Montrose Colorado

“I NEVER REALIZED until I came here that Purple Mountains’ Majesty actually existed,” a newcomer to Montrose sighed, watching the violet evening light wash over the spectacular vista of the Cimarron and Sneffels ranges on the far horizon. Montrose is the closest "big city" to Ouray County, just a half mile's drive to the north, and also the closest airport with reliable year-round access.

The thriving city of Montrose is just close enough to the mountains to take pleasure in their beauty, yet far enough away to avoid the hardships endured by those who live right amongst them. The county is blessed with over 250 days of sunshine a year, and boasts a climate so mild that snow never has a chance to really accumulate. Still true to its western heritage and the old-fashioned values from which it was born, Montrose serves as an agricultural, ranching and commercial hub for the surrounding region. For many “mountain people” to the south of Montrose, “going to town” is a weekly ritual—buying groceries, filling prescriptions, taking the kids to ballet lessons or the pediatrician, and, come April, reveling in the soft warm air, leafing trees, and daffodils that won’t come to the mountains for at least another month.

Montrose County offers many natural attractions, especially the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a spectacle not to be missed. Cultural attractions also abound. The Magic Circle Theatre is known for the professional quality of its productions. The Montrose Pavilion hosts every kind of cultural event from dance recitals to Tibetan chanting. Don’t miss the Ute Museum just south of Montrose, which also serves as a visitors’ center for the area. The Montrose County Historical Museum, housed in the old D&RG Railroad Depot downtown, focuses on the early settlers of the region. Dining in Montrose runs the gamut from steakhouses to bakeries, coffee shops and juice bars to ethnic eateries, including many excellent Mexican restaurants.