Although the recreation area is known for water-based opportunities, Curecanti offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. Vistas vary from serene walks beside the Gunnison River, to volcanic pinnacles, to steeper paths into the canyon. All trails are at high elevation and are subject to changing summer weather.
Know Before You Go
Trails are located on either US Highway 50 or CO Highway 92. See trail descriptions below for distances and difficulty level.
Cell service is limited or nonexistent in areas. Bring a map or download GPS maps on a mobile device before heading out.
Pets are allowed on all trails at Curecanti, but must be on a leash at all times.
Wear good shoes and carry a hat, at least 1-2 quarts (liters) of water, sunscreen, rain jacket, and clothing layers.
Trails Overview
All distances are one-way unless noted otherwise. Scroll down for descriptions on each trail.
Trails Overview
Trail Name
Highway Access
Trailhead
Distance (mi)
Distance (km)
Difficulty
Trail Name
Highway Access
Trailhead
Distance (mi)
Distance (km)
Difficulty
Neversink Trail
U.S. Highway 50
Neversink
.5 mi
.9 km
Easy
Mesa Creek Trail
U.S. Highway 50
Cimarron
.9 mi
1.4 km
Easy
Pine Creek Trail
U.S. Highway 50
Pine Creek
1.3 mi
2.1 km
Moderate
Dillon Pinnacles Trail
U.S. Highway 50
Dillon Pinnacles
1.9 mi
3.2 km
Moderate
Curecanti Creek Trail
CO Highway 92
Pioneer Point
2 mi
3.2 km
Strenuous
Crystal Creek Trail
CO Highway 92
Crystal Creek
1.5 mi
2.4 km
Strenuous
Hermits Rest Trail
CO Highway 92
Hermits Rest
2.6 mi
4.2 km
Strenuous
Curecanti Trails
This map shows the trails and trailheads at Curecanti National Recreation Area. Trails are off two major roads displayed in grey - U.S. Highway 50 and Colorado Highway 92. Trailheads are marked as black icons with a hiker symbol. Trails are highlighted in orange. The map shows the recreation area in a shaded light green bordered by a darker green line. Areas of water are shaded light blue. Each data point is clickable; when selected, it displays the trail name and if pets are allowed.
Zigzagging through oak, pine, juniper, and fir, hikers descend more than 1750 ft (531 m) to a wooded camp and picnic sites on the shores of Morrow Point Reservoir.
After descending from the high rim of the Upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the trail follows Curecanti Creek as it descends toward Morrow Point Reservoir.
Ascending through sagebrush, ponderosa pine and riparian habitats, this 1.9-mile (3.2 km) trail offers spectacular views of Blue Mesa Reservoir, the distant San Juan Mountain peaks, and the eroded volcanic Dillon Pinnacles.
This trail follows Pine Creek as it cascades into the depths of the upper Black Canyon to Morrow Point Reservoir. It follows the old narrow gauge railroad bed along the reservoir.