Welcome to Colorado's Western Slope! In other words, you are west of the Continental Divide! Whether you will be visiting for a couple days, or making your visit an extended vacation, there are endless opportunities to explore!

Montrose is surrounded by over 2 million acres of public lands! By no surprise, most activities are for the outdoor enthusiast. We have Black Canyon National Park only 25 minutes away, unlimited hiking trails, country roads and scenic byways, hot springs, quaint mountain towns, and more. We have compiled a list of a few of our favorites, but feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need additional suggestions.

Also, be sure to check out the "Tips for the Mountains" tab for important information to know before heading out.

Black Canyon National Park (the South Rim) is 25 minutes east of Montrose. The park features several overlooks where visitors can look down into the 2,700 feet canyon. The sound of the Gunnison River flowing below can be heard. Sadly, this past summer 85% of the south side of the park was burned in a wildfire that was started by lightning. Despite the devastation, the park's canyons remain beautiful and there are already signs of re-growth.

If you go, stop by Tomichi Point, the Visitor's Center, and Painted Wall Overlook. And, if you have time for a short hike, consider Warner Point Nature Trail which is about a 1.5 mile hike there and back.

A National Park's day pass is required.

Bring Your Own Disc (BYOD) and take a scenic stroll through an alpine forest with views of the San Juan Mountains. No disc? That's okay! Top of the Pines gives you panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. The road up can be a little bit like a washboard, but it's worth it! Watch out for flying discs if you go for a walk!

Free entry!

Ride the Telluride gondola which is the only free public transportation of its kind in the US. Start by parking on the top floor of the parking garage for some views of Telluride Mountain Village. Then walk across the bridge to the gondola station which will take you into the heart of Mountain Village.

Explore the village for food, drink, and views or head over to the second gondola to ride to the top of the See Forever Ridge! Hop out at the high point (San Sophia Station) and go for a walk above 10,000ft. The See Forever Ridge is amazing during sunset.

When you're ready to go back down, you have two choices: go back to Mountain Village or go into the Town of Telluride where you will find more amenities and great places for food like Brown Dog Pizza. Head uphill to Main Street for shopping, dining, and amazing views!

If you are looking to relax while being surrounded by mountains, head to Ouray Hot Springs. There are multiple pools, fed by local hot springs, with varying temperatures. Ouray Hot Springs is great for kids!

Price varies by age. $18-30 per person. Children under 3 free. Check website for more details.

Looking for something a little more el naturale? Orvis Hot Springs have natural appearing stone pools and beautiful gardens. The largest pool is typically around 102-104 degrees. If you are feeling adventurous, go between the Lobster Pot (up to 114 degrees) and the cold plunge (59 degrees). Also, these springs are clothing optional!

Price varies by age. $12-28 per person. Children under 3 free. Check website for details.

Bring a towel, sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen, water bottle, and your swim suit - or don't!

Heads up: Leave your cell phone in your car. No photography or electronics are permitted. This is strictly enforced. Children must be at your side at all times and well-behaved.

Get on the water at Ridgway State Park! The views of the mountains are beautiful from the water. Rentals are available at the park. There is a park entry fee (we will cover this for you the day of the wedding).

Always wear a life jacket. This is an alpine reservoir and the water is very cold!

Drive the Million Dollar Highway! It was originally constructed in 1883 as a toll road for horse drawn wagons and those on horseback. By 1924, it was "modernized" for automobiles and was part of U.S. Route 550. If you don't want to go too far, but want to see amazing views, drive up to the Bear Creek Waterfall Overlook, about 3 miles south of Ouray.

Be advised, going beyond the falls is not for the faint of heart! There are no guardrails, no shoulders, no places to stop, and the road has hairpin turns, and steep drop offs. It is discouraged to drive if it is raining due to the unpredictable chance of rockfalls and flash waterfalls coming off the mountain. If you have a fear of heights or are not comfortable driving in the mountains, please do not attempt this road. This is one of the most dangerous roads in America.

Hike Red Mountain 3, where we got engaged! Getting there requires you to traverse the Million Dollar Highway. At the top of Red Mountain Pass, take U.S. Basin Road (825) on the left. Head the road up until you see a gate. Park at the gate and hike up the road to the top of the mountain (2.1) miles. Although a shorter hike, the starting elevation is around 11,400 and ends at 12,877. You'll want to be in shape for this one!

A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. If you do not have an off-road capable vehicle you can still do the hike but you will have to park further down the road and will have a longer hike. Keep an eye on the weather, and if you hear thunder, turn back.

June is spring in the mountains. The snow is still melting out from winter, the Aspen trees are lime green, and the bluish-purple lupine are blooming. The best places to see these beautiful flowers are up Ouray County Roads 5, 7, and 9. Alternatively, head to Crested Butte, the Wildflower Capital of Colorado (2 hours east of Montrose). If you need any suggestions on finding wildflowers, let us know!