The Blue Mesa Reservoir is one of Colorado’s most beautiful outdoor destinations. Located near the town of Gunnison and south of Crested Butte, Blue Mesa is the state’s largest body of water – long with of shoreline. The reservoir is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, and along with Morrow Point Reservoir and Crystal Reservoir, makes up the hydroelectric project that supplies electricity to the area. The area is filled with beautiful natural scenery with mesas, deep narrow canyons and fjord-like lakes.
Boating at Blue Mesa Reservoir
There are two full-service marinas located at the reservoir, including Elk Creek Marina and Lake Fork Marina. The Elk Creek Marina features Pappy’s restaurant for those looking for a bite to eat while taking in the gorgeous scenery, and there is a visitors center which contains much useful information about the surrounding area. Elk Creek offers in and out boat launching, a store, gasoline, boat rentals and boat slips. There are over 150 slips available on two docks. A floating restroom and a new west dock featuring four foot wide arms were built in 2011. The Elk Creek complex is located west of Gunnison on Highway 50.
Lake Fork Marina is located on the west end of Blue Mesa Reservoir near the dam. This marina offers visitors in and out boat launching, a store and tackle shop, gasoline, boat rentals and boat slips. There is also a campground with paved camping spots.
Because Blue Mesa Lake is the largest body of water in Colorado, it is perfect for boating and sailing. Many people also enjoy water skiing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, wind surfing and swimming in the hot summer months.
Excellent Fishing
Blue Mesa Reservoir contains the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the United States and features Gold Medal and Wild Trout designated waters. The creeks that feed into the Gunnison offer anglers a great alternative to fishing in the Reservoir. The state record for size was set here for lake trout, weighing in at over . Other fish in Blue Mesa and streams that feed into it include:
- Kokanee
- Brookie
- Lake trout
- Rainbows
- Browns
- Suckers
- Perch
Other Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation
Blue Mesa Reservoir provides an array of fun and exciting outdoor recreational activities in addition to boating including water skiing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, wind surfing and more. There is also a 5,000 acre archeological district where guests can explore the old narrow-gauge mining railroad of Gunnison. Attractions close to the park include Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. Visitors Centers are located at Blue Mesa Point overlooking where the lake and the Black Canyon of Gunnison meet, Elk Creek Marina, and Cimarron. Overlooks are available at Dillon Pinnacles trail and Hermit’s Rest Trail.
Location and More Information
Blue Mesa Reservoir is located in Curecanti National Recreation Area, west of Gunnison along US-50. It is west of Gunnison and east of Montrose. For more information about recreational opportunities available at Blue Mesa Reservoir, please contact the Elk Creek Visitor Center at 970-641-2337, extension 205 or the Blue Mesa Marina at 1-877-258-6372.
Crested Butte Real Estate Market offers a wide variety of properties including ski in/ski out single family homes, ski-in/ski-out condominiums, lake and river frontage properties, golf course property, and true luxury mountain homes on acreage. To see featured properties or search the MLS – visit chriskopf.com. Contact me at: (970) 209-5405, or chriskopf@bighornrealty.com
Thanks,
Chris Kopf, Crested Butte CO Real Estate
Previews® Property Specialist
Coldwell Banker Bighorn Realty
