Things to do nearBlue Mesa Reservoir

Blue Mesa Reservoir was created in the 1960s when the Morrow Point and Crystal dams were completed as part of the Wayne N. Aspinall Storage Unit, a federal water project on the Gunnison River. The reservoir flooded the broad valley floor, forming what is now Colorado's largest body of water by surface area, sitting at roughly 7,500 feet above sea level. The surrounding landscape of pinon-juniper woodland and open sage flats gives the area a high-desert character that feels distinct from Colorado's forested mountain lakes.

Anglers come from across the region to fish Blue Mesa Reservoir for Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout. The reservoir's cold, clear depths support healthy fish populations year-round, and ice fishing draws a dedicated crowd in winter. Boaters enjoy open stretches of water ideal for sailing and waterskiing, while quieter arms of the lake reward kayaking and paddleboarding in calmer conditions. You can explore fishing charters that operate on the water seasonally.

Hiking trails lace the canyon rims above the reservoir, offering elevated views over the water and into the Gunnison Gorge beyond. The nearby community of Lake City provides a historic downtown just east of the reservoir, and the area around Lake City Bridge makes a worthwhile stop on any drive through the valley. Blue Mesa Reservoir earns its reputation as one of Colorado's most rewarding outdoor destinations.