Deep and narrow Morrow Point Reservoir is the central of the three lakes in the Curecanti National Recreation Area. It begins immediately downstream of Blue Mesa Dam. But unlike the highly visible Blue Mesa Lake, Morrow Point cannot be seen from U.S. 50 and is only visible from a few locations on State Highway 92--both of which run less than a mile from the lake. The hidden nature of the lake and the moderate effort required to reach the water make Morrow Point one of the best stand-up-paddle surprises in Colorado.
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| Morrow Point Reservoir |
Access
Accessing Morrow Point requires hiking down about 180 vertical feet from the Pine Creek Trailhead in the Curecanti Recreation Area. The Pine Creek Trail, which is also serves guests of boat tours run by the park service, is well-constructed and consists of about 230 stairs to descend to the Gunnison River. The flow of the river might appear fast or turbulent when it first comes into view. The gradual transition of river flow to still lake water occurs over the next half-mile. It will likely be necessary to hike some of all of this distance along the trail paralleling the river to find a suitable launch point. River flows can change quickly in this stretch, and there are some protruding rocks that create whitewater conditions. It's best to launch after the tour boat dock becomes visible to avoid surprises.
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| Vicinity Map |
Scenery: 5
Shoreline Interest: 5
Use: Low-Moderate
Fee: None
Access: Gravel + 0.5 mi, 200' vert hike down
Full elev = 7160; Best above 7153;
