The best walks and hikes around Montrose

Yes, many trails in the Montrose area welcome dogs, but leash rules vary. The Lounsbury Pond – Myx Monster Trail loop from Buchanan is a good option for a walk with your canine companion. Trails within the Uncompahgre National Forest are generally dog-friendly, but always check specific regulations. Note that dogs are highly restricted in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and are typically only allowed on paved paths and in campgrounds, not on the inner canyon routes or wilderness trails.

For an easy and accessible walk, the Hudson river lookout loop from Indian Point Energy Center is a great choice, taking about two hours. Many trails along the rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, like the Rim Rock Nature Trail, are also relatively flat and offer incredible views without a strenuous climb, making them suitable for families.

The Montrose area offers plenty of strenuous hikes. For a significant challenge with rewarding views, consider the The Timp loop — Bear Mountain State Park. It's a 7.5-mile (12.0 km) route with considerable elevation gain. For other tough options, explore the steep inner canyon routes at the Black Canyon or the high-altitude trails in the nearby San Juan Mountains.

Yes, the surrounding mountains feature several trails with waterfalls, especially during the spring and early summer runoff. While not directly in Montrose, the San Juan Mountains to the south are famous for them. A short drive to the Ouray or Ridgway area will give you access to trails leading to stunning falls like Bridal Veil Falls.

Several areas around Montrose are highly regarded by hikers for their extensive trail networks and scenery.

The Uncompahgre National Forest is a vast and popular favorite, offering everything from gentle forest walks to rugged mountain climbs. Another top-rated destination is the Curecanti National Recreation Area, known for its trails with views of the Blue Mesa Reservoir. For a more local spot, the Buzzard Gulch Trails are a well-liked option right outside of town.

The prime hiking season in Montrose is from late spring to early fall (May through October). Summer offers warm weather and access to high-altitude trails, with meadows full of wildflowers. Fall is spectacular due to the changing aspen leaves, especially in the San Juan Mountains and on Grand Mesa. Winter hiking is possible at lower elevations, but many trails will be snow-covered and require appropriate gear like snowshoes.

There are over 80 curated hiking routes to explore around Montrose on komoot, ranging from easy walks to difficult mountain treks. This includes trails in the Uncompahgre National Forest, Curecanti National Recreation Area, and near the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

The trails around Montrose are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the incredible diversity of the landscape, from the dramatic, sheer cliffs of the Black Canyon to the beautiful alpine scenery of the San Juan Mountains.

Yes, there are many excellent loop hikes that bring you back to your starting point. The Blue Mountain Summit Trail – Lounsbury Pond loop from Village of Buchanan is a great moderate option. You can also find loops of varying difficulty in the Buzzard Gulch trail system and on Grand Mesa, such as the famous Crag Crest Trail.

Hiking in the Black Canyon varies greatly. The rim trails, such as the South Rim Trail, are generally well-maintained and relatively flat, following the edge of the canyon with safety railings at viewpoints. In contrast, the inner canyon routes are unmaintained, extremely steep, and strenuous, requiring scrambling and route-finding skills. Always check with the National Park Service for current conditions before attempting an inner canyon hike.

Public transportation options to trailheads are very limited in the Montrose region. Most trailheads, especially those in the national forests, national parks, and more remote areas, are only accessible by private vehicle. It is best to plan on driving to your desired hiking location.