Montrose, Colorado – Activities and Events (2024)

Montrose is one of the larger mountain towns on the Western Slope. It’s still relatively small, but there’s plenty of commercial options for eating, shopping, and dining. Depending on who you ask, it’s pronounced either “mon-trose” or “mont-rose”. Most people use the former.

The town sits at 5,807 feet at the western base of the Rockies along the scenic Highway 550. This historic slope town was incorporated on May 1, 1882, and has grown to a population of 20,291 as of 2020. It’s located in Montrose County, between Delta and Ridgway.

History

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Montrose officially became a town in 1882, after the Ute Indians were removed from their land and placed on a reservation. Before it was known as Montrose, other names included Pomona, Dad’s Town and Uncompahgre Town.

The original purpose of the area was to supply mining towns with materials. As the mining boom died down, agriculture remained the main industry in Montrose. The fertile land helped fruit and grain crops thrive for farmers.

Once a railway was built into town, it became a hub for transportation and supplies heading west. This is still true today, as Montrose has transformed into a gateway for those exploring that side of Colorado.

Main Attractions

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – The entrance to the South Rim is located only about 10 miles from downtown. This national park offers year-round recreation and sightseeing of a grandiose canyon carved by the Gunnison River.

Museum of the Mountain WestA collection of log cabins, historic buildings, and Western stores that have been relocated to the property in Montrose. Explore the museum and get a taste for what life was like in the past.

Read about the best things to do in Montrose.

Recreation

Camping –

  • South Rim of the Black Gunnison NP has several campsites close to town that can be reserved from May to September. In the colder months, sites are available on a first-come first-serve basis.
  • River Bend RV Park and Cabins is a great riverfront park that is open year-round for many different types of camping in town.
  • The Uncompahgre Riverway Trail begins in Montrose and winds all the way to Ouray. There are two large campgrounds on the trail located near Dallas Creek in Ridgway State Park.
  • Read about the camping near Montrose and Delta.

Fishing – Fly fishing and artificial lures are permitted in the Gunnison River in the national park. There is a paved road that takes you to the bottom of the canyon, where you can peacefully fish with beautiful views.

Hiking –

  • If you’re an experienced hiker and climber looking for stunning scenery, you can tackle the 14er Mount Sneffels via Yankee Boy Basin.
  • Crystal Creek trail is a little over an hour from town, but the 3 mile, moderate trail is the best place for breathtaking vistas of the mountains without too much difficulty.
  • Read about the hiking trails near Montrose.

Accommodations

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Black Canyon Motel Every room offers great views of the mountains, along with a hearty breakfast and comfy beds to rest after a day of exploring.

Red Arrow Inn & Suites The perfect place to support a family-owned business, the Red Arrow is known for their attention to comfort and hospitality.

Country Lodge If you’re looking for prime proximity to all of the most popular natural attractions in Montrose, this hotel is a great spot with different themed suites to choose from.

Read about the best hotels in Montrose.

Dining

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99 Thai Food – A no-frills family-owned Thai restaurant serving up the best curries, noodles, and wontons in western Colorado.

Mimo’s – Large portion sizes at a great price no matter which meal you come for. The menu features classic breakfast foods, green chile, and burritos.

The Stone House – Upscale atmosphere with American pasta dishes and an extensive menu of steak, fish, and burgers.

Special Events

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Montrose Farmer’s Market – Year-round market with local produce and live music.

Mar – Spring Fever Craft Show – Held annually at the Montrose County fairgrounds, stroll through many handmade vendors and artists.

Jun – Unknown Motorcycle Show Cerise park in Montrose hosts more than 100 vintage and custom motorcycles on a Saturday in early June.

Jun – FUNC Fest – Come out to the Montrose Water Sports Park to relax on the river, listen to local musicians, and enjoy food vendors.

Activities near Montrose

Cross Country Skiing:

  • Grand Mesa Nordic Council Trails (58mi)

Drive-In Theaters:

  • The Star Drive-In Theatre (1mi)
  • Tru Vu Drive-In Theatre (22mi)

Federal Lands:

  • Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park (12mi)
  • Black Canyon of Gunnison Wilderness Area
  • Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area
  • Gunnison National Forest
  • Uncompahgre National Forest
  • Uncompahgre River

Float Centers:

  • Soak Wellness Spa

Hot Springs:

  • Ouray Hot Springs Pool (32mi)
  • Orvis Hot Springs (27mi)

Local Companies

  • Colorado Yurt Co.
  • SOM Footwear

Museums:

  • Montrose County Historical
  • Mountain West (4mi)
  • Ute Indian Museum

River Tubing/Kayaking:

  • Montrose Water Sports Park (1mi)

State Parks:

  • Ridgway State Park (22mi)
  • Sweitzer Lake State Park (18mi)

Towns:

  • Bedrock (78mi)
  • Cimarron (19mi)
  • Delta (22mi)
  • Naturita (78mi)
  • Nucla (78mi)
  • Olathe (10mi)
  • Ouray (36mi)
  • Paradox (113mi)
  • Redvale (56mi)
  • Ridgway (26mi)
  • Uravan (78mi)

Transportation:

  • Montrose Regional Airport

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Montrose, Colorado – Activities and Events (2024)

FAQs

What are some fun facts about Montrose Colorado? ›

  • 1200 AD – 1800's the Ute Indians called the Uncompahgre Valley home.
  • 1800's: Trappers, traders, miners, and opportunists moved into the area.
  • 1882: Montrose became an incorporated town.
  • 1909: The Gunnison Tunnel brought irrigation water to Montrose.
  • Today, Montrose is thriving as a outdoor recreational hot spot.

Is Montrose, Colorado worth visiting? ›

Its location on the doorstep of the Black Canyon makes Montrose the perfect place to start exploring. In the summer the beautiful National Park offers plentiful options for hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking and expert level rock climbing.

What is Montrose, Colorado close to? ›

Clifton, CO. Grand Junction, CO. Redlands, CO.

What is Montrose Colorado named after? ›

Early Settlement

Joseph Selig suggested the name Montrose after a favorite character in Sir Walter Scott's novel, The Legend of Montrose. The town of Montrose was founded originally to provide supplies to nearby mining communities.

What's Montrose famous for? ›

Montrose prospered as a market town and fishing port and by the 18th century had developed into a popular spa. The town has been known for its jute-processing and jam-making industries, but the production of goods and services for the North Sea oil industry is now more important to the local economy.

Is Montrose co Republican or Democrat? ›

The county has leaned Republican ever since 1920; although before this, it did tend to vote Democratic between 1896 and 1916 except during the landslide loss of Alton B.

What is the coldest month in Montrose Colorado? ›

Average Temperature

In the summer months, the hottest month of the year in Montrose is July, with an average high of 88°F and average low of 57°F. In the winter months, the lowest temperatures are reached in the month of January with average high of 38°F and average low of 16°F.

How long is the ride from Montrose to Telluride? ›

It takes approximately 1h 38m to drive 66.1 miles from Montrose to Telluride.

How safe is Montrose? ›

The crime rate in Montrose is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 28 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate.

How expensive is it to live in Montrose Colorado? ›

The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Montrose is $38,712 a year — less than the annual cost of living for Colorado of $40,026 and roughly in line with the national figure of $38,433.

What is the ethnicity of Montrose Colorado? ›

Montrose Demographics

White: 83.75% Two or more races: 11.1% Other race: 2.34% Native American: 1.41%

How far apart are Grand Junction and Montrose? ›

The distance between Montrose and Grand Junction is 61 miles. The road distance is 60.7 miles. How long does it take to get from Montrose to Grand Junction? It takes approximately 1h 9m to drive 60.7 miles from Montrose to Grand Junction.

What is a fun fact about Montrose, Colorado? ›

On May 2nd, 1882, named after Sir Walter Scott's novel A legend of Montrose by Oliver D. pappy Loutzenhizer and Joseph Selig. Now the Denver & Rio Grande railroad was built west toward Grand Junction and later reached Montrose in 1882. The town became an important regional shipping center.

Is Montrose Colorado a desert? ›

Situated in the Uncompahgre Valley at an elevation of 5,800 feet, Montrose has a semi-arid climate with pleasant summers and mild winters. Rivers and streams from the surrounding mountain ranges supply water to the drier valleys.

What kind of town is Montrose Colorado? ›

Montrose is a historic Colorado town on the beautiful Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, perched in the perfect spot to serve as a base camp for year-round outdoor adventure.

What are some fun facts of Colorado? ›

10 basic facts about Colorado
  • Colorado became a state in 1876.
  • The nickname of Colorado is The Centennial State.
  • The state bird of Colorado is the Lark Bunting.
  • The flower of Colorado is the Columbine.
  • The state tree of Colorado is the Blue Spruce.
  • The state fossil for Colorado is Stegosaurus.
Mar 29, 2023

What does Montrose mean? ›

Scottish: habitational name from the place so named in the county of Angus. The placename derives from Gaelic mon, a short form of monadh 'moor', + ros 'promontory'. The name is now chiefly found in Durham, England.

How high is Montrose Colorado? ›

Situated in the Uncompahgre Valley at an elevation of 5,800 feet, Montrose has a semi-arid climate with pleasant summers and mild winters. Rivers and streams from the surrounding mountain ranges supply water to the drier valleys.

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