Blue Mesa Reservoir
- 900 Baseline Road, Boulder
Blue Mesa Reservoir, located west of the city of Gunnison
on the Gunnison River, is the largest manmade body of
water in Colorado.
Along with Morrow Point and Crystal reservoirs, also on
the Gunnison River, Blue Mesa is part of the Curecanti
National Recreation Area. Curecanti and nearby Black
Canyon of the Gunnison are administered by the National
Parks Service. Farther down river is the Gunnison Gorge
National Conservation Area administered by the Bureau of
Land Management. The reservoirs feature five marinas, and
Blue Mesa has the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the
United States. With all that water, it’s no surprise that boating
and fishing are the area’s biggest draws.
However, with 11 campgrounds, it also offers several levels
of camping experiences year round, ranging from RV
camping sites with water, sewer and electrical hookups to
primitive sites with rudimentary amenities.
The area also has numerous hiking trails that give hikers a
spectacular view of the power of water and the beauty of
nature. Park service rangers offer interpretive programs for
children and adults. Camping fees range from $6-$18,
depending on the campground. Camping rates are available.
Boat permits are $30 per year, $10 for a 14-day permit or
$4 for a two-day permit. The National Park Service together
with several federal agencies offers Interagency Senior and
(handicap) Access Passes that give holders half-price discounts
and other benefits. Visit
http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html for information.
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