We took a drive along Colorado’s Scenic 92, which skirts the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. There are many scenic overlooks and several hiking trails. This area is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, not the actual Black Canyon National Park.
The majority of our Colorado hikes so far have involved climbing up from the start of a trail. For something different, we hiked down into the canyon for 2 miles on the Curecanti Creek trail, which of course meant a 2 mile climb out. We would rather get the climb out of the way first, but it was a nice, although strenuous, change of pace. Ask Debbie if she’s coming on any more hikes with us!
The overlook at the trail head.
We’re going down there?
It’s actually a pretty gradual descent until about the last half mile, when the trail turns into large rocks and becomes very steep. After following the creek, the trail ends where the creek enters the Morrow Point Reservoir. There is a backpack or boat in campsite with a picnic table, fire ring, and an outhouse. It was a lovely spot.
With a nice swimming hole, too.
Today we’re taking a boat tour of the canyon. Should be fun to see it from the water.
Awesome hike. How long round-trip did it take you to do that trail?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great hike! Guess nobody wanted to swim in the swimmin' hole. Wonder how cold the water was. I did a lot of hiking in the Shenandoah National Park and off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the hikes were always DOWN and then back up. I hated that. I too like my UP first!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous scenery. Enjoy your boat tour of the canyon.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful area. Thanks for the pictures!
ReplyDelete"J" lives to hike...this is right up his alley, or should that be canyon?!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a really beautiful area.
ReplyDeleteI too would rather have the climb at the start of the hike. The the last 1/2 seems much easier.
Nice pics!