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Black Canyon
On October 23, 1999, the country was introduced to its 55th and newest national park, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, formerly known as the Black Canyon National Monument. As Montrose's proud treasure, the Black Canyon is a true natural phenomenon. No other canyon in North America combines such a narrow opening with such dramatically steep depths. Some points plunge more than 2,000 feet deep, remaining in daylight's shadows as afternoon rays of sun barely warm its walls. A wide array of vegetation and wildlife inhabit the Black Canyon's vast span. The vibrant landscape is a geological haven with giant striated cliffs, numerous minerals, Precambrian metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rock layers; and even dinosaur fossils.

Gunnison Gorge
The Gunnison Gorge is one of the most spectacular sights around. For millions of years, the mighty Gunnison River has surged through this deep chasm, located far below the Black Canyon. Sheer walls of shimmering black granite and sculpted red sandstone form this unique double canyon system, which rises up from the valley floor. Countless walks of wildlife include bighorn sheep, elk, deer, wintering bald eagles and migratory waterfowl, all roam the area freely. Recreational opportunities are as abundant as the natural wonders. As a 64,000-acre National Conservation Area, outdoor activities include Gold Medal trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking, a designated ORV area and fantastic whitewater boating. Within the National Conservation Area is a federally designated 22,000-acre Wilderness Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management to ensure appropriate preservation and protection.

Curecanti
The Blue Mesa, Crystal and Morrow Point reservoirs are at the heart of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. The vast and scenic Blue Mesa is the largest body of water in the state and is home to the largest kokanee salmon fishery in the country. Of the three reservoirs comprising the Curecanti, it is also the only one that provides recreational opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy terrific fishing, camping, windsurfing, waterskiing and boating opportunities in summer, and snowmobiling and ice fishing in winter. The 469-foot Morrow Point Reservoir is the start of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Free, self-guided tours of its massive underground power plant are available. Crystal Reservoir is the site of the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Grand Mesa
The Grand Mesa is a gigantic flattop mountain and the largest of its kind in the world. Its lush alpine vegetation is rich with aspens, conifers, green grass and wildflowers. The mesa stands as high as 11,000 feet in some areas and extends for 53 square miles. Below, it is surrounded by a desert-like, brush-dotted valley, which stretches for miles in all directions. When the Ute Indians inhabited the area they dubbed the Grand Mesa, Thunder Mountain. President Benjamin Harrison created the Grand Mesa National Forest on December 24, 1892. It was first named Battlement Mesa Forest Reserve, the third of its kind created in the nation. Formed 10 million years ago from lava seeping upward through fissures in the earth, the Grand Mesa cradles over 250 high altitude lakes. Fishing, hunting, camping, biking and many snow-related activities are abundant.