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 ENTRANCE FeeS AND PASSES 4:00 p.m. The Lake Fork Visitor Cen- Gunnison Gorge National Park Service Black Canyon entrance fees are $15.00 ter is open intermittently in summer. Vehicle camping is permitted outside Bureau of Land Management U.S. Department of the Interior per vehicle. For pedestrians, bicyclists, the wilderness area on a first-come, motorcycles, and motor scooters the CAMPING first-served basis. Picnic tables and fire Black Canyon of the Gunnison fee is $7.00 per person. A Black Canyon Black Canyon grates are available at the Chukar, Dun- National Park Annual Pass is available for $30.00 and The South Rim Campground is open can, and Ute trailheads and at the Gun- Curecanti is valid for 12 months from the date of all year. There are no water hookups nison Forks Day Use Area. Campsites, National Recreation Area purchase. or dump stations. Loop B has electrical showers, and services are available at the Together, Black Canyon and Curecanti offer hookups (only open in the summer). Gunnison River Pleasure Park. Camp- nearly 75,000 acres of canyons, knife-edged Curecanti does not charge an entrance Sites can be reserved through the Na- ing in the wilderness area is first-come, cliffs, water sports, and beauty. fee except at East Portal. Fees at East tional Recreation Reservation Service first-served in designated sites. Sites are Portal are the same as for Black Canyon. (NRRS). Call (877) 444-6777 or go to marked with posts with blue (boater) or Mailing Address See Gunnison Gorge camping section www.recreation.gov. Loops A and C are green (hiker) tops. Wilderness fees (pay- Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP for fees at the Conservation Area. $12.00 per night. Loop B is $18.00 per able at trail-heads): Day use is $3.00 per Curecanti NRA person. Camping is $10.00 per person night. Interagency Senior and Access 102 Elk Creek for 1 night, $15.00 per person for 2 nights For visitors interested in visiting mul- Pass discounts apply to all camping fees. Gunnison CO 81230 (maximum allowable wilderness stay). tiple public lands, the America the The camping fee applies to all users ages Phone and E-mail Beautiful- The National Parks and Fed- The East Portal Campground has 15 16 and older within the Gunnison Gorge (970) 641-2337 eral Recreational Lands Pass Program sites, none of which can be reserved. river corridor. [email protected] (Interagency Pass Program) is available. Sites are $12.00 per night. Interagency Annual, Senior, and Access WHAT ABOUT PeTS? Gunnison Gorge passes are available. See websites for The North Rim Campground has 13 At Black Canyon National Conservation Area more information. sites and fills on a first-come basis. pets on a six-foot Gunnison Gorge NCA provides 63,000 acres North Rim sites are $12.00. There are no leash may be of beautiful landscapes. High clearance ve- VISITOR CeNTERS hookups on the North Rim. walked on roads, hicles recommended. There are few services, so be self-sufficient. The South Rim Visitor Center, located in campgrounds, at Gunnison Point in Black Canyon of Curecanti to the overlooks, Mailing Address the Gunnison National Park, is open There are several campgrounds with and are allowed Gunnison Gorge NCA every day except Thanksgiving, Christ- boat-in, drive-in and hike-in sites. on the Rim Rock 2465 South Townsend Avenue mas, and New Year’s Day. Summer Group camping is available at Red and Chasm View Montrose CO 81401 hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Winter Creek and East Elk Creek. Electric trails. Pets are not allowed on any oth- hours are 8:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m. hookups are in Loop D at the Elk er trails, inner canyon routes or in the Phone and E-mail Creek Campground. The camping fee Wilderness. Clean up after your pet. (970) 240-5300 The Elk Creek Visitor Center, at Cure- is $12.00 per site per night. Loop D is Do not leave your pet unattended in a [email protected] canti National Recreation Area, is open $18.00 per night. Reservations can be vehicle or campsite. Boarding services every day from Memorial Day weekend made for Elk Creek and Stevens Creek are available in the area. through Labor Day weekend, 8:00 am sites, and for the East Elk Creek and to 6:00 pm. Winter hours are Monday- Red Creek group sites through NRRS.