Cimarron

 
The confluence of a silty river into a clear larger one between canyon walls
Confluence of the Cimarron River and Crystal Reservoir

NPS Photo

Cimarron is a historic narrow gauge railroad town within the recreation area. The area has a campground, hiking trail, rail yard interpretive exhibit and truss bridge, restrooms, picnic areas, boating and fishing access on Crystal Reservoir, and views of the Morrow Point Dam.

There is no public access or tours of the Morrow Point Dam.

Getting Here

Cimarron is located 20 miles (32 km) east of Montrose, CO on U.S. Highway 50 and approximately 30 miles (48 km) west of Elk Creek Visitor Center in Curecanti. Follow signs for Cimarron.

Water

In the summer months only, a water fill-up station is available in the campground. Please use the fill-up stations conservatively and be prepared with your own water.

 
 
An engine on a truss supsended away from a road with a wayside exhibit
Truss bridge and wayside exhibit at Cimarron

NPS/C. Roundtree

Information & Exhibits

Visitors can tour the rail yard exhibit and explore loading corrals and stock cars. Interpretive displays help tell the story of this railroad town.

The truss bridge is the last remaining railriad bridge along the Denver and Rio Grande's narrow-gauge railroad route through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Engine #278, a notable engine used on the Crested Butte Branch of the Denver and Rio Grande's lines, rests upon this bridge.

Recreation

Cimarron offers several recreational opportunities. Visitors can fish or hike down the Mesa Creek Trail. Boating on Crystal Reservoir is limited to hand-carried craft. The access trail for Crystal Reservoir is reached via the Mesa Creek Trail.

Fluctuating water levels and releases from Morrow Point Dam can create navigational problems. Tricky currents, protruding rocks, and backwashes caused by water rushing over submerged rocks, can overturn the inattentive boater. In addition, conditions along the river section on Crystal can change drastically during the course of a day.

Heavy spring runoff from Cimarron River and Mesa Creek can further complicate matters. Before launching, be sure to assess the capabilities of your equipment and the condition of the water.

 

Things to Do at Cimarron

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    Last updated: October 23, 2024

    Contact Info

    Mailing Address:

    102 Elk Creek
    Gunnison, CO 81230

    Phone:

    970 641-2337 x205
    This phone is not monitored when the building is closed. If you are having an emergency, call 911.

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