Sept. 2 – 16, 2022
Leaving Heber City we drove south through Provo to Spanish Fork and then headed southeast along US highways until we picked up I-70 near Green River. From I-70 we took US 50 on to Montrose – the second part of our Colorado “destination”.
Riverbend RV Park
On past journeys to Montrose we stayed at the Montrose/Black Canyon KOA on the north side of town. This time we decided to try Riverbed RV Park on the south side of town. This park sits on the banks of the Methow River. Bill had selected a site that backed up to the river and we were looking forward to sitting out along the riverbank with our fire pit and perhaps some adult beverages. Unfortunately the weather was hot and flying/biting insects were plentiful. Oh well, we still had a nice view out the back window.
The campground itself was immaculate and the amenities were clean and well-maintained. From time to time we were entertained as kayakers (and occasionally tubers) navigated the river behind our site.
A Speakeasy
We were pleasantly surprised to discover that Montrose now has a speakeasy – Phelanies. Naturally, we just had to investigate. The building sits in an alley and the obvious entrance instructs you to proceed to an unmarked door around the corner. That door opens into a parlor setting with another door. Upon ringing the doorbell, someone requests the password through a secret grated opening in the interior door. Responding with the correct password gives you entrance to the speakeasy proper. The place is small and intimate with some comfortable sitting areas separated by sheer curtains as well as limited seating at the bar. Since this was dinner for us, we shared a charcuterie tray, flatbread pizza and a bottle of wine. As we were eating, we watched as a small cart was wheeled around the room and drinks were prepared using a small torch. Curious, we inquired about the drink and its preparation. It turned out to be their take on an Old Fashioned. They call it an Old Smokey. They use the torch to ignite a small piece of wood from a whiskey barrel (the same barrel that the Colorado whiskey was aged in) and then place a glass upside down over the smoking wood for a while. They then place a large ice cube in the glass prior to adding whiskey and other fixings. The last step is to garnish with a couple of Amarena cherries. Of course, we each had to try one.
Box Cañon Falls Park
On our prior trips to the Montrose area we covered a lot of the sights but one place we had not really investigated was Box Cañon Park in Ouray.
Box Cañon Falls, Ouray’s own wonder of the world, is the culmination of Canyon Creek narrowing and spilling thousands of gallons a minute of water over the falls. At this most spectacular geological formation, the 285-foot waterfall plummets into a narrow quartzite canyon. The narrow rock walls tower over the falls by nearly 100 feet!
The Box Cañon is recognized by the National Audubon Society as a birding hot spot. Home to a significant colony of Black Swifts, the Box Cañon is frequented by ornithologists, bird enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Many birders come to the Box Cañon Falls to observe the Black Swifts and add this species to their ‘life lists’.
There are three interpretive trails in the park that range from easy to moderately difficult. The park offers picnicking, hiking, and unforgettable sightseeing. Our visitor center houses interpretive exhibits, describing the geology, wildlife, and history of the area.
The Falls Trail is a mostly level, easy, 500-foot walk into the canyon.
The High Bridge Trail takes you up 200 feet in a half-mile round trip hike. Along the trail are beautiful views of the town and the high peaks of the Amphitheater Cirque.
The Native Plant Loop is a short, easy stroll with river sounds, trees and shrubs, and plant markers to help identify the local flora of the Box Cañon. This is the only trail within the park that does not have steps.
visitouray
We chose to do the High Bridge Trail first for views of the top of the falls and the town. Bill then did the Falls Trail to the bottom of the falls while I looked on from the halfway point.
Telluride
On another beautiful day we decided to revisit Telluride.
Telluride, a former Victorian mining town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is set in a box canyon amid forested peaks at the base of a popular ski-and-golf resort. The town’s historic district houses landmarks like the Sheridan Opera House, a performing-arts venue originally built in 1913, and the Telluride Historical Museum, which showcases local history in a converted hospital built in 1896.
google.com
As we did on a past summer trip, we elected to drive up to Mountain Village and ride the gondola down into Telluride. Parking is easier at Mountain Village and the gondola ride is fun and scenic.
We spent some time walking around town and then had a late lunch at a Mexican restaurant that we like – Esperanza’s Tequila Restaurant.
What else did we do while in Montrose?
We reserved a full-day jeep tour from Ouray up the Million Dollar Highway to the mines and ghost towns around Silverton. Bill was looking forward to actually being a passenger for once along the Million Dollar Highway drive. Unfortunately since Bill and I were the only ones to sign up, the tour was cancelled. Bummer.
We did play a lot of Pickleball at the Montrose Recreation Center. They have both indoor and outdoor courts with organized play times. We had a great time and met some really nice players there.
We will no doubt return to Montrose sometime in the future. But for now, it’s time to move on to our third stop in Colorado.
