Riding Our National Parks

Cruising through (some of) America's national treasures

February 2005 Feature Mary O'Byrne and Lane Lindstrom

COLORADO

Curecanti National Recreation Area
Curecanti National Recreation Area, located in southwest Colorado, is a water lover's dream in the summer and a sheet of ice in the winter. The recreation area contains three reservoirs: Blue Mesa, Black Canyon and Morrow Point. The Blue Mesa is the largest reservoir in Colorado. The area surrounding the reservoirs is also impressive including mesas and steep narrow canyons. U.S. Highway 50 runs through the center of the recreation area, making it easily accessible to recreationists.
Snowmobiling is subject to conditions such as ice and adequate snow cover. Provided adequate conditions exist, snowmobiling is allowed on the Iola and Cebolla Basins, as well as the West Elk, Lake Fork and Cebolla arms. Snowmobiling access is also limited to established roads to and from the reservoirs.
 
CNRA General Information
 Snowmobile travel is limited to the frozen surface of the Blue Mesa Reservoir and on established access roads to the reservoir only.
 Maximum gross weight is 1200 lbs. (snowmobile and cargo).
 Avoid interface with other recreationists.
 Do not disturb wildlife. Snowmobile access may be limited to reduce stress to wildlife during harsh winters.

Curecanti National Recreation Area
Elevation 7,519 (Blue Mesa Reservoir)
Snowfall 250 inches
Groomed Trails None
Location Southwest Colorado
Entrance Fee None
Closest Trail System Gunnison
National Recreation Area Established 1965
Size 41,972 acres
Full-Service Town Gunnison
Nearest Airport Gunnison (25 miles) 
Information Curecanti National
Recreation Area (970) 641-2337 ext. 205
or
www.nps.gov/cure

  • Like what you read?

    Want to know when we have important news, updates or interviews?

  • Join our newsletter today!

    Sign Up
You Might Also Be Interested In...
Share

Send to your friends!

Welcome to Snowest!

Have a discount code on us.

Discount Code: