Montrose, Colorado

Posted on by

Skiing over powder snow with an incredible backdrop

Montrose

Welcome to this warm city on the Western Slope.
No matter what time of year it is, Montrose is a classic Colorado city that is the place to go to explore the wild and have fun. It’s beautiful, has its own culture, and is down-to-earth, even though the San Juan Mountains rise up in the south. It’s the kind of place where the mild weather, varied scenery, and clean alpine air all work together to make you have a good time outside.

This city is a great way to get to Colorado’s Western Slope. It has trails and byways that are easy for travelers and beautiful views. It also has a historic center area, interactive museums, and three breweries on Main Street.

Lots of wilderness and adventure
You can’t go to Montrose without seeing Black Canyon National Park. It has hills that are so high and colorful that they look like they were painted, as well as a canyon that is so deep that looking down from the edge is completely mind-boggling. No matter what you do, don’t miss this beautiful park. You can hike, drive, boat, or climb your way through it.

You can get lost in the stunning beauty of Uncompahgre Wilderness, which is home to the area’s named peak, which is the highest point in the San Juan Mountains at 4,361 meters. Go whitewater canoeing or horseback riding through the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area to see its varied landscape.

You can fish in Gold Medal and Wild Trout-designated water in the Gunnison River. The yearly Fun on the Uncompahgre (FUNC) Fest takes place at the Montrose Water Sports Park, which is located in Riverbottom Park. The park has six drop structures, ramps, and a beach along the water flows that are great for kayakers.

 

Take the Beautiful Way
Some scenic drives and byways are historic and offer tourists a lot of photo opportunities. Along the way, they can see everything from rock art to fossils to Victorian villages. The Alpine Loop Back Country Byway has glacial valleys and ghost towns to see. The San Juan Skyway is the “road to the sky” and has mountain peaks, old pueblo ruins, and hot springs. Visit the Museum of the Mountain West to learn more about the geography, culture, and history of the area.

It has a recreated Old West village with 500,000 artifacts from 1880 to 1930 on show. If you come here, going to the saloon or post office is a real adventure. Both the art and objects in the Ute Indian Museum’s garden and its collection of art and objects show the past and culture of the Ute people.

 

Downtown and Nearby
Even though it would be great to spend all day and night outside (under the stars, if possible), the city’s restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment choices are hard to beat. Go to Historic Downtown, where brew pubs and art shops have helped Montrose become what it is today. Check out the statues that are part of the Public Art Experience in downtown. You can find one-of-a-kind items on the Montrose Antique Trail. You can get jams, oils, and other gourmet foods by going to farms and fields. Plan a winery taste, relax at a classic steakhouse, or grab a cup of freshly roasted coffee.