MONTROSE is the gateway to the San Juan Skyway and the Ridgway State Recreation Area. The Montrose area offers some of the best fishing in Colorado on the Gunnison, San Miguel and Dolores rivers. Keep an eye out for the many golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, prairie falcons and great horned owls that live here. The Ridgway State Recreation Area provides boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the west is the most stunning day trip of all: as deep as 2,700' and as narrow as 1,300', the canyon was shaped by the churning waters of the Gunnison River. A 50-mile long chasm, the Black Canyon's sheer, shadowy rock walls drop more than a half mile to the river creating a somber and memorable site. Ute Indians did not enter the canyon, preferring to stay on the rim and hunt and when you visit, you'll see why - there are difficult trails down. Take a raft trip through the steep canyon to see otherwise inaccessible sites.

Bordered by Gunnison National Forest, CIMARRON is known for its old narrow-gauge railroad, with a part of the original trestle crossing the creek. Cimarron River yields a variety of trout. The Curecanti National Recreation Area, with breathtaking scenery, emphasizes the series of dams created to alter the Gunnison River's course. The Blue Mesa Reservoir, 20 miles long, is ideal for sailing and windsurfing. Its 96 miles of shoreline offer up rainbow, brook and brown trout, mackinaw, and kokanee salmon.

The Montrose area is also steeped in history and offers several museums and attractions to help bring the past to life. Visit the Ute Indian Museum, where visitors get a glimpse into the lives of the region's indigenous inhabitants. And the Council Tree Pow Wow, held every September in Delta, celebrates Ute traditions with art shows, dancing and good.

The Fort Uncompahgre Living History Museum takes travelers back to the Old West with its living history fort, and the Museum of the Mountain West is a re-creation of an Old West town, complete with saloons. Even more homesteader memorabilia can be found at the Montrose County Historic Museum, which is open mid-May to September. And if you're just looking for something to entertain the kids, try the Children's Museum, which offers workshops and exhibits for youth.

Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by Montrose Municipal Airport. Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements.

Montrose Area is near: Ouray & Telluride