2001 Map of Curecanti Needle

About this map

Curecanti Needle rises sharply above the Gunnison River in this high-altitude landscape of the Gunnison and Montrose county line. Following the 2001 revision, the map shows the waters of the Morrow Point Reservoir filling the depths of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, a stark transformation of the original riverbed. The surrounding plateaus of Black Mesa, Fitzpatrick Mesa, and Soap Mesa reflect a history of high-country ranching and seasonal habitation. Evidence of early settlement and land use persists through labels like the McLeod Ranch, Black Mesa Lodge, and the Rimrock Sch. Local infrastructure is marked by features such as the Collier Ditch and a Gaging Sta on Curecanti Creek, indicating the critical role of water management in this environment. The area is largely defined by the Gunnison National Forest and the Curecanti National Recreation Area.