Area
Curecanti National Recreation Area is a series of three reservoirs along the once wild Gunnison River. The reservoirs that make up Curecanti today are a destination for water-based recreation high in the Rocky Mountains. Best known for salmon and trout fishing, Curecanti also offers opportunities for hiking, boating, camping, and bird watching.
Curecanti National Recreation Area is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Seasonal Road Closures: East Portal Road is closed in winter. The road typically closes mid-November and reopens mid-April.
There is no entrance fee for Curecanti. Visitors traveling to East Portal through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park entrance must pay $20.00 per vehicle. It covers all persons in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle and is valid for seven calendar days.
U.S. Highway 50 runs the length of Curecanti between Montrose and Gunnison. The recreation area is also accessed from CO Highway 149 and CO Highway 92.
Entrance fee is $0.00.
There is no entrance fee for Curecanti. Visitors traveling to East Portal through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park entrance must pay $30.00 per vehicle. It covers all persons in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle and is valid for seven calendar days.
Weather can vary greatly throughout the day. Summer daytime temperatures range between 50 to 90F (10 to 32C), nights 40 to 60F (4 to 15C). Winter daytime temperatures range between -20 to +40F (-29 to +4C), nights -30 to +20F (-34 to -7C). Precipitation is minimal, but afternoon thunderstorms and strong winds are common during the summer. Snow accumulation varies greatly year to year. Layered clothing appropriate for the season is recommended.
