(Cimarron CO)
Curecanti National Recreation Area lies west of Gunnison along US-50. Dams on the Gunnison River create three reservoirs. I first camped at the Cimarron Campground where there was a display of the historic narrow-gauge train that worked the area.
Denver & Rio Grande RR at Cimarron in Curecanti NRA
The train was near the Morrow Point dam. A short drive into the canyon along Mesa Creek led to a trail by the river below the dam. Got lucky and saw a bear crossing the creek. The trail ended where a cliff met the river’s edge. It seemed to be popular with fishermen.
Black bear crossing Mesa Creek
Gunnison River in Morrow Point Canyon
There was a boat ride on the Morrow Point Reservoir for a fee. I considered taking it since it goes into a narrow canyon with towering cliffs on both sides. However, parking for Tardis could have been a problem at the small parking area for the trip.
(Sapinero CO)
Next, I drove further east to Blue Mesa Reservoir. A short trip across the dam and a few miles on the north side provided some high viewpoints of the canyon. I had lunch at the busy marina.
Blue Mesa Reservoir with Dillon Pinnacles
Blue Mesa Dam
Later, I decided to camp at the Elk Creek campground where I met-up with another traveler and blogger. Ara and Spirit have a style of roaming about which is much different than mine. I’ve followed their adventures for quite awhile, so it was nice getting to spend some time with them.
Gunnison River Gorge
Curecanti is mostly about being out on the water. Next time I’ll try to be prepared to take that boat trip into the canyon.
Camps: Curecanti NRA-Cimarron CG, Elk Creek CG drycamps
Scene: Canyon, river, reservoirs, train
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