Black Canyon of the Gunnison Curecanti Gunnison Gorge
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison 2007-2008 Curecanti Gunnison Gorge Sapinero Basin and the West Elk Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir, Curecanti National Recreation Area The Power of Water Welcome Whether we need it for drinking, growing crops, boating, or simply for something at which to marvel, water is ever pres- Units of the National Park Service ent in our lives. Here at Black Canyon, Curecanti, and Gun- and of the Bureau of Land Man- nison Gorge, it is the power that unites and creates. agement belong to the American people, and by extension, to the These three areas, although united by the river, have very world. Protecting lands of unique different stories. They are managed by two separate agencies- character, scientific, scenic, Curecanti and Black Canyon by the National Park Service historic and recreational value and Gunnison Gorge by the Bureau of Land Management. has been described as “America’s Both agencies are charged with the protection of the water of Best Idea”. the Gunnison River in one way or another. We invite you to check out your The Gunnison River begins its journey where the East and public lands and see how we are Taylor Rivers meet in Almont, Colorado. It then meanders doing in keeping them for this through the Gunnison Valley watering farms and ranches. and future generations. Rangers at the visitor centers and in the West of the town of Gunnison the river broadens out into The depths of the Black Canyon are often best experienced from the canyon rims. backcountry will help you plan the deep reservoirs of Curecanti National Recreation Area. safe and unforgettable experi- In the form of Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal Res- ences. ervoirs, the water from the Gunnison River provides salmon and other fish habitat, countless recreational opportunities, If you are traveling with children, water storage, and hydroelectric power. make an extra effort on their behalf. For many of us, it has Below Crystal Dam, the waters are diverted again. About been our interactions not only 1,850 acre feet of water per day is channeled through the with the natural beauty of the Gunnison Tunnel to irrigate the Uncompaghre Valley. landscape, but with rangers at programs and in the backcountry The river then makes its steep descent, dropping an average that have encouraged our love of of 93 feet per mile through Black Canyon of the Gunnison the outdoors. National Park, creating swirling rapids and treacherous beau- ty. The carving power of the river has created the 2,000-foot We are all stewards of these deep chasm over 2 million years, providing not only dizzying lands. We hope you discover views for visitors, but striking wilderness and wildlife habitat. something you never knew be- Adventures await visitors who brave the rapids of Gunnison Gorge NCA. fore. It could be something about As the river heads west on its way to join the Colorado in yourself or a meaningful con- Grand Junction, it slices through Gunnison Gorge National nection to nature or history. We Conservation Area. Here the river widens, providing de- hope you take a life-long spark of manding whitewater for boaters and vistas for hikers and interest home with you when you backpackers. Here too, it provides a remote habitat for wild- leave these three areas managed life and invites visitors to experience rugged wilderness. in cooperation by the National Park Service and the Bureau of In all three of these areas, the water affects visitors and wild- Land Management. life in different ways. What remains constant, however, is the water itself- always flowing through the canyon. Whether we Connie Rudd Karen Tucker think about it once a day or once a year, not only here, but Superintendent, Area Manager, in all parts of the world, water affects our lives. As you travel Black Canyon and Gunnison through these three areas and along the Gunnison River, you Curecanti Gorge will experience first hand the power of water. We’re on the Web Playing it Safe Table of Contents Safety is often not on everyone’s mind while visiting parks, but Planning Your Visit...................................................................2-3 Visit the parks all year from the comfort of your it is a very important part of any trip. Remember to check with home computer. rangers for current information on conditions and potential Camping Information..................................................................2 Black Canyon: safety hazards in all three areas. Check weather conditions be- Hiking Trails.................................................................................3 http://www.nps.gov/blca fore starting any activity. Weather changes quickly. Be aware of hiking and boating safety and regulations, and also be cautious Maps.........................................................................................4-5 Curecanti: around all wildlife, water, and steep cliffs. Keep young ones http://www.nps.gov/cure close. Be bear aware. Properly store all food and items that have Science in the Parks.....................................................................6 stored or contacted food. Because of the high altitude and dry Activities......................................................................................7 Gunnison Gorge: air, remember to drink plenty of water. Please enjoy a safe visit http://www.co.blm.gov/ggnca ............................................................ to these amazing lands. ............................................................ VIPs, Science in the NCA, and Bookstore...................................8 Planning Your Visit VISITOR CENTERS are $12.00 per night. Loop B is $18.00 Gunnison Forks Day Use Area. Camp- National Park Service There are several visitor centers de- per night. Senior Access Pass discounts sites, showers, and other services are Bureau of Land Management signed to help you learn more about the apply to all camping fees. available at the Gunnison River Pleasure U.S. Department of the Interior resources throughout the areas. Park. Camping in the wilderness area The East Portal Campground has 15 is first-come, first-served in designated Black Canyon of the Gunnison The South Rim Visitor Center, located sites, none of which can be reserved. sites only. Sites are marked with posts National Park at Gunnison Point in Black Canyon of Sites are $12.00 per night. with blue (boater) or green (hiker) tops. Curecanti the Gunnison National Park, is open Wilderness fees (payable at trail-heads): National Recreation Area every day of the year, except Thanksgiv- The North Rim Campground has 13 Day use is $3.00 per person. Camping is Together, Black Canyon and Curecanti offer $10.00 per person for 1 night, $15.00 per ing, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. sites and fills on a first-come basis. nearly 75,000 acres of canyons, knife-edged person for 2 nights (maximum allowable Summer hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 North Rim sites are $12.00. There are no cliffs, water sports, and beauty. wilderness stay). The camping fee ap- p.m. Winter hours are 8:30 a.m to 4:00 hookups on the North Rim. plies to all users ages 16 and older within Mailing Address p.m. the Gunnison Gorge river corridor. Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Curecanti Curecanti NRA The Elk Creek Visitor Center, at Cure- You will find several campgrounds with WHAT ABOUT PETS? 102 Elk Creek canti National Recreation Area, is open boat-in, drive-in and hike-in possibili- At Black Canyon Gunnison CO 81230 every day from Memorial Day weekend ties. Group camping is available at Red pets on a six-foot through Labor Day weekend, 8:00 am Creek and East Elk Creek. Electric leash may be Phone and E-mail to 6:00 pm. Winter hours are Monday- hookups are available in Loop D at the walked on roads, (970) 641-2337 Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The Cimar- Elk Creek Campground. The camp- [email protected] in campgrounds, ron Visitor Center is open Memorial ing fee at Curecanti is $12.00 per site to the overlooks, Gunnison Gorge Day through Labor Day, 9:00 a.m. to per night. Loop D is $18.00 per night. and are allowed National Conservation Area 4:00 p.m. The Lake Fork Visitor Cen- Reservations can be made for Elk Creek on the Rim Rock Gunnison Gorge NCA provides 63,000 acres ter is open intermittently in summer. and Stevens Creek sites, and for the East and Chasm View of beautiful landscapes. High clearance ve- Elk Creek and Red Creek group sites trails. Pets are not allowed on any oth- hicles recommended. There are few services, CAMPING through NRRS. See above for details er trails, inner canyon routes or in the so be self-sufficient. Black Canyon about the reservation process. Senior Wilderness. Clean up after your pet. The South Rim Campground is open Access Pass discounts apply . Do not leave your pet unattended in a Mailing Address all year. There are no water hookups vehicle or campsite. Boarding services Gunnison Gorge NCA or dump stations. Loop B has electrical Gunnison Gorge are available in the area. 2465 South Townsend Avenue hookups (only open in the summer). Vehicle camping is permitted outside Montrose CO 81401 Sites can be reserved through the Na- the wilderness area on a first-come, Pets are allowed at Curecanti, but must be leashed at all times. Pets at Gun- Phone and E-mail tional Recreation Reservation Service first-served basis. Picnic tables and (970) 240-5300 (NRRS). Call (877) 444-6777 or go to fire grates are available at the Chukar, nison Gorge NCA must be under their [email protected] www.recreation.gov. Loops A and C Duncan, and Ute trailheads and at the owners control at all times. A bighorn sheep relaxes at Curecanti Kids at a Jr. Ranger program at Black Canyon. National Recreation Area. Hey Kids - Be a Junior Ranger Help take care of your national treasures! Anyone ages 6 and up and can become a Junior Park Ranger at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park or Curecanti Na- tional Recreation Area.