Many Ways to Play in Montrose

Needing to shake it up a little, get the heart pumping and the adrenaline going? Or do you just need a couple of days to regroup and unwind? The Montrose area provides a variety of activities to meet your heart’s desire.

The Alpine Loop. The Alpine Loop is part of the National Scenic Byway system, a selection of the country’s most scenic roads. It covers 65 miles between the towns of Lake City, Ouray and Silverton. Wherever you venture along the loop you will be surrounded by the best the Rocky Mountains have to offer. For more information, call the Forest Service at 240-5300.

Antique Trail. Visit the many unique shops that contain treasures of the Old West. The Montrose Visitor Center has a brochure and map of western Colorado antique dealers for your browsing pleasure.

Art. Looking for some art? Montrose has it! Simpson Gallery is located at 324 Main Street and showcases original art by Mike Simpson. Call 249-1098 for more information. Rockrose Art Gallery, LLC showcases pottery, paintings, sculptures and clay art by local artists. They are located at 701 E. Main St., Ste. D. for hours of operation, call 240-9375.

The Public Art eXperience strives to bring outdoor art to Montrose. Every year, new sculptures are placed around town. For a map and more information, stop in the Visitors Center located in the Chamber of Commerce.

Athletic Clubs. The Montrose Athletic Club or "MAC" has a wide variety of sports to keep body and mind in top shape. Racquetball, aerobics, basketball, steam rooms and hot tubs will work the kinks out of any weary traveler. Call 249-2642 for information. Anytime Fitness offers access to state-of-the art workout equipment 24 hours a day. Call 249-5557 for information. Snap Fitness also offers access to fast and convient workouts 24 hours a day. Call 252-1771 for more information.

Ballooning. Treat yourself and someone special to a spectacular flight in a hot air balloon. Imagine the ground gently moving away as you take in the panoramic view of the San Juans. Each ride is followed with a special champagne toast to celebrate in true ballooning tradition. For more information on hot air ballooning, call San Juan Balloon Adventures in Ridgway at 626-5495 or Big Horn Balloon Company, LLP at 596-1008.

Balloon Festivals. Montrose hosts a balloon festival every year. The Black Canyon Classic is held on the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.

Biking. For adventuresome bikers, the Uncompahgre Plateau west of Montrose offers hundreds of miles of trails ideally suited for mountain biking, with a variety of terrain for all skill levels. Maps are available at BLM office, 2505 S. Townsend or call 249-5315. For the biker who wants to tour Montrose by using the many bike trails throughout town, a map is available at City Hall or the Visitor Centers.

Bingo. For Bingo buffs, the Montrose Bingo Connection located at 2075 East Main Street offers nightly games. The Montrose Elks Lodge also hosts Bingo Games on Tuesday evenings. Call 249-4852 for more information.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. No other canyon in North America combines the depth, narrowness, sheerness and somber countenance of theBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Located just 10 miles east, it’s a ‘must see’. For information call 970-249-1914.

BMX Racing. The American Bicycle Association BMX (Bicycle Motocross) Racing is a fun sport of youth achievement. Catering to the individual, the young girl or boy learns about winning, losing and trying again in a family environment. Montrose has two BMX Tracks. One is located near the Montrose County Fairgrounds off San Juan Avenue. The other is located on Sunset Mesa off Chipeta Drive. Riders are divided into racing classes based on skill level. Call 249-2549 for more information or drop by to watch. Riders are advised that the BMX tracks are ride-at-your-own-risk.

Boat Tours. Morrow Point Dam, located at the edge of Blue Mesa, in the Curecanti National Recreational Area, offers boat tours of the area on a regular basis during the summer. Access is close to the Blue Mesa Dam at the Pine Creek Trail. There are 232 steps leading down into the canyon and short hike to the boat dock. For schedules and reservation information, call 641-2337.

Boating. Ridgway Reservoir, located 25 miles south of Montrose, offers 1,000 surface acres for a variety of water activities including water-skiing, sailing and sailboarding for boating enthusiasts. The boat ramp is four lanes of concrete. A full service marina includes boat, paddle boat and slip rentals. For more information, call 626-5822.

Blue Mesa Reservoir, about 40 miles to the east of Montrose, is 20 miles long and contains three large basins and four launch ramps. Sailing and water-skiing are popular on the lake, as well as serious boat fishing. The Marina offers boat rentals, guide services, slips, a grocery store and shower facilities. For more information, call Elk Creek Marina (16 miles west of Gunnison) at 641-0707 or Lake Fork Marina (25 miles west of Gunnison) at 641-3048. For information in the winter call 641-5387.

Botanic Garden. The Montrose Botanical Society Botanic Garden is located just south of the Montrose Pavilion. The Garden is free to visit. For information, call 249-0742.

Bowling. Rose Bowl Lanes has 18 lanes available seven days a week. Friday night is Cosmic Bowl from 10 p.m. until 12 a.m. For open bowling hours, call 249-4348. 90 Rose Lane.

Campgrounds - RV Parks.

RV Dump Stations are located at all of the above and at Blair’s Truck Stop 2127 E. Main St (249-9430).

Camping. Ridgway State Park (626-5822) and the Black Canyon National Park (249-1914) offer quality campgrounds near Montrose. For information on campsites, and for maps of the area, call the State Park Service at 1-800-678-2267 or the Forest Service at 240-5300.

Car Racing. Thunder Mountain Speedway is located off Hwy 50 just north of Olathe (59039 Amber Road) and has races every Saturday night at 7 p.m. (mini, hobby, street stocks, modified) the months of April through September. For more information call the track at 323-6494 or 323-6671 (evenings).

Children’s Museum. The Climbing Tree Children’s Museum offers a variety of activities for children including puppet shows, toy and book exchanges, chalk and magnet walls, arts and crafts and much more. Located at 413 N. 1st, the Climbing Tree is a great way to spend the day. Call 240-8733 for more information.

Cimarron Rail Exhibit. Located 20 miles east within Curecanti Recreation area are railroad exhibits at the Cimarron Visitor Center. Restored locomotives and cabooses are displayed on an 1882 Denver and Rio Grande Railroad trestle. Visitors welcome year round. Call 641-2337 for information.

Cinema. Second Sunday Cinema presents independent films at the Fox Theater Penthouse (27 S. Cascade Ave.) on the second Sunday of each month. Call 626-5568 for details.

Concerts. Several times a year the Montrose Pavilion, with a 602-seat state-of-the-art auditorium, is host to a variety of entertainment, from the Valley Symphony orchestra to nationally renowned musicians and dance troupes. Call the Pavilion for a complete schedule of events at 249-7015. The Montrose Community Band is made up of local musical talents. The band has several concerts through out the year, call 252-0918 for more information. Blue Sky Music & Books hosts many concerts during the year in many different genres. Call 252-9526 for a complete artist line-up.

Corn Festival. Once a year during the first weekend in August, the small town of Olathe, 10 miles north of Montrose, hosts over 20,000 visitors for the Sweet Corn Festival. All day (and most of the night) entertainment is provided, as well as vendors selling everything from peaches and ice cream to gift items, and of course, all the famous Olathe sweet corn you can eat. Call 323-6006 for more information!

County Fair. The Montrose County Fair is a long-standing tradition. Fiddle contests, concerts, a CPRA rodeo, 4-H events and judging, and great food add to the festive weeklong event held the first week in August. The fairgrounds are located on North 2nd two blocks behind McDonald’s. Call 249-8884 for more information

Curecanti National Recreation Area. The Curecanti National Recreation Area is located 20 miles east via Highway 50; sightseeing includes scenic Highway 92, which skirts the north rim of the Black Canyon. See the historic train exhibit and tour Morrow Point Dam. The recreation area offers hiking, boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, and both summer fishing and ice fishing, with handicapped access. Call 641-2337 for information.

Day Spa / Massage. What’s a vacation without a bit of relaxation? Montrose offers several places to pamper yourself and relax. MainStreet Essentials Day Spa is located at 204 S. Uncompahgre and offers a variety of body treatments, massages, facials and manicures. Call 252-0381 for more information. High Desert Wellness, located at 1716 American Way, specializes in energy healing science, cranial-sacral and massages. They can be reached at 964-4439. Nature’s Way Massage can be reached at 640-0207. Call and set up an appointment for a relaxing massage. San Juan Chiropractic located at 13818 67.60 Road offers massages and chiropractic care. Call 240-8400 to set up your appointment.

Day Tours. Back in the day, Sunday drives were relaxing weekend entertainment. The surrounding Montrose area is the perfect place to relive that tradition. Most day tours take between three to five hours, depending on the number of stops for pictures. Tour the Grand Mesa scenic and historic byway, the San Miguel Country, the Unaweep/Tabeguache scenic and historic byway, Blue Mesa and the Curecanti Recreation area, Owl Creek Pass, or take Alpine Loop over the Million Dollar Highway. For maps and information, stop by the Visitor’s Centers located at the Chamber of Commerce on the east edge of town and at the Ute Museum on the south edge of town.

Disc Golf. Enjoy the Montrose outdoors with a game of Disc Golf! Contact the Montrose Recreation District at 249-7705 for information of courses. Discs are available for purchase at Blue Sky Music & Books, located at 207 E. Main Street, call 252-9526.

Drive-In Theater. Montrose is one of the few towns left with an outdoor drive-in movie theater. Take your kids to see a movie under the stars, or re-live the romance of sharing popcorn in the front seat of a Chevy. The Star Drive In, located on Miami Road, is open seven days a week during the summer and offers top rated films, and great burgers, fries, and popcorn. Call 249-6170.

Events. The Montrose Chamber of Commerce produces a "Regional Reminder" listing all the events that they have been notified of that will be taking place within the next year. It can be obtained by calling 249-5000 or stopping by the Chamber of Commerce.

Factory Outlet Stores. Montrose is home to Russell Stover Candies, which has an outlet store that even the most serious bargain hunter will love. Located on South Townsend Avenue, they offer the famous melt-in-your-mouth chocolates and candies known worldwide.

Fall Colors. The mountain aspen turn eye-dazzling gold while the oak brush adds bright spots of crimson during fall color season from early September to mid-October. Call the Montrose Visitor & Convention Bureau for an update on the best places to see the spectacular fall show, 252-0505 or 800-873-0244.

Farmers Market. During the growing season, farmers from the fertile Uncompahgre Valley gather at Centennial Plaza on Wednesday and Saturday mornings to sell freshly picked produce and flowers. Come savor what a fresh picked peach or tomato really tastes like. For more information on the Farmers Market call 209-8463.

Fishing. Located within 2,000 feet deep canyons or on 10,000 ft. high mountain landscapes, the lakes and rivers throughout the region are anything but a "fishin’ hole." It is Gold Medal fishing at its very best. Yellow perch, large mouth bass, kokanee salmon and some of the best stretches of blue ribbon trout fishing are ready to test the angler. Popular fishing sites are: Gunnison River (Gold Medal between Black Canyon National Park & North Fork), access from four trails that are steep and rugged; Ridgway Reservoir and the Uncompahgre River; Cimarron Creek, Silver Jack Reservoir, Buckhorn Lakes. From full service marinas and guided tours to on-foot approaches, a vast array of fishing services are available. For a shorter ‘tamer’ fishing trip try Chipeta Lakes or Baldridge Park. For fly fishing supplies, equipment rental or guide service booking stop by or call Cimarron Creek at 317 E. Main, 249-0408; Three Rivers Rafting & Outfitters in Almont 641-1303; Scenic River Tours in Gunnison 641-3131; or RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service in Ridgway 626-4460. For more information, contact the Visitors Center at the Ute Indian Museum or the Division of Wildlife at 252-6000.

Four Wheel Drive Tours. Capture the feeling of yesteryear with a tour of the San Juan Mountains in a four-wheel drive. Explore old ghost towns, camps and gold and silver mines. Tours are available in open topped Jeeps from San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours in Ouray. Half day and all day trips are available. For current prices and to make reservations, call 888-624-8403 or 325-4645.

Fort Uncompahgre. Take a step back in time and visit Fort Uncompahgre, a living history museum located 20 miles north in Delta. Fort Uncompahgre was established as a fur trading post in 1828. When you visit the fort today, you will be given a "hands on" guided tour through the past. The fort is listed as one of the top tours in "The Best Places to Take Your Kids in Colorado." Call 874-8349 for information.

Ghost Towns. During the 1880’s droves of gold and silver miners came to the San Juans with the dream of vast riches. Most left with empty dreams and empty pockets. But the remnants of their stay can still be found in the ghost towns surrounding the old mines. Take the Million Dollar Highway south (Highway 550 past Ouray and over Red Mountain Pass) where you will see signs pointing to the old towns of Ironton, Guston and Red Mountain Town.

Golf. The 18-hole Black Canyon Golf Course offers ‘park style’ golf on the front nine, and ‘links style’ golf on the back nine. A driving range is also on site. The most unique feature of the club, which is open to the public, is the views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Imagine looking at snow capped peaks while golfing year round! Clubs and carts are available at the clubhouse located at 1350 Birch St., call 249-2653 to reserve a tee time. Cobble Creek, an 18-hole course, is part of a residential development. Call 240-3884 for more information. Cimarron Creek Golf Course, a new 9-hole par 3 course is located at 1800 64.50 Road. Call 249-0483 for tee times. The Bridges at Black Canyon features a Nicklaus Design and is located on the south end of town. It is a residential development, call 252-1119 for more information. Cornerstone, a golf community, is located south of Montrose. It features a Greg Norman signature golf course and great scenery. Call 650-2000 for more information.

Golf – Miniature. Montrose has an 18-hole course at Cedar Creek RV & Mini Golf, 126 Rose Lane, 249-3884.

Gondola Rides. Access the Gondola in Telluride at Oak Street Lift or in the hub of Mountain Village. The ride is free! Monarch Scenic Tram takes you to the top of the Continental Divide in beautiful San Isabel National Forest.

Helicopter Tours. Helicopter Charter tours are available from Olathe Spray Service, call 323-5580 and from Heliqwest, call 240-4140 for more information.

Hiking. What’s your pleasure? Walks in Montrose can be as simple as a walk in the park (see the brochure on local trails available at the Visitor Centers) or a challenging trek over rugged terrain. Demanding peaks and plush valleys make for some of the most diverse hiking in the Southwest and are a photographer’s delight. Detailed maps are available at the BLM / Forest Service offices – call 240-5300. The Visitors Centers also have several maps of local hiking trails.

Historical Museum. The Montrose Historical Society Depot Museum is located at Main and Rio Grande Avenue in the old Denver & Rio Grande Rail Station. Open from May-October, the museum is noted for having one of the most extensive collections of farm machinery in Colorado. It houses a walk-through homesteader’s cabin, "Country Store", children’s corner and library. For hours, call 249-2085.

The Museum of the Mountain West, Inc. provides an exceptional experience to visitors. The museum has several historically restored buildings on site and has displays on commerce, agriculture, exploration, settlement, mining, transportation and more. The museum is privately run and requires visitor to schedule tours. Download Brochure for more information, or to schedule a tour, call 249-4162.

Historical Walking Tour. Take a stroll and follow the path of the Montrose Downtown Historical Walking Tour. (Ask at the Visitor Centers for a free brochure). There are 12 interpretive signs within the five-block area of downtown, which tell the early history of the Uncompahgre Valley.

Horseback Riding. Horseback rides are available at several locations in the area: Elk Ridge Trail Rides at 12502 Bostwick Park Road, Montrose 240-6007; Action Adventure Guide Outfitters in Montrose 249-1832 and Deb’s Livery, Ridgway 626-5587.

Hunting. The Uncompahgre Plateau and surrounding area is well known for the fantastic hunting of elk and mule deer. Big game and small game hunting is readily available. For more information contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife in Montrose at 252-6000. Hunting Guides and Outfitters can be obtained by contacting the Colorado Outfitters Association at 303-841-7760 or asking the local visitor center for information.

Ice Climbing. Ice climb at Ouray’s Ice Park - available during the winter months in Ouray, near Box Canyon Falls, 35 miles south of Montrose. For more information, call 325-7222.

Ice Skating. Depending on the weather, Montrose has two outside ice skating locations: the Pond at Rotary Park and Cerro Summit Recreation area.

Indians. The Ute Indian Museum is the only museum in the United States dedicated entirely to one tribe and tells the story of two of the most noted figures in Colorado history: Chief Ouray and his beautiful wife Chipeta. The Uncompahgre Valley was home to his tribe, the Ute Indians, long before white man settled in the area. The Ute Indian Museum offers the most complete collection of items and exhibits honoring this fascinating culture. In addition to the museum, the grounds include Ouray Memorial Park, Chipeta’s grave, and a native plants garden. The museum is open year around and is located 3 miles south from downtown Main Street on Highway 550. For information call 249-3098.

Indian Dancing. The Council Tree Pow-Wow in Delta attracts over 10,000 visitors each year who appreciate American Indian culture and tradition. The Ute Indian Museum also sponsors the Chipeta Day Memorial in August. For these, and other American Indian festivities, contact the Ute Indian Museum at 249-3098.

Kayaking. Experience the Whitewater of Western Colorado’s rivers in a kayak! Several area companies offer trips for everyone from beginners to experts. Call Scenic River Tours at 641-3131, Three Rivers Rafting & Outfitters at 641-1303 or RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service at 626-4460 to schedule your tour.

Main in Motion. Thursday evenings from June through August, Historic Montrose Downtown presents Main in Motion, an event featuring local artist, photographers, musicians, and activities for children. Call the Montrose Area Merchants Association at 249-6360 for information.

Mine Tour. The Bachelor/Syracuse Mine is not a broken down, abandoned mine, but a real working silver and gold mine. Take a tour by a thoroughly trained guide. Board a mine train and advance 3,350 feet into Gold Hill. An outdoor café serves all day. There is also a gift shop and gold panning available. Location is 2 miles northeast of Ouray. Call 325-0220

Natural Wonders. The Black Canyon, the Grand Mesa, Bridal Veil, Ingram and Bear Creek Falls, the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness area, and the Box Canyon Falls are all natural wonders located within just a couple of hours. Why not make Montrose your home base and take an afternoon to see the awesome beauty provided by Mother Nature?

Nordic/Cross Country Skiing. A wide variety of groomed trails are offered in three Forest Service. On Grand Mesa you will find Skyway, Ward Creek and County Line Trails. The Uncompahgre Plateau at Dave Wood Recreation Area offers great views. The Black Canyon National Park also has cross country skiing and snowshoeing available. Plus, there are millions of acres of BLM administered lands just waiting to be explored.

Off Highway Vehicles. Montrose offers ample play area for those with off highway vehicles including ATVs and dirt bikes. Check with the BLM office on South Townsend Avenue, or call 240-5300 for more information. For OHV rentals, check with Davis Service Center at 2380 E. Main St. 249-8161 or English Sports Rental at 67809 E. Hwy 50 249-6875.

Owl Creek Pass. John Wayne loved this country, with the stunning peaks of Chimney Rock and Courthouse Mountain. The 85-mile round trip takes you through the very best of the Uncompahgre Forest. For directions, stop by the Visitor Centers.

Parks. There are 15 parks within the City of Montrose. Baldridge Park hosts fishing, ball games, and the Montrose Skate Park. Some areas are handicap accessible and a large covered gazebo with electricity is available.

Photography. Be sure to take along your camera when you visit those natural wonders. Many businesses in Montrose offer film developing. The San Juan Photography Club is an organization of local photographers. Check out Great Western Camera Co. at 210 S. Townsend for a great selection of camera supplies and advice. Give them a call at 249-5544 for more information.

Rafting. Rivers are very important to life in Western Colorado, and what better way to experience the rivers then a rafting trip? There are several rafting companies in the Montrose area that offer a variety of raft trips. Scenic River Tours in Gunnison offers raft trips on the Gunnison River, the Taylor River, the Lake Fork River, the San Miguel River and the Arkansas River. Call 641-3131 for more information. Three Rivers Rafting & Outfitters in Almont offers tours of the Taylor River, the Gunnison River and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison. They can be reached at 641-1303. RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service in Ridgway offers trips down the Uncompahgre River, through Escalante & Dominguez Canyons and through the Gunnison Gorge. Contact them at 626-4460 or to set up your tour.

Ridgway State Recreation Area. Located 20 miles south, Ridgway State Park offers sailing, swimming, scuba diving, sail boarding and great reservoir fishing. Off the lake you can enjoy camping, picnicking, a sand beach with playground and volleyball facilities, hiking and biking and shower facilities. For information, call 626-5822.

Rodeo. During County Fair week in July, the Montrose Fairgrounds hosts a rodeo. For fair and rodeo details, call 249-8884. Over Labor Day weekend, Ridgway hosts a Pro Rodeo with its own unique atmosphere. Rodeo is true western excitement at its best.

Skate Park. A park with rave reviews is located in Baldridge Park. Helmets are required. For more information call the Montrose Rec District at 249-7705.

Shooting Range. Montrose offers two well-known shooting ranges the San Juan Shooting Range (249-4227) that also holds numerous shooting matches throughout the year, and Montrose Rod & Gun Club (249-9008). The state of the art Valhalla Shooting Range at Elk Mountain Resort offers a one of a kind shooting experience. Call 252-4900 for more information.

Shopping. What stay is complete without finding that perfect treasure? From factory outlets to unique downtown shops to antique stores, Montrose has what you’re looking for.

Skiing and Snowboarding. Montrose is located in the middle of three of Colorado’s best ski areas. Within a short drive in three directions, you can challenge yourself with the Plunge in Telluride to the south, slalom the slopes of Crested Butte to the east, and play in the powder of Powderhorn to the north.

Sledding. The City of Montrose maintains Cerro Summit Recreation Area located 15 miles east of Montrose, the perfect hill for that toboggan.

Snowmobiles. A fun and popular way to get around in winter is by snowmobile. Popular areas are the Dave Wood Recreation Area, Grand Mesa and Cerro Summit. To rent a machine, call English Sport Rentals at 249-6875.

Snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is available January through March depending on the level of snow at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison (249-1914). There are also many trails on the Grand Mesa and the Uncompahgre Plateau.

Softball. America’s favorite sport is alive and well in Montrose. Games are played almost nightly and the town hosts several tournaments during the summer. For more information on the well-maintained fields, call the Montrose Recreation District office at 249-7705.

Squaredancing. The Black Canyon Twirlers Square Dance Club meets regularly and welcomes guests. For dance information call 240-2068.

Swimming. The Montrose Aquatic Center located at 25 Colorado Avenue is operated by the Montrose Recreation District and offers water activities all year. Kids of all ages will enjoy three water slides including the "Slidewinder" and "Kermit". There is a competition sized indoor pool and warm therapy pool for relaxation. In the summer, kids can enjoy the Candyland Splash Pad. For hours, call 249-7705.

Tennis. The Montrose Recreation District has tennis courts with lights located at Holly Park on Rio Grande Avenue and at the Montrose Aquatic Center on Colorado Avenue. Call 249-7705 for more information.

Theatre - Live Performances. The Magic Circle Players present five productions per season at the Magic Circle Theatre from September through May. Productions feature all local talent and include drama, comedy and musicals. The Theatre also hosts several other productions during the year. Call 249-7838 for a current schedule.

Theatres - Movie Houses. Montrose has two indoor movie theaters with a total of six big screens. The Fox Theater, located downtown, can be contacted at 249-8211. The San Juan Cinema, on East Main Street, can be reached at 252-9096. One drive-in theater is also available (see Drive-In).

Walking Paths. There are numerous paths for walking within the Montrose area. A Parks and Recreation Map is available from the Visitor Centers. The Montrose County Historical Society has a Downtown Historic Walking Tour brochure that also make for interesting walks.

Wildflowers. The Uncompahgre Plateau and Grand Mesa are paradise from May to August when the wildflowers display their colorful array. For the best times and the best locations, contact the National Park Service at 240-5300.

Wineries. The Montrose area has a couple of wineries. The Cottonwood Cellars in Olathe can be reached at 323-6224 and has wine tasting available. Mountain View Winery is also located in Olathe and can be reached by calling 323-6816.

The Visitor Information Centers are located at:

Montrose Chamber of Commerce
1519 East Main Street
Montrose, CO 81401

970-249-5000

Ute Indian Museum
3 miles south of downtown Montrose on Hwy 550

970-249-3098