Things to do in Montrose

When most people search for things to do in Montrose Colorado, they’re usually already thinking about Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

And don’t get me wrong. Black Canyon deserves every bit of attention it gets.

But one of the biggest mistakes I see people make is treating Montrose as the place they sleep before heading somewhere else.

The reality is Montrose makes an incredible base camp for exploring Western Colorado. Between downtown shops, museums, scenic drives, local festivals, hiking trails, and nearby state parks, there are enough things to do in Montrose Colorado to fill several days without ever stepping into the national park.

And just because all of these places show up when you’re searching for things to do in Montrose doesn’t mean they belong in the same day.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning a trip is trying to fit every good idea into one itinerary. Sometimes the hardest part isn’t finding things to do. It’s figuring out what actually belongs together.

If that’s the part you’re struggling with, that’s exactly what I help travelers do through my custom itineraries, The Overlooked Itinerary.

1. Explore Downtown Montrose

Downtown Montrose is one of my favorite places to spend a few hours wandering.

You’ll find local shops, antique stores, murals, restaurants, seasonal events, and one of my favorite bookstores in Western Colorado.

Stop Into Curiouser Books

One of my favorite spots downtown is Curiouser Books. It’s an independent bookstore that accepts donated books, with proceeds helping support the community.

Browse the Antique Shops

I almost always end up walking out with something interesting. Some days it’s vintage glassware. Other days it’s something I didn’t know I needed until I found it.

Hunt for Murals

One of the most overlooked free things to do in Montrose Colorado is simply exploring downtown and finding the murals scattered throughout town.

Visit During a Festival

Depending on when you’re visiting, you may catch:

Parades
Craft fairs
Community festivals
Seasonal events

2. Visit the Montrose Farmers Market

If you’re in town on a Saturday, the Montrose Farmers Market is one of my favorite things to do.

You’ll find local ranchers, farmers, bakers, makers, and artists selling everything from produce and eggs to handmade goods.

Don’t Miss These Vendors

Peaks to Plateau Sourdough
Their sourdough bread is fantastic and worth grabbing before it sells out.

Dutch Girl
If she has almond bars available, buy one. Seriously. They’re incredible.

Stop by Straw Hat

Located near the farmers market, Straw Hat carries a variety of locally made products and goods from artisans throughout the area.

3. Tour the Museum of the Mountain West

If you enjoy history, this is one of the most unique things to do in Montrose Colorado.

The museum features historic buildings, artifacts, and collections that help tell the story of life in Western Colorado during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

4. Visit the Ute Indian Museum

The Ute Indian Museum provides an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the Ute people, who have deep roots throughout this region.

5. Explore the Montrose County Historical Museum

For anyone interested in local history, this museum offers another perspective on how Montrose and the surrounding communities developed over time.

6. Spend Time at Riverbottom Park

Riverbottom Park is one of my favorite places to walk around Montrose.

The park offers trails, river access, open space, and one of my favorite dog parks in the area.

7. Watch the Action at the Montrose Water Sports Park

Located near Riverbottom Park and Cerise Park, the Montrose Water Sports Park is one of the more unexpected things to do in Montrose Colorado.

I’ve seen people kayaking, surfing, paddleboarding, and spending entire afternoons on the water.

8. Bike the Trails Around Montrose

Montrose has a growing network of biking trails that allow you to explore the area while taking in views of the surrounding landscape.

If traditional biking isn’t your thing, several places offer e-bike rentals.

9. Play Golf with Views of the San Juans

Even if you’re not a serious golfer, it’s hard to complain when you’re standing on a driving range with views of the San Juan Mountains.

10. Visit the Montrose Botanic Gardens

The Montrose Botanic Gardens is one of my favorite hidden gems in town.

Throughout the year you’ll find gardens, blooms, walking paths, and community-supported projects.

If you’re visiting around Christmas, don’t miss the holiday lights and horse-drawn carriage rides.

11. Take a Scenic Drive to Ridgway

Located about 25 minutes south of Montrose, Ridgway makes an easy day trip and offers hiking, mountain views, local shops, and access to Ridgway State Park.

12. Drive Owl Creek Pass and Silver Jack Reservoir

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful drives in Western Colorado, Owl Creek Pass and Silver Jack Reservoir deserve a spot on your list.

The route passes through forests, mountain scenery, and some of the most underrated landscapes in the state.

13. Spend a Day at Ridgway State Park

Located just outside Ridgway, the state park offers:

Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Sailing
Swimming
Fishing
Hiking

It’s one of the easiest ways to spend an entire summer day outside.

14. Hike the Uncompahgre Plateau

The Uncompahgre Plateau offers miles of trails and opportunities to escape the crowds.

One thing to keep in mind is that portions of the plateau can get surprisingly hot during the summer.

Eighty-five degrees may not sound terrible, but the elevation and sun can make it feel much warmer than many visitors expect. Bring plenty of water.

15. Visit During the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival

Every August, the nearby town of Olathe hosts one of the most beloved festivals in the area.

If you’ve never had Olathe sweet corn, this is the perfect excuse.

Bonus: Visit an Alpaca Farm

One experience I recently discovered and hope to try myself is the local alpaca experience near Montrose.

Visitors can learn about alpacas, their fleece, and how that fleece is transformed into finished products while spending time with the animals themselves.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN MONTROSE

If you’re looking for restaurant recommendations, coffee shops, bakeries, and local favorites, I am putting together a separate guide focused entirely on places to eat and drink in Montrose.

Read next: coming soon…

CONCLUSION

The biggest mistake people make when planning a Montrose trip is assuming everything needs to happen at once.

Just because a place shows up in a search for Montrose doesn’t mean it belongs on the same day as everything else.

Black Canyon deserves its own day.

Ridgway deserves its own day.

The North Fork Valley deserves its own day.

Downtown Montrose deserves more than an hour between activities.

The challenge isn’t finding enough things to do in Montrose Colorado.

The challenge is figuring out which experiences belong together and which ones deserve their own space.

If that’s the part you’re stuck on, that’s exactly what my custom itineraries (The Overlooked Itinerary) are designed to help with.

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The Wild Crossing

15 Things to Do in Montrose, Colorado Beyond Black Canyon

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