special to the Silver Stage
[all rights reserved.]

by Carol McDermott 

SINCE MONTROSE COUNTY experiences over 250 days of sunshine a year, it is no wonder that many who live and visit here spend so much time out-of-doors. Whether on the links, ball fields, rivers and trails, or in the forests, opportunities abound for those who pursue an active lifestyle or enjoy life at a more leisurely pace.  Once just a regional farmers' supply town, Montrose has come into its own as a major metropolitan area with all the goods and services that entails.

Year-round recreation
Montrose County is a year-round recreational paradise and features golf courses, bike trails and several major attractions including the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Uncompahgre Plateau, Uncompahgre National Forest, and Chipeta Lakes State Park. The Black Canyon, the nation’s newest National Park, offers 14 miles of rim drive. The area offers hiking, biking, scenic walks and great fishing. Throughout Montrose County, wildlife, from elk and deer, to squirrels and marmots, are plentiful. From mid to late summer, wildflowers bloom in abundance, making this a photographer's mecca. Artists and writers also find inspiration here. In the fall, hunters from throughout the United States come for the various seasons sanctioned by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Archers, black- powder riflemen, and high- power shooters roam the public lands, harvesting wildlife and reliving the lifestyle of a century ago. The winter belongs to the hardy. Cross-country ski, snow shoe, snowmobile the roads and parks in the forest. Dog-sledding is popular too.

Montrose also offers fishing, kayaking, sledding, biking, hiking and a river walking trail. The San Juan Mountain Runners sponsor the toughest 10K race in Colorado. The Recreation Department provides activities for youth such as archery, book making, pottery, sculpting, weaving, and a clown and mime shop. Team sports are offered at both competitive and recreational levels. The Montrose Aquatic Center schedules programs for seniors (such as water aerobics) as well as for youth.

Cultural opportunities
Visit one of several galleries [Gallery Listing.] A number of artists also call Montrose home and have studios here.  The Magic Circle Theater, with it's 50th Anniversary coming up in 2009, offers award-winning performances.  The Montrose Pavilion also shows local art in its lobby and offers programs for dance, theater and music. Music lovers will also appreciate the Valley Symphony and Montrose Community Band.  To museums, the Ute Museum (historical reference) and Montrose County Historical Museum (at the old D & RG Railroad Depot downtown) take guests and locals from the earliest habitation of the valley, by Ute Indians, to early pioneer days, when the valley was opened for settlement in the 1880s.
More on culture, visitmontrose.net/interests.htm

Education

Activities
Year round activities make this a rreat spot to visit any time of the year. July activities include a hot air balloon festival, the STI American Handgunner World Shoot-Off Championship, Black Canyon Horse and Mule Races and exhibit by the Black Canyon Car Club. August offers the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival and the county fair. November is the Best of the West Food Fest. November, the community celebrates American Indian Heritage Day at the Ute Museum.