We passed Blue Mesa Reservoir, viewed the canyon from the north rim, viewed Morrow Point Dam, drove to Montrose for lunch, then returned to the park to view the canyon from the south rim.
Blue Mesa Reservoir:
Created by the Blue Mesa Dam, the Blue Mesa Reservoir is 20 miles long and has 96 miles of shoreline. It's the largest body of water entirely in Colorado.
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| Dillon Pinnacles at Blue Mesa Reservoir |
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| Returning to Gunnison on US-50 Blue Mesa Reservoir |
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| Blue Mesa Dam |
Black Canyon of the Gunnison:
The canyon was named "Black" because it's so deep, so sheer and so narrow that very little sunlight can penetrate it. Only its rims, never the gorge, show evidence of human occupation. The canyon became a national park in 1999.
North Rim:
We got to Pioneer Point Overlook by taking Black Canyon Road off CO-92 just west of Blue Mesa Dam. Views from the north rim were awesome!
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| The Curecanti Needle (center of picture) |
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| An NPS crew was constructing an overlook deck |
There's more to see out here than mountains, rocks, canyons and rivers.
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| Brooke - a wonderful tour guide and friend |
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| scrub brush and sage |
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| A bit of color brightened the day |
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| we saw this in Montrose |
Morrow Point Dam:
This viewing was just a brief diversion from our drive to Montrose.
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| Entrance road with snow poles |
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| It gets a little curvy down here |
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| Morrow Point Dam |
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| The Gunnison River flows on |
Montrose:
US-50 continues west to Montrose. It's the same route we'll take tomorrow as we travel to Ouray. It won't be a casual drive. There's a long steep pull over Cerro Summit (7,958 ft.) and the road is under construction for about 6 miles of the climb.
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| We descend more than 2,100 ft. to arrive at Montrose |
The city is very attractive. Homes and businesses are well maintained. The area looked prosperous.
Brooke recommended a local restaurant called Camp Robber. It was a great choice. Our lunches were delicious and the service was outstanding.
We enjoyed an unplanned tour of a new housing development as we tried to find our way back to US-50. Oh well, it was fun and brought a few laughs.
South Rim:
The road to the park entrance for South Rim viewing (CO-347) is about 8 miles east of Montrose on US-50.
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| Tomichi Point |
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| Peregrine Falcons soar over the canyon |
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| Cross Fissures View |
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| This is an Open Range This fellow and about 6 others proved it |
A Final Treat:
We went into Gunnison tonight looking for a light dinner. There were no strict rules, just find a place where we could get some soup and dessert. We walked N. Main St. checking various menus for a while and finally settled on The Gunnisack. Customers were waiting on benches outside. We opted to eat at the bar and got seated right away. That's when we realized we picked a winner.
Jillian (the bartender) served us and did a great job. Another woman working beside the bar offered suggestions and chatted with us occasionally as we ate. She turned out to be an owner, Lisa Jacobson. She and her husband Dave started the restaurant in 2004.
We really enjoyed meeting Lisa and we think she enjoyed us because we raved about the meals.
The Snickerdoodle Cookie dessert was exceptional. It's baked to order and comes in three varieties. Jillian would only let us order one to share.
The place was full and customers were waiting outside when we left. We now know why.
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