Curecanti National Recreation Area - Winter Sports Winter finds elk, bighorn sheep, and deer descending from the mountains to feed and to avoid the harsher conditions found at higher elevations then. Despite the beautiful snowcapped mesas, clear blue skies, and abundant wildlife winter is harsh here. Temperatures dip as low as -40 F, and are made even more dangerous by the strong winds. Adequate preparation for winter activities is a must here.
Anglers persist in winter, bearing augers for ice fishing.
Four inches of hard, clear ice are needed to support one adult afoot. The specific rules that pertain to ice fishing should be obtained from the visitor center or from park rangers before you venture onto the ice. Other winter-sports enthusiasts enjoy snowmobiling and crosscountry skiing. Snowmobiling is permitted on the frozen surface of Blue Mesa Lake and on fishing access roads as designated. Seven inches of hard clear ice are needed to support snowmobiles.