Reservoirs

A reflection of pinnacle formations into a body of water — Blue Mesa Reservoir and Dillon Pinnacles
NPS Photo

Blue Mesa Reservoir

Blue Mesa Reservoir, cradled by mesas and pinnacles within a high desert landscape, is the largest body of water in Colorado. It is the most popular and accessible of the three reservoirs in Curecanti.

Getting Here

Blue Mesa Reservoir located west of Gunnison, CO. It is accessible via U.S. Highway 50 (east to west) and CO Highway 149. County Road 26 (CR-26) is an unpaved access road that intersects U.S. Highway 50 just west of the Middle Bridge.

Activities

There are recreation opportunities all year at Blue Mesa Reservoir.

Boating (spring, summer, and fall)
Camping (Elk Creek Campground year-round, other campgrounds seasonally)
Camping by boat (summer)
Fishing (spring, summer, and fall)
Hiking (all year)
Ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing (winter)
Ranger programs (summer and fall)
Stargazing (all year)

A view from an overlook into a narrow reservoir within a deep canyon — Crystal Reservoir
NPS Photo

Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs

Morrow Point and Crystal are two remote, fjord-like reservoirs located in the upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison that provide backcountry flatwater recreational opportunities.

Getting to Morrow Point

Morrow Point Reservoir is accessed from the Pine Creek Trail. The trailhead is located off Highway 50, 1 mile (1.6 km) west of its junction with Highway 92. A short steep road leads to the trail. Parking space is limited.

Overlooks at roadside pull offs along CO Highway 92 provide views into Morrow Point Reservoir. There is no vehicle access to the reservoir.

Getting to Crystal

Crystal Reservoir is accessed from the Mesa Creek Trail. The trailhead is located off U.S. Highway 50, at Cimarron. Drive 1 mi (1.6 km) to Morrow Point Dam parking area.

Overlooks from Crystal Creek Trail and Morrow Point Dam parking area provide views into the reservoir.

Activities

Boating on Morrow Point and Crystal reservoirs is limited to hand-launched craft only. Some hiking trails reach the reservoir level; others provide overlooks into the reservoirs.