Scenic Drives

Waysides are located at pull offs and trailheads along U.S. Highway 50.

NPS Photo

 

 

CO Highway 149 winds along the south side of Iola Basin to a picnic area and boat launch. If you continue heading south from Iola, the road reaches County Road 25 (CR-25) in approximately 22 miles (35.4 km). Gateview Campground is accessed from CR-25. Because it is an unimproved road within a narrow canyon, trailers or vehicles above 22 feet are not recommended.

CO Highway 149 continues to Lake City, Creede, and South Fork.

Surrounding Public Lands

Curecanti National Recreation Area is surrounded by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land. Several roads, which begin in Curecanti, continue onto these public lands. These roads are suitable for cars in good weather. Some roads may require high clearance or 4-wheel drive capability depending on the season.

Consult the BLM or the USFS for regulations regarding recreational use.

Soap Creek Road

From CO Highway 92, .75 miles (1.2 km) north of the Blue Mesa Dam, turn onto the Soap Creek Road. Continue for 7 miles (11.3 km) up the Soap Creek Arm to Ponderosa Campground. Continue for another 2 miles (3.2 km) to the Soap Creek Campground and several trailheads.

Red Creek Road

1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of the Middle Bridge, Red Creek Road heads north to Red Creek Campground. The road then follows Red Creek, with its many beaver dams and ponds, north into the Sapinero Wildlife Area and eventually the Gunnison National Forest.

Rainbow Lake Road

About one mile (1.6 km) east of Elk Creek on Highway 50, Rainbow Lake Road takes you into BLM and USFS land; beyond is Rainbow Lake and the West Elk Wilderness area.

 

NPS Graphic

Drive Safe

Do not let scenery or wildlife distract you from driving safely. If you need to stop for any reason, use a pullout or parking area. Follow posted speed limits.

U.S. Highway 50, CO Highway 92, and other non-park roads can be windy, steep, and narrow. Visitors may be towing loaded boat trailers. Be patient and aware of road hazards such as road construction, potholes, soft shoulders, visitors bicycling, wildlife crossing, and winter conditions.