Date: 07/03/2015
Who: myself
Length: about 5 miles (2.5 out + 2.5 back)
Time: 2 hours
Weather: about 75 degrees, sunny

This was a delightful hike break, taken during my drive home from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. I saw the trailhead sign on my way there and decided to check it out on my way home. The trail is quite enjoyable, with a variety of wildflowers and views of the West Elk mountains, San Juan mountains, and Crystal Reservoir in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The trail is located in the Curecanti National Recreation Area.

The upper portion of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison has 3 hydroelectric dams which form reservoirs: Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal. Crystal dam/reservoir is the smallest and located at the entrance to the National Park lands. I don’t think very many people see Crystal Reservoir from this perspective, since it is not accessible by car. It was very quiet and secluded and certainly felt like a special place.

Crystal Reservoir

This hike followed the BLUE line:

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Hmmm, I’m imagining a future kayaking/camping trip with my brother Chance, where we hike in with kayaks on the Mesa Creek trail, and paddle along Crystal Reservoir to Crystal Creek campground. Link to PDF map.

Date: 06/30/2015-07/02/2015

The north rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is less popular than the south rim, measured by quantity of visitors. There is no bridge, and it takes 2-3 hours to drive from the south rim around to the north rim. So, most people just visit the south.

These video clips give a taste of the views from the north rim lookouts: Chasm View near the north rim campground, The Narrows View, Balanced Rock View, Big Island View, Island Peaks View, and Kneeling Camel View. Each overlook is a short walk from the north rim road. My favorite was the Chasm View nature trail and overlooks.

On 7/2, I hiked North Vista Trail (7 mi. round trip) in the morning, and Deadhorse Trail (5 mi. round trip) in the afternoon. I enjoyed North Vista more than Deadhorse. Deadhorse goes through open fields and meadows, making it quite hot. And, the views from North Vista were more interesting. A highlight of the Deadhorse trail was a grouse sighting. The next day, I saw a stuffed display at a visitors center of a Gunnison Sage Grouse. The bird I saw on the trail was similar to the female display bird!

North Vista Trail video:

North Vista Trail map (GREEN line):

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Deadhorse Trail video:

Deadhorse Trail map (BLUE line):

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