This February 1996 photo was taken about 16 blocks south of the main intersection in town. The view ahead shows a distant view of the San Juan Mountains. This is a predominantly retail street with many fast food restaurants, convenience stores, discount stores, realtors, and other businesses. Continuing south on State highway 550, in about 40 minutes you would be at Ridgway State Park. About an hour south of Montrose is the famous town of Ouray, the Switzerland of America. Two hours south of Montrose is another famous town...Durango Colorado, home of the Durango-Silverton narrow gauge railroad. About 75 minutes south of Montrose is the famous skiing and summer festival town of Telluride.

Economy:

The Montrose County economy has maintained stability through its diversity. Services is the leading occupational category followed by retail trade, agriculture, and manufacturing. In 1994, the city taxable retail sales were $168,667,000.00. The City assessed property value was $68,800,920.00 with $169,742,600.00 in the County. Total deposits of the full service banks as of the year's end were $249,720,526.00.