Traveling with Ore Communications

Couple the variety of restaurants, hotels and shops in Montrose, Colo., with its proximity to some of the state’s most beautiful scenic spots and agritourism hotbeds and it is clear to see why Montrose is a great place to base your next vacation getaway.  Here are just a few fun-filled ways to spend your days on your next trip to Montrose, in the middle of it all. 

A veritable natural playground surrounds Montrose with the Grand Mesa towering in the north, the Black Canyon plunging to the east, the San Juan Mountains soaring to the south, and the Uncompahgre Plateau rising in the west.

Montrose’s most notable next door neighbor is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (http://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm), which marked its 10-year anniversary as a national park in 2009.    Standing proud at 2,700 feet deep and 53 miles long, the Black Canyon can be as wild or mild as you want it to be.  During the summer, visitors may enjoy fishing, hiking, rock climbing (for experts only), nature walks and horseback riding.  Wintertime ushers in a change not only in the temperature but also the things to do.  Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and back county camping are popular cold-weather activities.       

Curecanti National Recreation Area (http://www.nps.gov/cure/index.htm) is located between Montrose and Gunnison and is home to three reservoirs that are named for the corresponding dams on the Gunnison River.  Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water and the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the U.S., is a great place to fish, boat (rent one or bring your own), water ski, wakeboard or swim.  Morrow Point Reservoir marks the beginning of the Black Canyon.  Between Memorial Day and Labor Day visitors may book a seat on the Morrow Point Boat Tour, which takes you by pontoon on a one and a half hour scenic guided ride.  The East Portal is the site of the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2009. 

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nca/ggnca.html), just northeast of Montrose, encompasses 62,844 acres of BLM-managed lands and offers an escape from the ordinary with full of wildlife sightings (including elk, bighorn sheep, deer, bald eagles and waterfowl), geology and views.  The gorge boasts Gold Medal trout fishing and is also a great place for technical and remote whitewater rafting and kayaking.  Hiking and camping are other popular gorge pastimes.

Montrose is strategically located at the center of some of the country’s most scenic and historic drives, making it a wonderful home base for all kinds of short, yet beautiful, road trips.  Plan on a minimum of a half day adventure for each of these scenic drives, depending on the number of stops and how far you go.

West Elk Loop, extending 208 miles, gives access to the above-mentioned Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Crawford and Paonia State Parks.  White River and Gunnison National Forests are also included in this loop.

Alpine Loop (http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2105/) is a perfect way to leave the stress of the everyday behind.  Stretching 65 miles, this drive provides access to mountain passes and ghost towns, as well as exceptional high-country hiking, fishing, mountain biking and camping.  Parts of the route are accessible only by off-road vehicles. 

The 63-mile Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway (http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2103/) climbs from the canyon floor and peaks atop the world’s largest flat-topped mountain.  Along the way you will see alpine forests, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and (if you time your trip just right) fields of colorful wildflowers. 

Nicknamed the “road to the sky,” San Juan Skyway (http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2101/) is a long route (233 miles) that you can cut into chunks based on your availability and interest.  Travel the section between Ouray and Silverton, located less than an hour south of Montrose, to see this stretch that has been dubbed the “Million Dollar Highway.”

When driving through the area, visitors will notice the agricultural importance in the many farms and orchards dotted throughout the region.  Visitors may taste the fruits of the famers’ labor by visiting Mattics Orchards Produce Stand (www.matticsorchards.com), run by the Mattics family, which has been farming in the region since 1961.  The Mattics minimize the use of fertilizer and pesticides and use natural production methods to ensure healthy and delicious produce.  Visit the farm, located just southwest of nearby Olathe, or pick up farm-fresh fare at the produce stand conveniently located in Montrose at the corner of Main Street and San Juan Avenue.  It is typically open June through mid-October from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Montrose Farmer’s Market (800-873-0244/ www.montrosefarmersmarket.com) has been serving the community for more than 25 years.  The seasonal farmers market is located at Oxbow Crossing on the southern end of town.  It offers local produce and goods late spring through early fall on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

Cottonwood Cellars & The Olathe Winery (www.cottonwoodcellars.com) is a traditional European-style winery located on a 52-acre farm on the California Mesa. Using equipment from Italy, this family-owned label produces a variety of wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, White Pinot Noir, Lemberger, White Lemberger, Claret and Gewürztraminer.  Garrett Estate Cellars (www.garrettestatewines.com) is located in nearby Olathe.  The location of this vineyard provides its vines with excellent soil conditions.  The Rocky Mountain water provides a quality growing environment.  Mountain View Winery (www.mountainiwinery.com) is a fourth-generation orchard and vineyard that has been producing wine and fresh fruits for more than 45 years.  Besides the traditional varieties of wines, guests may also sample specialty wines made from the orchard’s fruits.

It simply doesn’t get any fresher than Rocking W Dairy (www.rockingwcheese.com).  Located 10 miles north of Montrose, this farmstead creates all-natural artisan cheeses (meaning the milk is turned into cheese within a day of coming from the cow). Baby Swiss, Brick, Colby, Mild Cheddar, Gouda and Havarti are just some of the cheeses you can pick up at the dairy’s on-site store.

About Montrose (www.visitmontrose.com)

Montrose, located in southwest Colorado, is a uniquely-authentic town that has carved out a place for itself in the landscape and culture of Colorado.  A multi-faceted town, Montrose serves up layer upon layer of discoveries, each more unique than the last.  Whether you are looking for adventure, agritourism, history, culture, shopping, fine dining or anything in between, Montrose has a little something for everyone. 

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Contacts:

Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970.887.2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

Jenni Sopsic, Montrose Association of Commerce & Tourism, 970.708.1182, jenni@montroseACT.com