Photography Gus Gusciora©

Written By Kathleen M. Bush
Unique images remain a firm part of one's memory; that's why travelers often return to Montrose, Colorado. Located in the center of Uncompahgre Valley, Montrose puts visitors in the hub of major attractions. The wealth of natural beauty, coupled with over 300 days of sunshine and mild winters, makes for friendly faces and warm, cozy and comfortable places. Montrose is a short drive from well-known resort communities like Crested Butte, Ridgway, Ouray and Telluride.

The small city offers a bounty of natural enticements and recreational opportunities including the San Juan Mountains, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Ridgway State Park, Uncompahgre, Grand Mesa and San Juan National Forests, Colorado National Monument, Gunnison Gorge, Uncompahgre Plateau, scenic byways, Cimarron Wilderness Area, and Owl Creek Pass. Though there are plenty of thrilling adventures to be had in Montrose and the surrounding areas, the town touts " adventure" with an abundance of cultural, historic and slower-paced activities. Visit the Ute Museum and Ouray Memorial Park where homage is paid to Chief Ouray and Princess Chipeta of the Ute Indian Tribe.

Check out a collection of days-gone-by and treasures from the past at the Montrose County Historical Museum. For annual events, Montrose's calendar overflows with Western traditions like the County Fair and Rodeo, Best of the West Food Fest and Main in Motion—the latter occurs every Thursday night during summer months. Montrose is ideal for those seeking a bigger town with a small-town feel.

LOCAL STATISTICS:

Visitor's Services:
Montrose Visitor and Convention Bureau | Chamber of Commerce
1519 East Main St. | Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 249-5000 | (800) 923-5515
Email: michelleg@visitmontrose.net/
mchamber@frontier.net
Website: www.visitmontrose.net/
www.montrosechamber.com

Attractions/Services:
Sixteen Public Parks
Five Movie Theaters
Nine Campgrounds
Three Golf Courses
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Ute Indiam Museum
Montrose County Historical Museum
BMX Racing Track
Montrose Aquatic Center
Historic Downtown
Montrose Pavilion
Montrose Regional Airport
Ski Areas Within Two Hours...
Crested Butte, Powderhorn,
Silverton, Telluride

Calendar of Events:
MARCH
Cerro Summit Winter Carnival

MAY - OCTOBER
Farmer's Market

MAY - SEPTEMBER
Main in Motion

JULY
9-11Black Canyon Classics Car Show
9-11 Black Canyon Quilt Show

SEPTEMBER
Best of the West Food Fest

NOVEMBER
Black Canyon Balloon Classic

Home of the Black Canyon
of the Gunnison!