Blue Mesa Lake•Curecanti Rec Area

00:00     Title
00:15     Montrose Sunflowers
01:10     Blue Mesa Lake
04:15     Blue Mesa Dam
07:05     Pioneer Point
10:45     Hermits Rest
11:43     Fin

Just like back east, the popular lake destinations out west are usually located well away from civilization in remote wilderness areas. The difference is that the western wilderness areas nearly stretch out forever and the drive to the destination can take all day. This is especially true when towing a boat trailer over the mountainous terrain. Some say that half of the fun is just getting there and the wild west scenery definitely makes the long drive all the better.  
 
Blue Mesa Lake is one of three alpine lakes in the Curecanti National Recreation Area.  The lakes in Curecanti are actually reservoirs created by dams on the Gunnison River. U.S. Highway 50 runs through the Curecanti National Recreation Area and it crosses Blue Mesa Lake on a causeway that is just a few feet above the water. The views overlooking Blue Mesa Lake from the highway are truly breathtaking and it is very easy to picture this place as being a great summer vacation spot.

Blue Mesa Lake is surrounded by towering rock outcrops, deep canyons, rolling hills and mountain peaks. The air is crystal clear and the skies are nearly always cobalt blue in this pristine high elevation environment. As far as summertime lake vacation destinations are concerned, Blue Mesa Lake is as picturesque as it gets! Blue Mesa Lake is over 7,000 feet above sea level, so it may take time to get adjusted to the thin air. Altitude sickness can occur during physical exertion, so it pays to slow down when the first sign of dizziness occurs. Staying hydrated and snacking is the best way to prevent altitude sickness.

The water temperature of Blue Mesa Lake is very cold early summer, but by the month of August the water warms up a bit. Even so, swimming for an extended time is not recommended, because the combination of cold water and thin mountain air may put swimmers at risk of hypothermia. This does not mean that visitors cannot have fun playing in the water, because these conditions are what wet-suits are made for. Blue Mesa Lake is a haven for water skiing, jet skiing and sailboarding. The fishing is great too, because this lake is very deep and there are many pocket coves that are perfect for fly fishermen.          

There are picnic areas, primitive campgrounds, commercial lodges and boat landings located at several sites around the Blue Mesa Lake. There are Jeep trails that go to remote campsites in the mountainous back country and some go to the neighboring Gunnison Gorge Conservation Area. The historic town of Montrose and Gunnison are both just a short hop away and these two basecamp towns are where visitors can find modern amenities, rentals and places to stock up. As can be imagined, it is easy to make a Blue Mesa Lake summer vacation happen!