This Quiet City In The Rockies Is Hiding In Plain Sight
At the western edge of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Montrose is one of the first destinations that will make you truly know you're headed towards the deserts of the Southwest. Surrounded by a unique mix of arid, shrub-covered hills, lush, agriculturally rich valleys, the meandering Uncompahgre River, and snowcapped mountains just off into the distance, this community certainly doesn't slouch in terms of scenery.
But Montrose offers more than just pretty sights; it is a welcoming place, often hosting road trippers and outdoor adventurers with its plethora of amenities, and best of all, it contains many must-see attractions of its own. Today, we will highlight this charming city of around 22,000 residents so that you'll have a better idea of what's in store during your next visit.
A Land of Contrasts
Montrose specifically sits in the northern Uncompahgre Valley of western Colorado, where, as mentioned, broad agricultural flats meet rugged high desert terrain. The city lies at roughly 5,800 feet in elevation, with the Uncompahgre River running just east of town before joining the Gunnison River to the north. To the east, the land rises sharply into the Uncompahgre Plateau, a forested tableland that contrasts heavily with the townsite's open valley floor.
On the other hand, the landscape west of Montrose transitions into arid mesas and rolling sagebrush plains more typical of the Colorado Plateau and the greater American Southwest. And if you look up, the San Juan Mountains dominate the southern skyline, providing a wonderful alpine backdrop that influences local weather patterns with its rain shadow effect (creating its distinct desert-like conditions).
Montrose also serves as a gateway to significant protected green spaces like the Needle Rock Natural Area, Crawford State Park, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the latter of which is located less than 15 miles to the east.
The Human History of Montrose
Developed as a regional center in the late 19th century, shaped by agriculture, trade, and transportation, Montrose has served many purposes over the centuries. The town was founded in 1881 and officially established in 1882 after the Ute people were forced from the Uncompahgre Valley, opening the area to American settlement.
Its early growth depended on farming and ranching, which were made possible by extensive irrigation projects drawing water from the Uncompahgre River. Montrose then became a supply and shipping hub for nearby mining districts in the San Juan Mountains, even though major mining never took hold within the town itself. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s further strengthened its role as a commercial crossroads on the frontier, and during the early 20th century, Montrose expanded alongside its fruit orchards, livestock operations, and an ever-growing regional trade network.
In recent decades, the economy has shifted sharply toward outdoor recreation, tourism, and serving as an entrance way to several nearby national and state parks, a trend that many other Colorado towns have similarly followed.
Top Attractions in and Around Montorse
Now that you have a basic idea of the land and its story, up next is what there is to see and do for modern-day visitors. From world-class parklands to fascinating museums and useful road trip amenities, here are a few of our top recommended stops in the area.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is easily one of the most dramatic landscapes in Colorado, known for its sheer cliffs and extreme depths. Those who are afraid of heights should beware! Carved by the Gunnison River over millions of years, the canyon drops more than 2,000 feet in places, with walls so steep that sunlight reaches the bottom only briefly each day.
The South Rim, which is closest to Montrose, offers several overlooks such as Gunnison Point, Chasm View, and Painted Wall (the tallest cliff in Colorado). There is also the very nice and informative South Rim Visitor Center located on this side. Furthermore, a network of hiking routes ranges from brief rim trails to challenging inner-canyon descents that require permits and great route-finding skills.
This park notably stands as a top destination for rock climbing, stargazing, and wildlife viewing, too, with sightings of mule deer, peregrine falcons, and even golden eagles being common.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Curecanti National Recreation Area lies about an hour's drive east of Montrose and Black Canyon along a chain of reservoirs created by the Gunnison River, including Blue Mesa Reservoir, Morrow Point Reservoir, and Crystal Reservoir. The area is renowned for wide-open water, steep canyon walls, wide-reaching views shaped by volcanic rock and erosion, and thinner crowds when compared to other nearby parks.
Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado, is the main recreation hub at this destination, supporting boating, fishing, swimming, and lakeside camping in the warmer months. Anglers in particular flock to the area to pursue lake trout, kokanee salmon, and rainbow trout. Moreover, local scenic drives, overlooks, and hiking trails provide access to numerous awe-inspiring viewpoints, while more remote sections appeal to paddlers and backpackers seeking true solitude.
Museums
The Museum of the Mountain West brings the American West to life on a six-acre site just minutes east of Montrose. It preserves roughly 500,000 artifacts across 28 historic buildings that evoke a typical frontier town from the late 1800s to early 1900s, including a saloon, drug store, post office, doctor’s and dentist’s offices, and a railroad section house.
The huge variety of exhibits here combines indoor displays with outdoor structures to give you a clear window into daily life during the original American settlement and expansion in the state. Guided and self-guided tours are available, making it highly engaging for history enthusiasts of all ages.
Going back further in time (over 10,000 years to be exact), the Ute Indian Museum focuses on the history and culture of the Ute peoples, located on the original homestead of Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta. This locale features comprehensive exhibits highlighting ancient artifacts, photos, and interpretive displays that trace Ute life, traditions, and adaptations over time. The grounds also include various memorials, native plant gardens, and other outdoor elements that enrich its important cultural narrative.
Food and Drink
Downtown Montrose has quite the fleshed-out food scene, whether you are looking for a quick bite, a full sit-down meal, or just a drink. After a long day outdoors, there is nothing better than a cold beer at the Horsefly Brewing Company, or if you're feeling a bit more peckish, try out Jimmers BBQ, Burgers, & Beers just up the street. For something slightly higher-end, Ted Nelson's Steakhouse is a local favorite, whereas Shelter Distilling serves up handcrafted, locally sourced cocktails with gourmet bar fare.
There are tons of other options for food in town, from Mexican to sushi, BBQ, classic diners, fast food, grocery store delis, and more, all catering to a variety of budgets and needs.
Overnight Accommodations
Accommodations in Montrose range from budget motels to comfortable full-service hotels and rentals, making it easy to find a base for exploring the region. Many properties are clustered near Main Street and Montrose Regional Airport, offering convenient access to dining, shops, and other services.
For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the city's outdoorsy vibes, several rental lodges and cabins on the valley’s edge provide scenic views and quick access to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the east and Uncompahgre National Forest to the west. Note that seasonal demand peaks in summer and when the colorful fall foliage kicks in a little later on, so booking ahead is advisable during these times.
Conversely, downtown houses many national chains you will recognize, from the Hampton Inn Montrose to a Holiday Inn Express & Suites. There are also locally owned (and perhaps more interesting choices) like The Rathbone Hotel & Parlor Bar and the more budget-friendly Black Canyon Motel.
Visit Montrose on Your Next Great American Adventure
Whether you want to hike its surrounding parks, photograph its gorgeous natural landmarks, learn about its historic downtown core, or simply use it as a pit stop along a broader journey, Montrose is a true Southwestern gem hiding in plain sight. With the above recommendations, you can now be prepared to spend at least a day or two of fun exploring all it has to offer.
