curecanti creek

Because we were touring in mid-day heat, we did not tackle this trail, but I though readers might like to know that you can wander around Pioneer Point and hike out and back to two separate overlooks if you are not up for this amazing climb. We must have spent 45 minutes doing just that. The canyon views are marvelous from the overlooks and it makes a nice photography stop and leg stretcher. We could see the trail alongside the rushing river a thousand feet below. There are picnic tables and restrooms at the trailhead too. A worthwhile stop whether you hike down or stay on top.

It is beginning of June 2014 and Marrow Point tours are suspended because of runoffs but while hiking down on Curecanti Creek from Pioneer Point off route 92 be prepared for loud and spectacular show. It is amazing how this gentle and already beautiful stream becomes extremely loud and more spectacular with all this water rushing through. The trail is not for those who don’t like to climb up on the way back to the trailhead. First you need to go down almost 890 feet in 2 miles but remember whatever comes down………… In the beginning of the trail there were huge patches of white blooms of Manyflower Phlox. There were many other wildflowers along this trail. In one spot on the trail I noticed a scat of a mountain lion hence one needs to be very careful and be aware of surroundings since you cannot possibly hear any sounds besides Curecanti Creek. With all this rushing water sounds I had to remember to stop often and look around so didn’t have to find myself too close to a bear or mountain lion. This is a mountain lion and bear area. The trail is challenging so be prepared. Bring more water than you think you could drink during a 4 mile hike. The trail is well maintained and the first part of it is more gradual. A short distance after crossing the second foot bridge it was impossible to get to the end of the trail because it is flooded. I would like to return and hike on this trail when is dry. Meanwhile I was able to get to the point where if you look all the way up and up you could see a part of the overlook platform. Once back to the trailhead I went to that platform to see the trail down below. You really need to look hard all the way down to see a couple of sections of the Curecanti Creek trail.It was a very rewarding afternoon hike after my morning Hermits Rest hike down and back. This is a hike I’m going to review separately but a round trip of that hike was 6 miles with elevation change of almost 1,800 feet.

Many people admire this canyon from the rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, but never make the forbidding-looking (and, in the park, generally dangerous) trek to the bottom. This trail off Route 92 east of the park, starting at Pioneer Point, will give you the chance. It shouldn't be taken lightly, since the 880 feet down is still a significant trek, even if it's not the thousands of feet that such a trek could take in the park itself, and you have to go back up once you've got to the bottom. Also, it can be significantly warmer at the bottom than at the top.But for those who are fit and take plenty of water, this can be a great experience. Please see my review of the Curecanti National Recreation Area for more on this trail and some photos of the scenery, but I'll add here a few shots of butterflies on the flowers near the bottom.