Gunnison Colorado Attractions
Gunnison Colorado has many beautiful areas, incredible places to visit and events and activities to enjoy year round. In addition to the many festivals during the year, Gunnison is also full of sporting events and challenges. Some of the special attractions you won’t want to miss include the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Curecanti National Recreation Area, West Elk Scenic Byway, The Blue Mesa Reservoir, Morrow Point Dam, and the Pioneer Museum in town.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located approximately 250 miles southwest of Denver. You’ll find the South Rim: 15 miles east of Montrose, via U.S. Highway 50 and CO Highway 347 and the North Rim: 11 miles south of Crawford, via CO Highway 92 and North Rim Road (unpaved). This trip is a full day of amazing geology and wonder!
For more information, visit: http://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Three reservoirs, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River, form the heart of Curecanti. Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado’s largest body of water, and is the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the U.S. Morrow Point Reservoir is the beginning of the Black Canyon, and below, East Portal is the site of the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. There is so much to do in the Curecanti Area – including fishing, boating, sightseeing, nature photography, Morrow Point Boat tours, camping and more!
Curecanti National Recreation Area is located approximately 200 miles southwest of Denver. U.S. Highway 50 runs the length of Curecanti between Montrose and Gunnison, Colorado. The recreation area is also accessed from CO Hwy 149 and CO Hwy 92.
For more information, visit: http://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/index.htm
Blue Mesa Reservoir
The largest body of water residing in Colorado – the Blue Mesa Reservoir and dam are something to see! Blue Mesa and Morrow Point reservoirs are part of a three reservoir water storage system for the western United States. Located in Curecanti National Recreation Area, it’s one of the three reservoirs formed from the Gunnison River. The other two reservoirs are Crystal Reservoir and Morrow Point Reservoir. The area is filled with beautiful mesas, deep narrow canyons, and fjord-like lakes. Covering 41,972 acres, the park welcomes almost 1 million visitors each year. There is no entrance fee. Take some time to appreciate Morrow Point Dam from the top and the base. Read More…
The Blue Mesa reservoir is located in the Curecanti National Recreation Area, in Western Colorado, between Montrose and Gunnison. You can reach this area on the famous and beautiful West Elk Scenic Byway.
Pioneer Museum
Come visit the Pioneer Museum in Gunnison. Located on East Tomichi Avenue, the museum consists of 18 buildings that are filled with artifacts and memorabilia from the towns history. The restored narrow gauge Denver South Park and Pacific Engine and cars make the visit worthwhile all by themselves! But there’s so much more to see, everything from covered wagons to vintage automobiles and equipment from the area. The museum opens Memorial day and stays open through September. Call 970-641-4530
For more information, visit: http://www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com
| Of course there are lots of other things to do and see in the area! Click on any of the links below to find more activities. |
