Explore tiny, bright-blue alpine lakes tucked into the mountains around Crested Butte. Or live the lake life at Blue Mesa, Colorado’s largest reservoir, located just minutes from Gunnison. With dozens of lakes throughout the area to choose from, you might have to visit more than one on your trip.
Learn more about this captivating and refreshing aspect of the Gunnison Valley.
Things to Do & See on Blue Mesa Reservoir
Blue Mesa Reservoir — part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area — is a thriving hub of outdoor recreation for water babies and nature lovers. Close to Gunnison, Colorado’s largest human-made lake is easy to access from Hwy. 50. Take a dip in the cool water, picnic on a rocky beach or appreciate the massive scale of the reservoir and beauty of its surroundings from a nearby hiking trail.
Fishing
Blue Mesa fishing will delight anglers looking to land the trophy-sized lake trout, Kokanee salmon and perch that make their homes in the reservoir's waters. The lake's many coves and inlets are rich with secluded spots to explore on foot or by boat. Blue Mesa is also known for being one of the best places to cast for Kokanee salmon; these fun fighters spawn in the fall, making the season an excellent time for fly-fishing.
Get more info on fly-fishing for Kokanee salmon
Boating
Feast your eyes on Colorado’s blue skies as you zip around Blue Mesa’s waters on a speed boat. Or take a more leisurely approach by exploring coves and admiring the mountains and cliffs that encircle the water from a canoe or kayak. You can rent a boat or launch your own — just make sure to get personal boats inspected first to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Learn more about Blue Mesa boating
Hiking
There are various hiking trails in the area, perfect for immersing yourself in the Gunnison Valley’s nature on foot. The landscape around Blue Mesa shifts from a lush river corridor to arid high desert flaunting the dramatic mesas that tower over the reservoir. Below Blue Mesa Dam, the water flows into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park — celebrated for its steep granite walls.
Dillon Pinnacles
Traverse the Blue Mesa’s geological past via Dillon Pinnacles Trail. The pinnacles are made of West Elm Breccia — a unique type of rock formed by solidified lava and other materials. This 5-mile hike meanders through cottonwoods, junipers, oak brush and ponderosa pines, and offers glimpses of cool rock formations like hoodoos, pillars and windows.
Curecanti Creek Trail
Hike to the Curecanti Needle on the challenging 3.7-mile Curecanti Creek Trail. The trailhead is a short drive from the Blue Mesa Dam. The trail itself begins at the rim of the Upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison and follows Curecanti Creek until it reaches the 700-foot granite spire — an impressive feat to undertake and sight to behold.
Camping at Blue Mesa
Experience the magic of waterfront camping at Blue Mesa. As Curecanti National Recreation Area is an International Dark Sky Park, you’ll be treated to views of twinkling stars and constellations. Hook up an RV or cozy up in a tent near the shore. Campsite reservations are recommended.
Learn more about camping in the Gunnison Valley
Other Gunnison Valley Lakes
Taylor Park Reservoir
Taylor Park Reservoir is located 21 miles east of Almont on Country Road 742. Motorized boating is allowed on the reservoir, and Taylor Park Marina offers rentals for boats, slips, fishing equipment and stand-up paddleboards. The shop attached to the marina also sells ice, drinks, souvenirs, food items and bait.
Spring Creek Reservoir
Set at 9,200 feet and ringed by a lush forest, Spring Creek Reservoir provides a picturesque setting for fishing and non-motorized boating. Walk its perimeter for an easy and scenic hike.
Lake Irwin
Another high-elevation body of water, Lake Irwin is a gem in the Gunnison National Forest. Its surface reflects the Elk Mountains and alpine landscapes. Lake Irwin is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, hiking and paddleboarding.
Scenic Lake Hikes
Hike to one of the Gunnison Valley’s many high-elevation lakes, where you can take a refreshing cold plunge with panoramic mountain views. Get some ideas for lake hikes below.
Lake Hikes in Crested Butte
Oh-Be-Joyful to Blue Lake
This strenuous hike is 13.2 miles round-trip and, in July and August, takes you past meadows exploding with colorful wildflowers. Blue Lake sits at 11,075 feet in the Ruby Range. A dip in the refreshing snow-fed waters is a great way to cool off after the hike there.
Long Lake
A leisurely 2.4-mile hike on Meridian Lake Trail takes you to the shimmering blue Long Lake along a gravel road. Unique among trails in Crested Butte, this hike is hand-cycle friendly. True to its name, the lake is long and narrow and carves a path through pine forests and wildflower meadows.
Emerald Lake
Also living up to its name is Emerald Lake — one of the most beautiful spots in Crested Butte thanks to its sparkling green waters. The lake is flanked by tall, dark pines and, in the summer, wildflowers bloom abundantly. To get to Emerald Lake, drive north on Gothic Road from Crested Butte for 12.6 miles. The road is rough and skirts a ledge toward the end, so a high-clearance, 4x4 vehicle and caution are necessary. The hike from the parking area to the lake is an easy half mile.
Peanut Lake
Peanut Lake is located on Lower Loop Trail, an easy mountain-biking and hiking trail. This scenic lake is close to town and offers stunning views of Crested Butte and Gothic mountains. The aspens turn gold in the fall, and summer brings wildflowers blooms in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Lake Hikes in Gunnison
Mill Lake
The hike to Mill Lake begins at Gold Creek Campground in Ohio City. The 3.8-mile out-and-back trail is rated moderate, as it climbs switchbacks through the Fossil Ridge Wilderness — named for the epeiric sea fossils in the area. Mill Lake is located in a glacial cirque cut out of Fossil Ridge. Look for ancient marine fossils in the rock formations near the lake.
Henry Lake
The hike to Henry Lake — often done as an overnight backpacking trip — begins at Gold Creek Campground in Ohio City (16 miles round-trip) or Lottis Creek near Almont (14 miles round-trip). This hike is strenuous with a lot of elevation gain, so many hikers choose to camp at the alpine lake to enjoy the water and scenery as they rest. Henry Lake’s clear, blue-green waters are framed with tall pines and rocky ridgelines.
Boulder Lake via Fossil Ridge
The 7.1-mile, out-and-back hike to Boulder Lake begins at Gold Creek Campground. The rocky terrain and high elevation make this a challenging trek, but the views along the way make it worth it. Revel in the mountain vistas, thick woodlands and lush meadows on your way to the lake’s turquoise-blue waters.
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake Campground is located a few miles outside the ghost town of Tincup, Colorado, where many original buildings still stand. Mirror Lake itself is nestled among a lush pine forest. The aptly named lake mirrors the peaks that surround it, and the campsite is a good basecamp for exploring the area.
