Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water, stretching about 20 miles along the Gunnison River west of Gunnison inside Curecanti National Recreation Area. Its three big basins, Iola, Cebolla and Sapinero, are ringed by high mesas and eroded cliffs.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Blue Mesa, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons, or a side-by-side for the backroads around Gunnison.
It's also America's largest stocked kokanee salmon fishery, and in summer it's a favorite for water skiing, wakesurfing, sailboarding and long jet ski runs.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Blue Mesa
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Blue Mesa.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 10 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Blue Mesa.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Blue Mesa.
- Water toy rentals – add tubes, floating lily pads, paddle boards or a water trampoline to your day.
- ATV & side-by-side rentals – make it a lake-and-trail trip with a Can-Am UTV or ATV.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Blue Mesa at a glance
| Location | West of Gunnison on US 50 |
|---|---|
| Claim to fame | Colorado’s largest body of water |
| Length | About 20 miles |
| Managed by | National Park Service, Curecanti National Recreation Area |
| Launches | Elk Creek, Lake Fork and Iola ramps |
| Marinas | Elk Creek and Lake Fork, with stores, slips and guide service |
| Full pool | About 7,519 feet |
| Fishing | America’s largest stocked kokanee fishery, plus trout |
Best things to do on Blue Mesa
- Wakesurfing – calm mornings across three big basins.
- Jet skiing – 20 miles of reservoir to explore.
- Water skiing and sailboarding – both popular in summer.
- Kokanee and trout fishing – the biggest stocked kokanee fishery in the country.
- Boat-in camping – designated boat-in sites and dispersed areas in the arms.
- Dillon Pinnacles – hike to the volcanic spires above the lake.
- Black Canyon – the Gunnison River's famous canyon is just downstream.
- Gunnison – food, fuel and lodging just east of the lake.
Where to launch at Blue Mesa
- Elk Creek – ramp, marina and visitor center on the north shore.
- Lake Fork – ramp and marina near the dam end of the reservoir.
- Iola – a ramp on the east end of the lake.
- Stevens Creek and Ponderosa – hand-launched craft only.
Blue Mesa's level changes a lot, and in dry years trailered launching can end early; check with Curecanti National Recreation Area before you go. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Blue Mesa
- Keep wakeless in the West Elk, Lake Fork and Cebolla Creek arms and east of the Lake City Bridge.
- Mornings are usually calm; afternoons can bring wind and storms.
- No cliff jumping or diving anywhere in the recreation area.
- No swimming from docks or launch ramps.
- Pets can't be on marinas or docks except going to and from a boat.
Colorado boating rules to know
- Colorado requires a properly sized, Coast Guard–approved life jacket for every person on board. Children 12 and under must wear one whenever the boat is on the water (unless inside an enclosed cabin or below deck), and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one. Inflatable life jackets don't count for jet skis or towed sports.
- Keep to wakeless speed in posted no-wake zones, and slow down so your wake doesn't reach swimmers, docks, or anchored and fishing boats.
- Jet skis may only be operated between sunrise and sunset.
- Bringing your own boat? At many lakes, ramps only open.
Map of Blue Mesa Reservoir
Blue Mesa rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Blue Mesa?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, private boat tours with lessons, and ATV and side-by-side rentals for the trails nearby.
Will my boat be at Blue Mesa when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Blue Mesa, so there's nothing to tow.
How big is Blue Mesa Reservoir?
It’s Colorado’s largest body of water, about 20 miles long, with three main basins.
Do you need a permit to boat on Blue Mesa?
Yes.
Where do you launch on Blue Mesa?
At the Elk Creek, Lake Fork and Iola ramps. Stevens Creek and Ponderosa are for hand-launched craft. Ramps change with the water level.
Where are the wakeless areas on Blue Mesa?
In the West Elk, Lake Fork and Cebolla Creek arms, east of the Lake City Bridge, and in the marinas.
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