As we started to leave the mountains of Colorado, we plotted a route that not only got us closer to some events we had planned but also put us in range of more national parks. The BLM lands outside of Montrose, Colorado not only put us in range of Mesa Verde National Park but also unlocked some other great experiences in and around the city.
Actual BLM Camping Around Montrose
While we love Freecampsites.net, one does need to be a little careful when choosing spots. Its listings are not posted by the BLM, Forest Service, or National Parks Service, but by users. That being said, the place we first stopped was dubious. While several reviewers vouched for the location, an equal number reported it as private property. Due to this uncertainty, and the location being just off the highway, we decided to scout around for other locations.
Many locations around Montrose are OHV staging areas, but we got lucky and found a beautiful location between two OHV staging areas along Rim Road. While we were initially concerned that the area would be loud on weekends due to OHV staging, it was surprisingly quiet all week long. The roads were easy to walk or bike and our only real complaint was the bugs. In the evening, clouds of gnat-like bugs would rise. While they didn’t bite, if you weren’t careful they’d fly into your eyes or mouth!
Amenities Around Rim Road
We quickly learned to love Maverik gas stations as they often have free RV dumps and water fill. There is a Maverik centrally located in Montrose. We took advantage of this location to dump our tanks before leaving the area, however, we filled our tanks at the Pilot in Grand Junction.
The city also has plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, and vehicle shops to handle any other needs one may have while in the area.
Things to do in Montrose
Unlike some towns that we’ve visited, Montrose had a lot to offer in the form of things to do.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the newest national parks, established as a national park in 1999. Its deep and steep canyon walls offer stunning vistas and challenging driving if one opts to check out the east portal.
Museum of the Mountain West
Museum of the Mountain West was one of the most fun museum experiences we’ve ever had. It encompasses storefronts and artifacts inside as well as a small collection of historic buildings relocated to the site. This is definitely worth the side trip, and the extra cost of a guided tour!
Buckaroos Slices and Scoops
While we often talk about pizza, our most craved meal while traveling, we don’t often find a pizza place that is worth more than a mention. Buckaroos Slices and Scoops is one such location. They serve top-tier, affordable pizzas and ice cream, but that’s not the best feature of this place. Buckaroos has a mission to help the differently-abled by giving them meaningful work in a supportive environment. The parlor has a long record of helping these individuals feel useful and giving them the needed skills and experience to get other jobs in the area and be independent. Even if you don’t like pizza, this place is worthy of one’s patronage if only to support their amazing works.
All these combine to make Montrose an attractive stop on your trip around the nation!