Morrow Point Reservoir is a dramatic deepwater reservoir carved into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, sitting within the Curecanti National Recreation Area in Montrose County. Fed by the Gunnison River and formed by Morrow Point Dam, this narrow reservoir stretches through steep-walled granite canyons that rise hundreds of feet above the waterline, creating some of the most striking scenery of any lake in Colorado.
Reaching the water at Morrow Point requires commitment. The primary access is the Pine Creek Trail, which descends 232 stairs down the canyon wall to the reservoir surface. Carrying a kayak or canoe down those stairs is a serious workout, but paddlers who make the effort are rewarded with a pristine, uncrowded canyon experience that few Colorado lakes can match. The narrow reservoir winds through dark rock walls, and the silence on the water is broken only by wind and the occasional raptor overhead. No motorized boats are permitted on Morrow Point, keeping the water calm and the atmosphere remote.
The Curecanti National Recreation Area manages Morrow Point Reservoir along with Blue Mesa and Crystal reservoirs upstream and downstream. Highway 92 runs along the canyon rim above, offering multiple overlook points with sweeping views of the reservoir and surrounding Black Canyon geology. The viewpoints alone are worth the drive, even for those who do not plan to descend to the water. The Hermits Rest trail is a popular hike along the rim with outstanding canyon panoramas.
Fishing at Morrow Point targets kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout in the deep, cold waters. The reservoir's depth and canyon-shaded conditions keep water temperatures favorable for coldwater species well into summer. Anglers willing to haul gear down the stairs will find low fishing pressure and healthy fish populations. Morrow Point Reservoir is a destination for paddlers and anglers who value solitude, dramatic scenery, and the satisfaction of earning their access to one of Colorado's most spectacular backcountry waterways.