Blue Mesa Boating Information

Boat Launching Information

Elk Creek Marina and Lake Fork Marina boat ramps are now open for launching from 6:30am to 4:30pm.

Boat permits can be purchased year round at the Elk Creek Visitor Center, or from mid May through mid October, there are self service machines at the Elk Creek and Lake Fork Marina campgrounds.

BOAT PERMITS FEES
$30.00 - Annual
$10.00 - 14 Days
$4.00 - 2 Days

Fees for boating access on Blue Mesa Reservoir, within Curecanti National Recreation Area, are required for all motorized and/or state registered vessels. These user fees are half-price for those visitors who possess the Interagency Senior or Access Pass. Annual Permits are good for the calendar year.

ATTENTION BOATERS

All motorized watercraft launching in Curecanti National Recreation Area are required to be inspected for invasive mussels and, if necessary, decontaminated in accordance with procedures set by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. In addition to the mandatory inspection prior to launch, and to be in compliance with the State of Colorado's Aquatic Nuisance Species protocols, all motorized watercraft leaving Blue Mesa, Morrow Point or Crystal Reservoirs will undergo a second inspection to verify the watercraft has been cleaned, drained and dried.

WHAT TYPES OF WATERCRAFT DO NOT NEED AN INSPECTION?
Only certain types of hand-launched vessels identified by the state of Colorado may launch without an inspection and include: nonmotorized rafts, kayaks, belly boats, float tubes, canoes, windsurfer boards, sail boards, inner tubes and kite boards. These types of vessels are considered low risks for carrying aquatic invasive species and thus are not required to be inspected before launching.

Hand-launched vessels must be able to be launched by hand and fit into one of the above listed categories of vessels. Any vessel requiring that a trailer be placed in the water, even if the vessel is from one of the nonmotorized hand-launched categories above must receive an inspection due to the trailer being a potential vector for aquatic invasive species.

Note: Due to the risk of trailers introducing aquatic invasive species, trailers will not be allowed to be parked on beaches; however they are permitted in parking lots at remote launch sites.

WHAT ABOUT BOATS WITH ELECTRIC TROLLING MOTORS?
Small hand-launched craft with electric trolling motors may continue to launch from remote areas such as Dillon Pinnacles, Bay of Chickens (Windsurf Beach), or Wilson's Landing, but will be required to receive an inspection at the nearest inspection station prior to launch at a remote site.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP WITH THE INSPECTION PROCESS?

• Keep your boat clean. Dirty boats cannot be properly inspected and will be sent to decontamination.
• Keep your boat drained and dry. Any amount of standing water will lead to a more intensive inspection, and possibly decontamination. Remember that live wells need to be drained and dry both before and after launch.

INSPECTION & LAUNCH LOCATIONS

Boat ramps are closed outside of the hours above.

Decontamination stations are closed due to freezing temperatures. Boats requiring decontamination may be denied launch.

Overnight boaters on the reservoir may camp on their boats or at designated boat-in campgrounds.

VISITOR CENTERS

Elk Creek Visitor Center
Open all year.
Hours: Fall, Winter: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday, closed Monday, Tuesday and federal holidays.
Spring: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm every day, closed on federal holidays.
Summer: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm every day.
Phone: (970) 641-2337 extension 205
Location: Sixteen miles west of Gunnison, CO on U.S. Highway 50.

Follow Gunnison-Crested Butte at Our Other Online Locations: