Curecanti Needle is a 700-foot granite spire on the Gunnison River in western Colorado, long known to Native people, trappers, traders, explorers, and pioneers. Its prominence grew in the 1880s when the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad built along the opposite bank through the upper Black Canyon, and the striking tower became a popular sight for passengers. The railroad later adopted the Needle as a symbol of its scenic route, using its image widely in promotional material and as a system logo in the early 20th century. After passenger service ended and Morrow Point Dam flooded the old rail grade in 1965, the area became remote again within Curecanti National Recreation Area.