For a family getaway, we took a road trip from Denver to Montrose with our two children. Montrose is located on the Western Slope of Colorado, 60 miles south of Grand Junction. With a population of slightly over 20,000, Montrose is full of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Its youthful culture brings an array of small businesses for local shopping and dining.

We chose Montrose because we love the Western Slope area and the drive from Denver to Montrose is easily doable with young kids. With a gorgeous drive through the Rocky Mountains, you get a chance to experience Colorful Colorado and all its beauty.

Drive from Denver to Montrose, CO

The drive from Denver to Montrose, Colorado is 300 miles via I-70 or 265 miles via Hwy 285 and US-50 W. Depending on traffic and the areas you want to drive through, you can take either route.

Having a family with young kids, we prefer to take I-70 because there are more places to stop along the way. However, Hwy 285 provides a much more scenic route, crossing through South Park and over Monarch Pass. Google Maps shows the drive slightly under 5 hours, but with young kids it took us closer to 7, including a stop for lunch. (To learn great tips for road-tripping with kids, Check out my post: 8 Greatest Road Trip with Toddlers Hacks)

On the drive there, we stopped at the iconic Beau Jo’s restaurant in Idaho Springs. Beau Jo’s serves Colorado-style pizza with a deep-dish crust and honey to dip your crust in. It’s a popular spot for skiers and mountain travelers, so make sure to plan a visit when it’s not too busy!

Just an hour north of Montrose, you can enjoy great food and local beer at Palisade Brewing Company. We met up with some friends (on the way back) who drove from their home in Fruita. The pub has indoor and outdoor seating with a family-friendly vibe.

Where to Stay in Montrose, Colorado

I recommend the Canyon Creek Bed and Breakfast. Lodging includes single rooms in their shared main house or private vacation houses with multiple rooms. We enjoyed a comfortable stay at their Colorado Cottage vacation house, which was perfect for our family of 4. The home features two bedrooms and one bathroom, fully furnished with all amenities you will need.

We enjoyed having our own private house during our stay in Montrose. It was nice having the convenience of a fully stocked kitchen, as well as room for our kids to play around in the backyard.

Canyon Creek Bed and Breakfast is in the downtown area of Montrose, near local shopping and dining. Their main house includes an open garden area and shared jacuzzi for guests at any of their locations.

What is Montrose, Colorado Known For?

Montrose, Colorado is known for its Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of four national parks in the state. It also holds a history of becoming an integral part of the railroad transportation route with the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Co., beginning in 1882.

The town is part of the Western Slope of Colorado, which is west of the Continental Divide. Other nearby towns and cities include Delta, Eagle, Ouray, Ridgway, and Grand Junction. Colorado’s Western Slope brings outdoor recreation like hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, boating, and water sports. The closest ski resorts are Telluride (66 miles south) and Powderhorn (67 miles north).

Things to Do in Montrose, CO

Depending on the time of year you visit, there are many outdoor activities, local shops, events, and places to dine. The town itself is full of families and welcoming locals.

Here is a list of 10 things to do in Montrose and nearby towns:

1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

A visit to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a must-see when you are visiting Montrose. The national park is 47 square miles with many scenic areas to take photos. You can spot wildlife like mule deer, bighorn sheep, beavers, chipmunks, and various bird species.

2. Montrose County Historical Museum

Learn about the history of the town, including its American heritage and cultural legacy. The museum showcases artifacts from Native Americans, farmers, ranchers, railroaders, and miners.

3. Montrose Farmers Market

The farmers market is open year-round on Saturdays and features items from local farmers, ranchers, producers, and artisans of the Western Slope.

4. Hiking

Outdoor enthusiasts love Montrose and nearby towns for their great hiking trails. If you are in the area, check out this article on hiking trails near Montrose for the best spots.

5. Hunting

Montrose, Colorado, and the Western Slope are full of wildlife and great for hunting big game, small game, and waterfowl.  

6. Ridgway State Park

The state park and reservoir are just 30 minutes south of Montrose, located in the town of Ridgway. The reservoir is 6 miles long and an excellent spot for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and other water sports.

7. Golfing

You can count on great views at the golf courses in Montrose with the mountains nearby. Black Canyon Golf Course and Cobble Creek Golf Club are both highly recommended public courses.

8. Camp Robber

Camp Robber is a local restaurant in Montrose with a wide-variety of American food. We ate dinner there during our visit. I enjoyed their chicken cobb salad and my husband liked their burger. I highly recommend their restaurant.

9. Colorado Boy Pizza

Colorado Boy serves authentic pizza in Montrose, Ridgway, and Ouray. Its pizzeria and brewery are highly recommended by locals and travelers alike.

10. The Coffee Trader

Whether you like drip coffee or a specialty latte or cappuccino, The Coffee Trader is a perfect spot for all coffee lovers. It is in an old cottage with a welcoming atmosphere.

Thank you for reading 10 Things to Do in Montrose, CO!

For more Colorado adventures, check out these posts:

• Colorado Race Track in Dacono, CO Makes a Great Date Night
• How We Planned for and Enjoyed our Day at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Thank you for hosting us, Canyon Creek Bed and Breakfast. All opinions are my own.