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Curecanti National Recreation Area

»Contact Information
»Getting There
»Weather
»Activities
Three lakes, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River, form the heart of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Panoramic mesas, fjord-like lakes, and deep, steep and narrow canyons abound. Blue Mesa Lake is Colorado's largest body of water, and is the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the United States. Morrow Point Lake is the beginning of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and below, Crystal Lake is the site of the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Recently discovered dinosaur fossils, a 5,000 acre archeological district, a narrow gauge train, and traces of 6000 year old dwellings further enhance the offerings of Curecanti.



Contact Information

102 Elk Creek
Gunnison, CO 81230
970-641-2337 - Headquarters
970-641-2337 x205 - Visitor Information


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Getting There

By Plane
Commercial airlines to Denver, Gunnison, Montrose, and Grand Junction airports.

By Car
Via Highway 50 which runs the length of the recreation area between Montrose and Gunnison, Colorado (approximately 200 miles SW of Denver) and is easily accessed from CO Hwy 149, and CO Hwy 92.

By Plane
By bus: To Gunnison, Montrose, and Grand Junction
By train: To Grand Junction

Getting Around
By boat, by car and on foot.

Weather

Weather can vary greatly throughout the day. Summer daytime temperatures range between 50 to 90F (10 to 32C), nights 40 to 60F (4 to 15C)
Winter daytime temperatures range between -20 to +40F (-29 to +4C), nights -30 to +20F (-34 to -7C)
Precipitation is minimal, brief afternoon thunderstorms can occur during the summer, snow accumulation varies greatly year to year. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended. Current weather information and a live webcam picture from Elk Creek Visitor Center is available by clicking on the "more information" link.


Activities

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.
thebackpacker.com If you want more information about backpacking and hiking, give thebackpacker.com a try. From backpacking gear reviews, hiking trail reviews and much more, it covers all aspects of wilderness travel.
  • Auto Touring
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Bird Watching
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature Walks
  • Stargazing
  • Kayaking
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Snowmobiling

Recommended Activities
Hiking trails, wildlife viewing, camping, picnicking, photography, boating, salmon and trout fishing, hunting, windsurfing, sailing,
waterskiing, cross country skiing and ice-fishing.


 
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Find Hiking and Biking Trails
If you like to go hiking or biking, then don't forget to get a map and guidebook. Trails.com offers a great service that allows unlimited downloads of trail guides for a small monthly fee. They even have a 14 day free trial. Whether you are looking for day hikes, backpacking trails, mountain bike routes or just short nature stroll, they cover it all. So let Trails.com help plan your next outing.
RV Information
Are you planning on traveling with your RV? If you are, you should check out the Good Sam Club. The Good Sam Club offers discounts on camping, a free magazine subscription and great tips on traveling with your RV. You can also get a free no-obligation RV Insurance quote . Give them a look and enjoy your trip.
Gear Up For Your Trip
Once you have finished deciding where to go, it will be time to gear up. A great place for adventure travel gear is The National Geographic Store. They have all types of maps and guides to help finalize your vacation plans.