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Three reservoirs, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River, form the heart of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Panoramic mesas, fjord-like reservoirs, and deep, steep and narrow canyons abound. Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water, and is the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the United States. Morrow Point Reservoir is the beginning of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and below, Crystal Reservoir 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.
Operating Hours & Seasons
The park is open every day of the year. Visitor centers are open daily, mid-May through the end of September.
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| Communities Surrounding Curecanti National Recreation Area |
| Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park. |
Cimarron, CO (21 min. ) Gunnison, CO (34 min. ) Pop. 5,409 Powderhorn, CO (40 min. ) Crawford, CO (43 min. ) Pop. 366 Montrose, CO (44 min. ) Pop. 12,344 Almont, CO (46 min. ) Parlin, CO (47 min. ) Hotchkiss, CO (55 min. ) Pop. 968
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Lake City, CO (1 hr. 1 min. ) Pop. 375 Lazear, CO (1 hr. 3 min. ) Olathe, CO (1 hr. 7 min. ) Pop. 1,573 Paonia, CO (1 hr. 7 min. ) Pop. 1,497 Ridgway, CO (1 hr. 17 min. ) Pop. 713 Somerset, CO (1 hr. 20 min. ) Ouray, CO (1 hr. 29 min. ) Pop. 813
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