Curecanti Needle can be seen from here. This is also the trailhead for the Curecanti Creek Trail. Elevation: 8040 feet
Campgrounds
Elk Creek Campground
East Elk Creek Group Campsite
Alpine Ranger Station
Jackson Guard Station
Red Creek Group Site
Soap Creek
Lake Fork Campground
Stevens Creek Campground
Cimarron Campground
Dry Gulch Campground
East Elk Creek Group Campground
East Portal Campground
Elk Creek Campground
Gateview Campground
Lake Fork Campground
Ponderosa Campground
Red Creek Campground
Stevens Creek Campground