Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado

The greatest treasure of the Curecanti National Recreation Area is the opportunity it provides for an individual to enjoy the solitude and peace of canyons and mesas. The heart of the area is formed by three reservoirs and they are surrounded by high mesas and rugged cliffs.

The Blue Mesa Reservoir, the United States Morrow Point Reservoir, and the East Portal Reservoir form the heart of the Curecanti National Recreation Area near Crested Butte, Colorado.

Over billions of years, the Gunnison River has cut down through the base volcanic material forming rugged, scenic canyons and mesa. Black Canyon leads to Morrow Point Lake's steep walls. Crystal Lake also has step walls and the floor of Blue Mesa Reservoir shows formations of volcanic material.

One of the most notable features of the Curecanti National Recreation Area is the spire-like formations. Examples of these are the Dillon Pinnacles and the Curecanti Needle. Brown trout, rainbow trout, Mackinaw trout and Kokanee Salmon can all be caught in the different waters of the area. In addition to fishing, many travelers in the Curecanti National Recreation Area enjoy the scenic drives, cross-country skiing, boating, camping, and hunting.