Curecanti Creek Trail Out and Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

There just aren't that many trails like this, which is what makes it so cool. It's fairly easy and super accessible from the road.

Turn at the Pioneer Point turn off to access this trail. At the top, there are picnic tables and a few great lookout spots that give incredible views of the Black Canyon below. The round trip distance on this route is about 4 miles with a little over 900 feet of elevation gain. Dogs on leash are allowed.

Turn right by the bathrooms to start the trail; pretty soon there's an unmarked fork in the trail. Going left will take you to another awesome viewpoint, but going right is the correct trail. Most of the trail is in pretty full sun without a lot of breaks, but as soon as you reach the bottom and cross the bridge over the creek, you'll likely be in cool shade. There are some rock staircases here and a couple more bridges until you reach the end of the trail where the creek opens up into the canyon.

This is a great spot for swimming and there is also a fire pit, camp spot, and bear box just in case you want to stay awhile. The sounds of the water rushing over the rocks, the cool, breezy shade and the outstanding canyon views make this a pretty peaceful spot to hang out.

Along the trail you might see: Lots of Rocky Mountain Juniper, Sagebrush, Gambel Oak, grasses, and pretty purple and yellow Hoary Tansyaster.