Montrose Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the scenic Colorado region, Montrose is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and a rich cultural heritage. Located in the picturesque Uncompahgre Valley, Montrose is surrounded by majestic mountains, vast national forests, and crystal-clear rivers. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a lover of art and culture, Montrose has something to offer for everyone.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Montrose is a gateway to the stunning Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. With its steep cliffs, rugged terrain, and roaring rapids, the Black Canyon offers a paradise for hikers, climbers, and whitewater rafting enthusiasts. The park also boasts incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, with the chance to spot bighorn sheep, elk, and golden eagles.

Montrose is also home to the Curecanti National Recreation Area, a haven for water sports enthusiasts. With three reservoirs nestled in the scenic Gunnison River Valley, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. The area is also a paradise for campers and hikers, with numerous trails winding through the surrounding mountains and forests.

For those interested in history and culture, Montrose offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past. The Ute Indian Museum showcases the rich heritage of the Ute tribe, with exhibits on their traditions, history, and artwork. The Montrose County Historical Museum takes visitors back in time, with displays on the area's mining history, early settlers, and pioneer life.

Art and culture enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Montrose as well. The Montrose Center for the Arts hosts a variety of exhibitions, performances, and workshops, showcasing the talent of local artists. The town also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing a wide range of artistic styles.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Montrose also offers a variety of dining options, from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. Visitors can indulge in locally sourced cuisine, paired with a glass of wine from one of the nearby wineries.

Alternative names: Population: 19.1 thous.Area: 17.88 mi²Elevation: 5810 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°28'46"N, 107°52'5"W

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ColoradoUnited States

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Montrose Top Attractions

Montrose Attractions - What to See and Explore

Montrose offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ute Indian Museum, Montrose County Historical Museum, Montrose Botanic Gardens, Museum of the Mountain West. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Ute Indian Museum
The Ute Indian Museum is a local history museum in Montrose, Colorado, United States. It is administered by History Colorado. The museum presents the history of the Ute tribe of Native Americans. It was built in 1956 and expanded in 1998.
Museum • History museum
Montrose County Historical Museum
The Montrose County Historical Museum is located in Montrose, Colorado, USA, founded in 1973 by the Montrose County Historical Society. The society's mission is to preserve, display and interpret the historic and cultural legacy of Montrose County and its surrounding region.
Botanical garden • Garden • Park
Montrose Botanic Gardens
The Montrose Botanic Gardens are located at 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose, Colorado, south of the Montrose Pavilion. While in the gardens, you can view the San Juan Mountains to the south. Open dawn to dusk. Free entry, but donations are always appreciated.

Museum • History museum
Museum of the Mountain West
The Museum of the Mountain West is a history museum off U.S. Route 50 in Montrose, Colorado. It includes a collection of historic log cabins, Western town stores, and other historic buildings which have been moved to the site.
Church
Methodist Episcopal Church of Montrose
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Montrose, also known as the United Methodist Church of Montrose, is a historic church in Montrose, Colorado, United States. It was designed circa 1909 as an Akron Plan church by Thomas P. Barber, but it was not completed until 1920. A 1991 addition was designed by Parik Davis.
38°28'51"N • 107°52'30"W
Adams Vacuum & Sewing building
The Montrose Masonic Temple in Montrose, Colorado is a historic building constructed in 1911. Built as a meeting hall for Montrose Lodge No. 63, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the building is in the Classical Revival style.
38°28'43"N • 107°52'30"W
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge, also known as the Elks Civic Building, is a historic building in Montrose, Colorado, United States.
38°28'41"N • 107°52'30"W
Montrose County Courthouse
The Montrose County Courthouse stands three stories high in downtown Montrose, Colorado and was built in the Classical Revival style from locally quarried sandstone. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
38°28'28"N • 107°52'23"W
Thomas B. Townsend House
The Thomas B. Townsend House, on the corner of Townsend Street and S. 5th St. in Montrose, Colorado, was built in 1888. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Neighbourhood • American foursquare architecture
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Project Office Building
The US Bureau of Reclamation Project Office Building in Montrose, Colorado is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has also been known as the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association Office. The NRHP listing included five contributing buildings. It was built by contractor J.J. Kewin.

Day trips

Montrose – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Montrose, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Box Canyon (Ouray), Uncompahgre Gorge (Ouray), Bridal Veil Falls (Uncompahgre National Forest).

33 milesS
Nature, Natural attraction, Canyon
Box Canyon, Ouray
Nestled within the rugged beauty of the San Juan Mountains in Ouray, Colorado, Box Canyon is a breathtaking natural attraction that beckons visitors with its unique geological formations and cascading waterfall. This hidden gem is a testament to the power of water...
33 milesS
Natural attraction, Waterfall, Canyon
Uncompahgre Gorge, Ouray
Nestled in the rugged heart of the San Juan Mountains, the Uncompahgre Gorge is a stunning natural wonder located near the charming city of Ouray, Colorado. This magnificent gorge, carved by the relentless force of the Uncompahgre River, offers visitors a glimpse into...
39 milesS
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Bridal Veil Falls, Uncompahgre National Forest
Bridal Veil Falls is a 365-foot waterfall at the end of the box canyon overlooking Telluride, Colorado. Hiking and off-road trails pass by the falls and it has a hydroelectric power plant at its top.
36 milesSE
Natural attraction, Mountain
Uncompahgre Peak, Uncompahgre Wilderness
Uncompahgre Peak is the sixth highest summit of the Rocky Mountains of North America and the U.S. state of Colorado. The prominent 14,321-foot fourteener is the highest summit of the San Juan Mountains and the highest point in the drainage basin of the Colorado River and the Gulf of California.
21 milesNW
Concerts and shows, Cinema, Theater
Egyptian Theatre, Delta
The Egyptian Theatre in Delta, Colorado is an Egyptian Revival movie house. The 750-seat theater opened in 1928 at the height of the fashion for thematically-designed cinemas. It was designed by Montana Fallis, who designed the Mayan Theatre in Denver.