Montrose

The self-described "Home of the Black Canyon" sits amid glorious surroundings, but it’s otherwise a typical Western town with a small historic center, where you'll find a smattering of trendy shops and restaurants, and a collection of truck stops, strip malls, and big-box stores along its outskirts. Montrose also has a small airport that’s a major gateway for skiers heading to Telluride and Crested Butte. Montrose is perfectly placed for exploring the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area to the east, the San Juan Mountains to the south, Grand Mesa to the north, and the spectacular Uncompahgre National Forest to the southwest.