Montrose Colorado History and RecreationMontrose Colorado was incorporated as a Home Rule Municipality in 1882 and is the County Seat. Montrose started out as a supplier to the mines in the San Juan Mountains but when metal prices sank so did their business. Next they turned to farming and with the completion of the Gunnison tunnel in 1909 water was brought to the valley for irrigation. With the good soil in the area soon they were growing vegetables, grains, and fruit. Cattle ranching was and still is a big part of this county's industry. In 1882 the Denver & Rio Grand With an altitude of 5,800 ft has a great climate and is near to many outdoor activities. Blue Mesa (the largest body of water in Colorado) and Ridgeway Reservoirs are short drives as well as the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park only 12 miles away. Fishing is excellent in this steep, rugged canyon with several hiking trails going into it and with guided float trips also. One trail is called the S.O.B. trail for good reason, and another is called the Slide trail because it is a rock slide and very steep. With the Grand Mesa 45 miles to the north, the Uncompahgre Plateau to the west, and the San Juan mountains about 30 miles away Montrose is in a very good location for recreation. Powderhorn ski area is located on the Grand Mesa and Telluride ski area is about 60 miles away. Golf is also popular with a very long season and four courses near by. There is also great off road for mountain biking, dirt bikes and four wheeling in any direction from. The Uncompahgre Plateau is an excellent area with many trails and roads. Montrose Colorado area also has many places near by with excellent hunting and there are outfitters available if needed. The Uncompahgre Plateau and Grand Mesa offer excellent hunting opportunities. Get a map here for directions or different area views. For more information on Montrose visit the Montrose Chamber of Commerce.
www.mountainwestmuseum.com "Where History Comes Alive",More than just a museum but a look into the lives of the people and their living quarters in historic Western Colorado. Genuine old buildings brought to this location, restored and outfitted with the tools and articles used by the people that lived in this area. Located just north of Montrose off highway 50 and east miami road. Call Them for a guided tour at 970-249-4162 Below are some pictures from this museum.
Western Colorado Towns
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With a city population of over 16,000 and a county population of 39,000 is rated as the 16th most populous county in Colorado.
Narrow Gauge Railroad came through Montrose linking it with Denver and Salt Lake City.
