Curecanti National Recreation Area
National reserve
4.8 (1637)
Gunnison, CO
Network of 3 alpine reservoirs used for boating, canoeing, fishing, birding, camping & hiking.
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
LakeCO
Curecanti National Recreation Area Swimming Spots
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Blue Mesa swimming at Bay of Chickens, Dry Creek and Old Highway 50 beach, with NPS access guidance, cold-water cautions and separate camping fees.
Swimming restriction
Curecanti has no designated swimming areas. NPS identifies three Blue Mesa shoreline options, subject to conditions and closures. Water stays cold in summer; watch for boats and algae advisories. Do not treat no-wake zones as boat-free.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Lake
Access
Informal
Fee
No park entrance fee. Camping and motorized boating have separate charges.
Best season
Check weather, reservoir levels and park alerts before travel. Summer air temperatures do not mean warm water
Nearby towns
Gunnison, Cimarron, Montrose
Water body
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Gunnison, Cimarron, Montrose
Place-name search
Bay of Chickens, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado
Map searches for the named location. Confirm the entrance and current access with the park before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Curecanti National Recreation Area Swimming Spots
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Blue Mesa swimming: choose a specific shoreline
Curecanti is a large recreation area, not one swimming hole. NPS identifies Bay of Chickens, Dry Creek and Old Highway 50 beach as Blue Mesa options, while noting that the park has no designated swimming areas. Use the official swimming guidance to plan your visit.
Find the right access
Elk Creek is the reference point: Bay of Chickens lies 1.2 miles west, Dry Creek 1 mile east and Old Highway 50 beach about 100 yards west. These are orientation distances, not turn-by-turn parking instructions. Use the park map and brochure, signed access and current notices. A reservoir photograph does not establish a usable swimming entrance.
Cold water and changing conditions
Much of the shoreline is steep or rocky. Expect cold water even during summer, watch for motorized boats and check algae advisories. No-wake areas reduce boat speed, not boat presence. Do not cliff-jump. Check current park conditions rather than treating an old photograph as a water-level report.
Facilities, fees and overnight stays
Curecanti has developed picnic areas and campgrounds, so the former blanket claim of no facilities was misleading. Toilet and drinking-water availability varies by location and season. Bring your own water and confirm your chosen site before departure.
There is no park entrance fee, but camping and motorized boating are charged separately. Use the official fees and campground links to choose an overnight location. A free day visit does not include a campsite.
Keep the reservoirs distinct
Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal are separate reservoirs within Curecanti. Do not apply Blue Mesa beach directions to a canyon overlook or a dam. Scenic stops can complement the trip without being swimming access points.
Getting There
Use the official Curecanti map to locate Elk Creek on US-50. NPS places Bay of Chickens 1.2 miles west of Elk Creek, Dry Creek 1 mile east, and Old Highway 50 beach about 100 yards west. Follow signed access and current notices, not an arbitrary highway shoulder or the former town-center map pin.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Curecanti has no designated swimming areas. NPS identifies three Blue Mesa shoreline options, subject to conditions and closures. Water stays cold in summer; watch for boats and algae advisories. Do not treat no-wake zones as boat-free.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Curecanti has no designated swimming areas. NPS identifies three Blue Mesa shoreline options, subject to conditions and closures. Water stays cold in summer; watch for boats and algae advisories. Do not treat no-wake zones as boat-free. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Mesa Creek Trail
Hiking area
4.8 (90)
Morrow Point Dam Rd, Cimarron, CO 81220
Pioneer Point
Scenic spot
5 (61)
Curecanti Creek Trail, Gunnison, CO 81230
Cimarron Campground
Campground
4.2 (50)
Cimarron, CO 81220
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Black Canyon RV Park & Campground
RV park
4.4 (90)
348 US-50, Cimarron, CO 81220
Rustic camping-style resort with furnished housekeeping cabins with full kitchens.
Picnic tablesPublic restroomPublic showerRestroom
Pleasant Valley
Campground
4 (120)
84100 US-50, Cimarron, CO 81220
Picnic tablesPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Public Restroom
Public bathroom
4.8 (4)
Silverton, CO 81433
Cimarron Visitor Center - Curecanti National Recreation Area
Visitor center
4 (4)
Cimarron, CO 81220
Restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Curecanti National Recreation Area Swimming Spots
Does Curecanti have designated swimming areas?
No. Consult the NPS swimming page for its suggested Blue Mesa locations and current restrictions.
Is visiting Curecanti free?
Park entry is free. Campsites and motorized boat permits have separate charges.
Are all reservoir views swimming entrances?
No. Choose a specific shoreline destination on the park map. A scenic overlook, dam or photograph is not evidence of swimming access.
Highlights
Three NPS-listed Blue Mesa shoreline options
No park entrance fee
Developed picnic areas and campgrounds
Reservoir and mesa scenery
Unique Features
Blue Mesa shoreline recreation within a three-reservoir park
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Plan for cold water and changing weather
- Keep clear of boat traffic, avoid algae blooms and obey closures
- Do not jump from cliffs or structures; the NPS swimming page prohibits jumps from heights of 15 feet or more, which does not make lower jumps safe
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The NPS brochure describes the area's long Indigenous history and the later dams that transformed the Gunnison River into three reservoirs.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Capture sunrise or sunset over the reservoir. Dramatic mesa formations and vibrant fall foliage offer striking compositions.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the area’s ecosystems. Avoid disturbing wildlife, stay on designated trails, and pack out all trash.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check weather, reservoir levels and park alerts before travel. Summer air temperatures do not mean warm water.
Difficulty Level
Shore access varies with water level; much of the reservoir edge is steep or rocky. No universal easy-access rating.
Fee
No park entrance fee. Camping and motorized boating have separate charges.
Facilities
The NPS brochure lists toilets at picnic areas. Running water is limited to specific developed locations, including Elk Creek year-round and Iola seasonally. Confirm operation and carry drinking water.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
970-641-2337
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Choose a specific NPS campground and check its season, reservation method and fees. Camping is not included merely by visiting the shoreline.
Nearby Attractions
- Gunnison - Town
- Montrose - Town
- Cimarron Canyon and the Narrow Gauge Railroad Exhibit - Historic Site
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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