Curecanti National Recreation Area
| Curecanti National Recreation Area | |
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IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
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Dillion Pinnacles
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| Location | Gunnison and Montrose counties, Colorado, United States |
| Nearest city | Gunnison, CO |
| Coordinates | 38°27′17″N 107°19′37″W / 38.45472°N 107.32694°WCoordinates: 38°27′17″N 107°19′37″W / 38.45472°N 107.32694°W |
| Area | 43,095 acres (174.40 km2) |
| Established | February 6, 1945 |
| Visitors | 924,468 (in 2011) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Curecanti National Recreation Area |
Curecanti National Recreation Area, in Colorado, is formed by three reservoirs, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River. The national recreation area borders Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on the west. Panoramic mesas, fjord-like reservoirs, and deep, steep and narrow canyons abound.
Recently discovered dinosaur fossils, a 6,700-acre (20 km2) archeological district, a narrow gauge train, and traces of 6000-year-old dwellings further enhance the offerings of Curecanti.
There are three visitor centers within the recreation area, all operated by the National Park Service:
There are also two marinas and five boat launches along the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir.
The Neversink trail is located nearest to Gunnison on the north bank of the Gunnison River near a Great Blue Heron rookery. This streamside habitat with its heavy undergrowth of grasses, flowers, cottonwoods, and willows, is ideal for birdwatching or just a quiet stroll.
Length: 1.5 miles (round trip) Difficulty: easy This trail is flat and provides easy walking. It is also wheel chair accessible. Directions: off Hwy 50, 5 miles (8.0 km) west of Gunnison
Ascending through sagebrush, ponderosa pine and riparian habitats, this trail offers spectacular views of Blue Mesa Reservoir, the distant San Juan Mountain peaks, and the weirdly eroded volcanic Dillon Pinnacles. Along the trail are a few shady places to rest and open sunny vistas with possible glimpses of bighorn sheep. Horses permitted. Interpretative signs explain geologic history. Benches are provided. Good shoes or boots are recommended. Carry at least 2 quarts of water per person.
Length: 4 miles (round trip) Difficulty: moderately strenuous; 600 ft (180 m) ascent. Directions: off Hwy 50, 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Elk Creek Visitor Center.
Follow the beautiful Pine Creek as it cascades into the depths of the upper Black Canyon to Morrow Point Reservoir. Then take a walk along the old narrow gauge railroad bed along the reservoir. Learn the history of the area by reading the interpretive signs on the trail. Be sure to check for ticks during the hot summer months. Fishing, camping, and boating access for Morrow Point Reservoir. No boat launching facilities. Small hand-carried craft are permitted if carried down the steps (and back up).
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Wikipedia