Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch

Nowhere is the awesome beauty of the Rocky Mountains’ western slope more magnificently defined in nature as in the Curecanti National Recreation Area, home of Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch.     

 

At an elevation of 7,500 ft., the resort is just a “stone’s throw” from the waters of Blue Mesa Reservoir. This 26-mile long lake, with its 96 miles of shoreline, is Colorado’s largest and longest lake. It’s setting — an eroded volcanic landscape — gives it a distinctly unique quality.     For fishing enthusiasts, Blue Mesa Reservoir is one of Colorado’s most well-stocked fishing lakes with two marinas — Elk Creek and Lake Fork.     Breathtaking scenic drives in this area reveal such wonders as the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River. For its width, the dramatic 55-mile long canyon is the deepest abyss in the world. From its sheer walls — only 1,300 feet apart — this great chasm plunges well over a mile to the churning river below.     Just a few miles south of nearby Montrose is the Ute Indian Museum built on the farm of Chipeta, the wife of the Ute Chief Ouray, who accompanied him on his peacemaking trips to Washington until his death in 1881. She lived until 1924 on this farm which now contains a wealth of Ute artifacts and dioramas which reflect the full and rich history of these Colorado Indians.     

 

North of the resort, in a picturesque mountain setting, is Crested Butte, a designated National Historic District that charmingly reflects its origin as a gold and coal mining town.     

 

For archeological enthusiasts, the Clarence Hurst Museum in Gunnison displays one of the finest archeological collections in Colorado.   

 

Challenging mountain golf courses are nearby, as are exciting and adventurous river rapids.     With horses and horseback riding as featured amenities, Blue Mesa hosts its guests to a total western setting.