Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in Montrose County. Its canyon walls rise 2,000 feet or more above the Gunnison River. The landscape along the rims also tells a story of contrasts: oak scrub, pinyon pine and juniper forests, and plant communities of high-desert sagebrush steppe all grow here. Different vegetation types thus meet in the same landscape.
Black Canyon and Getting Oriented at the South Rim
Visitor amenities at the South Rim include a paved scenic drive, overlooks, hiking trails, ranger programs, and a large campground. The visitor center is open year-round and offers information, exhibits, and publications. Wilderness permits and Junior Ranger activity booklets are also available there. The South Rim is seven miles north of the junction of CO Highway 347 and U.S. Highway 50, east of Montrose. The road details and distance provide specific directions to this part of the park.
Another protected landscape is the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area: it includes 210,172 acres of protected public land and encompasses the 66,280-acre Dominguez Canyon Wilderness. The Old Spanish National Historic Trail runs through the conservation area. The landscape and historic route offer two distinct perspectives on the area—its protected land and a historic trail.
Culture and History in Different Places
The Ute Indian Museum presents the history and culture of the Ute people through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. It is located on Chief Ouray’s original 8.65-acre homestead. The grounds include Chief Ouray Memorial Park, Chipeta’s crypt, a native plant garden, picnic areas, and walking paths. A visit thus combines museum topics with several features of the outdoor grounds.
Other institutions also focus on different chapters of regional history. The Museum of the Mountain West offers guided and self-guided tours of 28 historic buildings and 11 historic exhibits. The Montrose County Historical Museum is housed in Montrose’s original railroad depot and focuses on aspects of early pioneer life. In Cimarron, an outdoor exhibit features loading corrals and railroad cars. The offerings differ in form: tours, museum topics, and an open-air exhibit each have their own focus.
Landscape and Outdoor Activities
The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area ranges from clay badlands to rugged slopes covered with pinyon pine and juniper. At the Gunnison Forks Day Use Site, the river can be accessed on foot; the boat ramp is surfaced with natural river gravel. The site also has covered picnic tables, a restroom, and a dump station.
The Uncompahgre Plateau offers scenic drives, hiking trails, campgrounds, ATV routes, and opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. On the Uncompahgre River, Montrose Water Sports Park includes kayak and paddleboard courses, fishing spots, picnic areas, and walking paths. Its features include six drop structures, accessible entry and exit ramps, and six waves. The 7.1-mile Connect Trail runs along the river and is used for walking, running, and cycling.
The routes also differ in their described purpose: the Rim Rocker Trail connects Moab with Montrose, while the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway passes through Montrose County. A connection between two places and a scenic byway through the county thus represent two different types of routes.
Markets and Events
The Montrose Farmers’ Market is held year-round on Saturdays in downtown Montrose. Specific dates and events may vary; check the calendar before your visit. Visitors can buy locally made baked goods and handmade jewelry at the market year-round. The region’s event culture also includes the annual Montrose County Fair & Rodeo, with rodeo competitions, livestock shows, rides, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Discover more destinations: Montrose, Naturita, Mineral County, Otero, Clear Creek, Fremont, Adams, Rio Blanco County.
For the broader travel overview: Colorado.
