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Curecanti National Recreation Area, in Colorado, is formed by three reservoirs, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River. The national recreation area borders Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on the west. Panoramic mesas, fjord-like reservoirs, and deep, steep and narrow canyons abound.
Recently discovered dinosaur fossils, a 5,000 acre (20 km²) archeological district, a narrow gauge train, and traces of 6000 year old dwellings further enhance the offerings of Curecanti.
Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water. Created by Blue Mesa Dam, Blue Mesa Reservoir is 20 miles long, has 96 miles of shoreline, and is the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States. Blue Mesa Dam was completed in 1965 becoming the first large dam built along the Gunnison River.
12 miles below Blue Mesa Dam is Morrow Point Dam. Morrow Point Dam was completed in 1967 creating narrow Morrow Point Reservoir. While the primary purpose of Blue Mesa Dam is to store water, the primary function of Morrow Point Dam is to produce hydroelectricity, it has about twice the power capacity of Blue Mesa Dam. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison begins below Morrow Point Dam.
Crystal Dam is a double curvature thin arch dam located six miles downstream from Morrow Point Dam. Crystal Dam is the newest of the three dams in Curecanti, construction on the dam was finished in 1976. Crystal Reservoir is the site of the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Just below Crystal Dam is the eastern boundary of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the dam was built to stabilize the flow of water running through the national park.
Visitor facilities
There are three visitor centers within the recreation area, all operated by the National Park Service:
Elk Creek Visitor Center is located 16 miles west of Gunnison, Colorado on U.S. Highway 50 and has displays on the natural and cultural history of the area.
Cimarron Visitor Center (open during summer months only) is located in Cimarron, Colorado near Morrow Point Dam. The visitor center has narrow gauge railroad cars and engines on display.
Lake Fork Visitor Center (open during summer months only) is 25 miles west of Gunnison, CO near the Blue Mesa Dam.
There are also two marinas and three boat launches along the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Dillon Pinnacles
Trails
There are numerous trails in the Recreation Area. Examples include:
Dillon Pinnacles, 4 miles roundtrip, leads to a set of volcanic rock formations.
Mesa Creek, 1.5 miles roundtrip, leads across the Gunnison, just below the Morrow Point Dam
