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Curecanti National Recreation Area in Gunnison | Map and Routes

Scrub · Wetland

5 (55 ratings)

Explore the breathtaking Curecanti National Recreation Area in Gunnison, United States, encompassing a vast expanse of 42,772.8 acres. This natural haven offers an array of scenic trails, making it a ...

Explore the breathtaking Curecanti National Recreation Area in Gunnison, United States, encompassing a vast expanse of 42,772.8 acres. This natural haven offers an array of scenic trails, making it a paradise for walkers and hikers alike. With routes catering to various skill levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging treks, visitors can immerse themselves in the park's diverse landscapes while engaging in physical activity amidst nature's wonders. Whether you seek a tranquil lakeside walk or an invigorating hike through rugged terrain, Curecanti National Recreation Area provides the ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite walking and hiking activities. Among the numerous routes within the park, the Crystal Trail Lookout, Crystal Trail, and Sun Park 3230T are just a few of the many options available to explore. These trails offer breathtaking views and varying levels of difficulty, ensuring that every walker and hiker can find a suitable path to embark upon. Whether you are seeking a short, picturesque stroll or a longer, more challenging trek, Curecanti National Recreation Area boasts a multitude of routes to accommodate your preferences. With its diverse array of trails, this park presents an exceptional opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in invigorating walking and hiking activities amidst stunning natural scenery. For more information on the park's routes and walking/hiking activities, visitors can download Pacer Pedometer. This convenient app provides detailed information on park routes, distances, estimated times, and user reviews, empowering walkers and hikers with valuable insights for an enjoyable outdoor experience at Curecanti National Recreation Area in Gunnison. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a leisurely walker, this park is an ideal destination to connect with nature and indulge in fulfilling outdoor activities.

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Walking and Hiking in Curecanti National Recreation Area

Located in Gunnison, the Curecanti National Recreation Area offers a stunning landscape for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With essential amenities such as multiple parking lots and wheelchair-friendly facilities, this park ensures convenience and accessibility for all visitors. The park also boasts breathtaking viewpoints including Pioneer Lookout Point, Blue Mesa Dam ...

Located in Gunnison, the Curecanti National Recreation Area offers a stunning landscape for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With essential amenities such as multiple parking lots and wheelchair-friendly facilities, this park ensures convenience and accessibility for all visitors. The park also boasts breathtaking viewpoints including Pioneer Lookout Point, Blue Mesa Dam Overlook, and Morrow Point Reservoir Viewpoint, providing walkers and hikers with spectacular natural scenery to admire along the trails. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of shelters, restaurants, and picnic sites for a well-rounded outdoor experience. Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, Curecanti National Recreation Area in Gunnison is the ideal destination for outdoor activity enthusiasts.

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Other Info about Curecanti National Recreation Area

Hours8AM-4:30PM
Phone(970) 641-2337
Websitehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curecanti_National_Recreation_Area
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/CurecantiNPS/
YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/CurecantiNPS
X - Twitterhttps://twitter.com/CurecantiNPS

Essential Amenities in Curecanti National Recreation Area

Picnic Site
Drinking water
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot

Accessibility in Curecanti National Recreation Area

Wheelchair friendly

Things to See in Curecanti National Recreation Area

Viewpoint

Pioneer Lookout Point

Viewpoint

Blue Mesa Dam Overlook

Viewpoint

Morrow Point Reservoir Viewpoint

Other Amenities in Curecanti National Recreation Area

Shelter

Restaurant

Best Walking Routes in Curecanti National Recreation Area

#1 - Curecanti National Recreation Area - Dillon Pinnacles Trail
1
Length: 3 milesEst. Time: 51m

Curecanti National Recreation Area - Dillon Pinnacles Trail is a 3 mile (7,000-step) route located near Gunnison, Colorado, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 531.4 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2 - Hermits Rest Trail
1
Length: 2.4 milesEst. Time: 42m

Hermits Rest Trail is a 2.4 mile (5,500-step) route located near Cimarron, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 39.4 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3 - Crystal Trail Lookout
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m

ground

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Reviews of Curecanti National Recreation Area

5/5
55 ratings
greg.butcherMar 26, 2025
5
NaydaSep 19, 2020
5
See All Reviews
See All Reviews

Curecanti National Recreation Area Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
tlr
29
PacerPal
12
Matthew Noy
2
4meyerco.k
2
5James
1
6Kirk
1
7Jamie
1
8chris
1
9Nan
1
10greg.butcher
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
West Elk Wilderness
Hartman Rocks
Powderhorn Instant Study Area
West Tomichi River Park
Needle Rock Instant Study Area
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
American Legion Memorial Park
Meadows Park
Bill Hare Gulch Wilderness Study Area

FAQs About Curecanti National Recreation Area

Where is the best place to walk in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

The best place to walk in Curecanti National Recreation Area is the Crystal Trail Lookout, which offers beautiful views and a short, scenic walk. It is rated 4 stars by the Pacer community and is suitable for all levels of walkers and hikers.

How many routes are in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

There are currently three routes in Curecanti National Recreation Area: Crystal Trail Lookout, Crystal Trail, and Sun Park 3230T. Each route offers different lengths and levels of difficulty, providing options for various preferences.

Which is the longest route in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

The longest route in Curecanti National Recreation Area is Sun Park 3230T, which spans 2.3 miles. This trail is highly rated and provides a more challenging yet rewarding hiking experience. The Pacer community recommends it for those seeking a longer and more immersive outdoor adventure.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

Yes, there are several amenities for walkers and hikers in Curecanti National Recreation Area, including parking lots, restrooms, picnic sites, and drinking water stations. There are also wheelchair-friendly facilities for accessibility.

How accessible is Curecanti National Recreation Area?

Curecanti National Recreation Area is accessible and wheelchair-friendly, providing opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy the park's natural beauty and amenities.

What kind of sports can I do in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

In Curecanti National Recreation Area, you can enjoy walking, hiking, and various outdoor sports. The park offers stunning viewpoints, picnic sites, and shelters, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities and sports such as birdwatching, photography, and nature exploration.

What is the best season to walk in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

The best season to walk in Curecanti National Recreation Area is typically late spring through early fall, when the weather is milder and the trails are more accessible.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

Visitors to Curecanti National Recreation Area should prepare for a wide range of weather conditions, including hot summers and cold winters. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and dress in layers to accommodate the changing temperatures.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

While walking or hiking in Curecanti National Recreation Area, visitors may encounter a variety of wildlife including mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and various bird species. It's important to be respectful of their natural habitats and observe from a safe distance.

Last updated: Dec 1, 2025

Parks Near Curecanti National Recreation Area

West Elk Wilderness
Hartman Rocks
Powderhorn Instant Study Area
West Tomichi River Park
Needle Rock Instant Study Area
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
American Legion Memorial Park
Meadows Park
Bill Hare Gulch Wilderness Study Area

Latest Check-ins at Curecanti National Recreation Area

tlrOct 26, 2025
Oct 26, 2025Hiking
JamesOct 26, 2025
Oct 26, 2025Walking
tlrSep 29, 2025
Sep 29, 2025Hiking
KirkSep 6, 2025
Sep 6, 2025Cycling
PacerPalSep 6, 2025
Sep 6, 2025Walking
PacerPalSep 4, 2025
Sep 4, 2025Walking
PacerPalSep 1, 2025
Sep 1, 2025Walking
JamieAug 11, 2025
Aug 11, 2025Walking
PacerPalJul 10, 2025
Jul 10, 2025Walking
PacerPalJun 24, 2025
Jun 24, 2025Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Curecanti National Recreation Area

RankingCheck-ins
tlr
29
PacerPal
12
Matthew Noy
2
4meyerco.k
2
5James
1
6Kirk
1
7Jamie
1
8chris
1
9Nan
1
10greg.butcher
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Curecanti National Recreation Area
#1- Curecanti National Recreation Area - Dillon Pinnacles Trail
1
Length: 3 milesEst. Time: 51m

Curecanti National Recreation Area - Dillon Pinnacles Trail is a 3 mile (7,000-step) route located near Gunnison, Colorado, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 531.4 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2- Hermits Rest Trail
1
Length: 2.4 milesEst. Time: 42m

Hermits Rest Trail is a 2.4 mile (5,500-step) route located near Cimarron, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 39.4 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Crystal Trail Lookout
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m

ground

#4- Crystal Trail
1
Length: 1.2 milesEst. Time: 21m

Crystal Trail is a 1.2 mile (3,000-step) route located near Crawford, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 127.9 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Sun Park 3230T
1
Length: 2.3 milesEst. Time: 39m

Sun Park 3230T is a 2.3 mile (5,500-step) route located near Gunnison, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 124.6 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#6- Mesa Creek Trail
1
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 2m

Mesa Creek Trail is a 0.2 mile (350-step) route located near Cimarron, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#7- Lake Fork Gunnison River Trail
1
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m

Lake Fork Gunnison River Trail is a 0.5 mile (1,000-step) route located near Powderhorn, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#8- Curecanti Creek Trail
1
Length: 1.7 milesEst. Time: 29m

Curecanti Creek Trail is a 1.7 mile (4,000-step) route located near Gunnison, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 183.7 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#9- Dillon Pinnacles Trail
1
Length: 2 milesEst. Time: 33m

Dillon Pinnacles Trail is a 2 mile (4,500-step) route located near Gunnison, Colorado. This route has an elevation gain of about 321.4 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of Curecanti National Recreation Area

greg.butcherMar 26, 2025
5
NaydaSep 19, 2020
5
5/5
55 ratings

Photos of Curecanti National Recreation Area

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