Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
center is well stocked with books and maps, and enthusiastic National Parks Service staff
offer a wealth of information on hiking, fishing and rock climbing. There's also a mini-
theater, which shows interesting orientation and historical films.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Curecanti National Recreation Area
The Gunnison River, which once flowed freely through the canyons, is now plugged by
three dams creating the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Its official title, the Wayne N
Aspinall Storage Unit, is more apt - named for a US representative, in office between
1948 and 1973, who never met a water project he did not like. Many RVs are strangely at-
tracted to the bleak and windy shores of chilly Blue Mesa Reservoir, which Curecanti sur-
rounds. The calm waters of the Blue Mesa are popular with windsurfers, as well as boat-
ing and fishing families. Stunning landforms that survived immersion are the unsinkable
Curecanti Needle and Dillon Pinnacles, a volcanic breccia capped by welded tuff.
There are no entrance fees for Curecanti, unless entering through the main entrance of
the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Tours
Morrow Point Boat Tour
( 970-641-2337, ext 205; adult/child $16/8; 10am & 12:30pm Wed-Mon; )
The popular Morrow
Point boat tour is run by the National Park Ranger Service, and takes visitors on a gentle
1½-hour tour through the upper Black Canyon on a 42-seat pontoon. Access to the Pine
Creek boat dock is via a 1½-mile round-trip trail that includes 232 steps. The trailhead is
just off Hwy 50, between Montrose and Gunnison, at the 130-mile marker. Bookings are
essential.
The views from the boat are superb and the ranger delivers a commentary on the stun-
ning scenery and wildlife. Allow an hour to walk from the trailhead to the boat dock.
BOAT TOUR
Sleeping
Curecanti has 10 campgrounds, and some, such as
Elk Creek
(
970-641-2337;
www.nps.gov/cure
;
US Hwy 50; per night Loops B & C $12, Loop A $12 plus $3 booking fee, Loop D $18 plus $3 booking fee;
year
