Free Topo Maps of Curecanti National Recreation Area

Download free topo maps of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Use the adjoining 7.5 minute quadrangle legend to locate the Colorado maps you need.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Little Soap Park, CO
  2. North Topo Map: West Elk Peak SW, CO
  3. Northeast Topo Map: McIntosh Mountain, CO
  4. West Topo Map: Sapinero, CO
  5. Topo Map: Carpenter Ridge, CO
  6. East Topo Map: Big Mesa, CO
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Poison Draw, CO
  8. South Topo Map: Gateview, CO
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Powderhorn, CO
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Curecanti National Recreation Area

Curecanti National Recreation Area is located in the state of Colorado at the edge of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The Gunnison River flows from one to the other with unbelievable scenic vistas and steep canyons. Three reservoirs with narrow inlets offer beauty, functionality and recreational opportunities for visitors. The National Recreation Area was established to manage the land around the three reservoirs which provide water storage to the Upper Colorado River Basin states. The indigenous Native Americans occupied this area as far back as 10,000 years ago; archeologists discovered remains of ancient structures know as wickiups dating back 4,500 years ago. Research has uncovered an enormous amount of information regarding the Native Americans that lived and hunted here. There are indications of prehistoric camps surrounding the Blue Mesa Reservoir which continue to reveal more facts as archeologists continue their work. To add to these discoveries, dinosaur fossils have also been unearthed making this region that much more important for its natural resources. The Blue Mesa Reservoir, the Crystal Dam and Morrow Point Reservoir combine to form the basis of the Recreational Area. The six mile Gunnison Tunnel cuts through a mesa to deliver the water to the farmers, ranchers and others in the valley and lands beyond the National Parks and Lands in the region. The Gunnison Diversion Tunnel which is a listed National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark is situated near the Crystal Dam. The three Visitor Centers run by the National Park Service offer varying services, with exhibits at Elk Creek, while Cimarron has old railway cars and the narrow gauge railroad on display with the history of the once busy cattle stop. Today the town, railway and cattle stop is gone; however the stories and history can still be explored. Ranger led activities and talks are available in addition to information regarding the area, the trails and the creation of the dam and reservoirs. Elk Fork Visitor Center is near the Blue Mesa Dam. There is also a ranger guided boat tour at Morrow Point that goes to the Black Canyon. Whether camping, taking a scenic drive, touring the old town of Cimarron, enjoying one of the numerous recreational activities or hiking one of the many trails, as the Dillon Pinnacles trail with spectacular panoramas along the way, or following the Curecanti Creek trail where the towering Curecanti Needle spires to the skies, the experiences will remain with you for a lifetime. This is truly a land of miraculous sights.