| Three reservoirs, named for corresponding dams, one of which is Morrow Point Reservoir, on the Gunnison River, form the heart of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Panoramic mesas, fjord-like reservoirs, and deep, steep and narrow canyons abound.Morrow Point Reservoir can provide a fabulous canoeing or sea kayaking trip. The adventure begins with hauling a boat and gear into the canyon. The easiest access to the reservoir is via the Pine Creek Trail. This trail consists of approximately 232 steps into the canyon. From the bottom of the stairs, the trail follows the reservoir for about a mile. Guests can put your boat in a short distance past the end of the stairs.The reservoir is almost twelve miles long. The first half-mile of water is swift, but then becomes calm and still. There are several boat-in campsites in the canyon, so visitors can make this a full weekend outing. At the end of the trip, head back to the Pine Creek Trail to exit the canyon. The current may make it difficult to paddle back to the base of the stairs, but visitors can easily make it to the bottom of the stairs via the foot trail.Some whitewater kayakers will haul boats into Morrow Point Reservoir just to hit the "fluffy muffin". The whitewater is minimal, but at the right water flow in the first mile of the reservoir, a perfect wave known as a fluffy muffin forms, great for surfing, kart-wheeling, and having fun. The fluffy muffin forms about half a mile past the base of the steps. Be prepared for water around 45 degrees Fahrenheit and fluctuating water levels. |
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