The view at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park from near the South Rim Campground looking towards Grizzly Ridge on the North Rim/NPS webcam

When it comes to getting away from it all in winter in Colorado, you might consider visiting either Curecanti National Recreation Area or neighboring Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, or both.

At Curecanti, beginning Sunday, December 15, hours for the inspection station at Elk Creek will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. The Lake Fork boat ramp will be available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week on a call-in basis. The phone number, 970-209-2335, will be posted at the ramp. Ramps can become extremely icy, so you're asked to ensure that your equipment is appropriate for the conditions. Decontamination stations are closed for the season due to freezing temperatures.

The Elk Creek Campground is open, with some electric hook-ups available. There is no water at the campground. Elk Creek Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.

Ice is beginning to form on the east side of Blue Mesa Reservoir and in some coves. You should exercise extreme caution as the ice is thin and changes rapidly with temperature variations and wind events.

At Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the North Rim and East Portal roads are closed for the season.

The South Rim drive beyond the visitor center is closed for the season. Rangers will begin grooming for Nordic skiing as soon as conditions and equipment allow. Snowshoes may be borrowed at the visitor center for use on South Rim trails.

The South Rim Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except December 25. The bookstore at the visitor center has a holiday sale, with a discount of 10 percent on all items, every weekend through December 22. 

Ranger-guided snowshoe programs will be conducted every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. beginning January 18. The programs will last approximately two hours; snowshoes will be provided. Call the South Rim Visitor Center to make a free reservation, (970) 249-1914, ext. 423. Watch for other ranger programs and events later in the winter.