NPS - National Park Service

10/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/20/2024 08:55

Winter operations at Curecanti

Date:
October 20, 2024

Gunnison, Colo. - Curecanti National Recreation Area will have changes to operations as winter approaches. Winter is a time to enjoy quiet hiking trails, ice fishing, and winter scenery. Visitors should be prepared for chilly weather at Curecanti.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

  • Curecanti National Recreation Area's 60th anniversary is February 11, 2025. Bundle up for cold conditions and visit the recreation area to celebrate.
  • Elk Creek Visitor Center will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 2024 through May 2025 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with a lunch closure from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. Hours and days of operations are subject to change, as staffing allows. The visitor center will be closed on federal holidays.
  • The park store in the visitor center, run by Western National Parks Association, will not be open at Curecanti this winter. The online store is available to make purchases at https://wnpa.org/.
  • Loops A and D in Elk Creek Campground are open year-round. Loop D has electricity. Water is turned off for the season on October 18. Bring your own water and needed supplies. Vault toilets are available in Loop A.
  • While many roads are closed for the winter season, visitors are welcome to utilize trails and roads for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
  • Winter boat launching is possible at select launches. Please see the park website for details. Please exercise extreme caution on icy ramps.
  • Aquatic invasive species (AIS) operations will continue at Blue Mesa reservoir.
    • The ramp at Iola will be open 7:00 am to 4:30 pm until October 19, when it will close until Spring 2025.
    • The ramp at Elk Creek will be open 7:00 am to 4:30 pm daily until December 15, or when reservoir/ramp ice prevents safe launching.
    • The ramp at Lake Fork will be open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily until December 15, or when reservoir/ramp ice prevents safe launching,
    • After December 25, if ramps are clear of ice and snow and vessels can be safely launched, inspections and launching of green-sealed watercraft will be available Thursday-Sunday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, by appointment. Call (719) 539-6770 for an appointment after December 15.
Check the National Weather Service forecast, https://www.weather.gov/, and Colorado Department of Transportation Road cameras, https://www.cotrip.org/, to prepare for winter weather and driving conditions. Your safety is your responsibility. Safety alerts and information on park operations can be found on the park website at www.nps.gov/cure.

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About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve natural resources, local history, and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.