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National Recreation Area

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Gunnison · 102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, CO 81230

Curecanti National Recreation Area
Free· No rental fee
Available · Permit required to film
Location fee$0 · Free

Free to use · Apply for permit using contact info below

At a glance

Type

National Recreation Area

Setting

Exterior

Parking

Yes – Blue Mesa Reservoir access points

Power

No

Permit

Required

Visual character

Three reservoirs in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison river corridor — Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado, surrounded by sagebrush mesa with dramatic canyon backdrops.

About

Curecanti National Recreation Area in western Colorado encompasses three reservoirs — Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal — along the Gunnison River below Black Canyon. Blue Mesa Reservoir, at 96 miles of shoreline, is Colorado's largest body of water and offers sweeping high-desert lake landscapes framed by sagebrush mesa. Morrow Point Reservoir, accessible only by boat or a steep trail, is wedged between dramatic canyon walls, providing a more intimate canyon-lake environment. Crystal Reservoir is narrow and dramatic. The location pairs naturally with nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for combined shooting days covering both deep canyon and open reservoir aesthetics. NPS commercial filming permits required; contact the park at 970-641-2337. Gunnison (10 miles) offers lodging and basic services. Crested Butte (30 miles) adds mountain character. A productive and scenic stop for any Colorado production routing through the western slope.

Color Palette

Where you'll be

Permit Information

✓ Verified
RequiredYes
TypeNPS Commercial Film Permit
FeeVaries – NPS location fee + cost recovery

Adjacent to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park — production could coordinate permits for canyon + reservoir in one trip.

Apply for Permit →

Contact

👤Curecanti NRA – Special Use Permits
📞970-641-2337
📍 Open in Google Maps

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