The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Colorado That Runs Along Blue Mesa Reservoir
By Christy Articola|Published May 06, 2024
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
If you’re leaving Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and are headed eastbound, you may think you’ve already saw all of the beauty this part of the state has to offer while visiting the park. However, as you head toward Gunnison, you’ll soon find that you’re in for a treat. Route 50 though Curecanti National Recreation Area is a beautiful stretch of road that goes along the Blue Mesa Reservoir for nearly 20 miles. This reservoir was created by the damming of the Gunnison River in 1965. Today, it’s the largest body of water in Colorado with almost 100 miles of shoreline. You’ll love driving along it! Read on to learn more.
Editor’s Note: The middle bridge on U.S. Highway 50 west of Gunnison by the Dillon Pinnacles is closed between Mile Point 131 and 138. The Colorado Department of Transportation has shared no estimated time for opening as of May 8, 2024. Motorists should use COTrip.org to plan an alternate route. We can’t wait to experience this road once it’s back open!
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is fantastic. Once you've departed the park and have begun heading east, you'll encounter continued beauty along the way. If you're coming from the canyon's north rim, then you might stop at Pioneer Point to take one last look at the canyon.
It's not as deep here as it is in the park itself, but it's still quite striking. Pioneer Point is a great photo stop.
If you're traveling eastbound from the south rim side of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, then you might instead stop at the Pine Creek Trailhead and spend some time walking along the end of the canyon at river level.
Route 92 from the north and Route 50 from the south converge right by the famous Blue Mesa Reservoir. You can drive over it on Route 92, if you'd like. This 390-foot-high dam was built in the 1960s to generate hyrdroelectric power for the area.
If you want to camp along the reservoir, there are eight campgrounds from which to choose; two are reserved for groups. The first one you'll come across when traveling eastbound is Lake Fork Campground. You can reserve a spot in this campground with incredible views of the reservoir.
The first third of your drive will be along the southern side of the reservoir. Just before you cross over to the north side, you'll have a great view of Dillon Pinnacles, a very unique and cool-looking rock formation. You can get a picture of it from the Dillon Pinnacles Vista Point.
There are many reservoirs where swimming is prohibited, but you can swim in Blue Mesa Reservoir if you wish. There are a few exceptions; you can't swim within 100 feet of marinas, docks, and bridges, nor near the dam. If you swim from a boat, the boat must be anchored. Otherwise, swimming in this reservoir is fair game.
If you want to get out on the water but stay dry, you can rent a boat at Elk Creek Marina.
Your entire drive along Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area is sure to be both breathtaking and memorable at any time of the year.
You’re going to love this scenic waterfront drive along Blue Mesa Reservoir. It’s not like anywhere else in Colorado and it’s truly breathtaking. I recently took my parents, who were visiting from New York, on this drive on our way back to Denver from Utah, Mesa Verde, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison and they were quite impressed. You will be, too. Have a great drive!
Looking for somewhere to stay near Gunnison? Check out VRBO.com for great deals on vacation rentals in this area and beyond!
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