Montrose, Colorado Travel Guide

Montrose County is one of the 64 counties of the U.S. state of Colorado. As of 2010 census, the population was 41,276. The county seat is Montrose for which the county is named.Montrose became an incorporated city of Colorado on May 2, 1882 and named after Sir Walter Scott's novel A Legend of Montrose. The Denver & Rio Grande railroad was built west toward Grand Junction and reached Montrose later in 1882, and the town became an important regional shipping center.

Tourist and recreation opportunities are important to the regional economy here in Montrose. Montrose is a gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the east of town. In the winter, it is a transportation hub for ski areas of the San Juan Mountains to the south.

Early in the area's history, prehistoric people lived in the vicinity and left rock art panels at the Shavano Valley Rock Art Site from 1000 BC or earlier until about AD 1881. The panels recorded cultural events and were a means of artistic expression. The site is listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties and the National Register of Historic Places.

Montrose is the birthplace of American screenwriter and novelist Dalton Trumbo, who scripted films including Roman Holiday, Exodus, Spartacus and Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo.

Things to Do in Montrose, Colorado

The Morrow Point Dam is a 468-foot-tall (143 m) concrete double-arch dam on the Gunnison River located in Colorado, the first dam of its type built by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Located in the upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison, it creates Morrow Point Reservoir, and is within the National Park Service-operated Curecanti National Recreation Area. The dam makes for a great educational visit that's also family-friendly. The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, which is interesting to learn about and makes for a great afternoon activity.

Other things to do in Montrose include the Ute Indian Museum, Montrose Water Sports Park, and the Montrose Botanical Gardens.

Best Places to Stay in Montrose, Colorado

Some of the best places to stay in Montrose include the Stay Wise Inn Cedaredge, Briarwood Inns, Days Inn by Wyndham Montrose, the Cedaredge Lodge, the Rodeway Inn, and the Black Canyon Motel. Ranging from cozy Airbnbs to budget options and hotels with plush amenities, You'll be able to find what you need in Montrose.

Best Time to Visit Montrose, Colorado

The best time of year to visit Montrose for warm-weather activities is from mid June to late August. That said, it's also a great winter destination if your availability calls for a trip between December and March.