Montrose, Colorado | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Welcome to Montrose, CO!

Nestled in western Colorado, Montrose is a vibrant community known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. With a population of approximately 20,000, it offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Montrose's proximity to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the San Juan Mountains makes it an appealing spot for travel nurses seeking both professional opportunities and an active lifestyle.​

🌦️ Weather Overview: Month-by-Month Breakdown

Montrose experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Here's what you can expect throughout the year:​

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Notes
January	38°F	14°F	Cold with occasional snow
February	44°F	20°F	Slightly warmer; still snowy
March	54°F	27°F	Transition to spring; variable weather
April	62°F	34°F	Milder temperatures; blooming begins
May	72°F	43°F	Pleasant and drier; ideal for outdoor activities
June	83°F	50°F	Warm and sunny; peak of wildflower season
July	88°F	55°F	Warmest month; great for hiking and festivals
August	85°F	53°F	Continued warmth; occasional thunderstorms
September	77°F	45°F	Cooling down; beautiful fall colors
October	65°F	35°F	Crisp air; increasing chance of frost
November	50°F	25°F	Chilly and dry; early snowfall possible
December	39°F	15°F	Cold and snowy; festive holiday season

Montrose receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 11 inches, with May and June being the wettest months. Snowfall is common from November through March.​My Perfect Weather

💰 Cost of Living

Montrose's cost of living is approximately 4% lower than the national average, reflecting its affordability compared to other Colorado cities. Housing costs are relatively reasonable, with the median home price around $236,900, and a two-bedroom rental averaging $1,100 per month. While some expenses are slightly higher, travel nurses often find that the unique lifestyle and opportunities in Montrose make it a worthwhile destination.​ERI Economic Research Institute

🛋️ Furnished Housing Options

For travel nurses seeking short-term, furnished accommodations:

• Furnished Finder – Montrose: Offers a variety of furnished monthly rentals tailored for travel professionals.​

• Airbnb – Montrose Monthly Stays: Provides fully furnished rentals with flexible lease terms suitable for extended stays.​

• Zillow – Furnished Apartments: Features listings for apartments and homes, some of which may be furnished.​

Availability may vary seasonally, so it's advisable to secure housing well in advance.​

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

For those preferring hotel amenities:

• Red Arrow Inn & Suites: Offers spacious suites with fully-equipped kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and a fitness center.​

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Montrose: Provides modern accommodations with kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient location.​

• Country Lodge: Features cozy rooms with home-like amenities and a complimentary breakfast.​

These hotels offer convenient options for short-term stays with the comfort of home-like amenities.​

🚐 RV Park Options

For travel nurses traveling with RVs:

• Riverbend RV Park & Cabins: Offers full hookups, laundry facilities, and a peaceful setting near Montrose.​

• Cedar Creek RV Park: Provides spacious sites with amenities like a pool, playground, and proximity to Montrose.​

• Centennial RV Park: Features large RV sites, a heated pool, and family-friendly activities.​

These parks offer peaceful settings for those preferring RV accommodations.​

🎡 Fun Things to Do in Montrose

• Museum of the Mountain West: Explore a collection of historic buildings and artifacts from the Old West.​

• Ute Indian Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Ute people through exhibits and events.​

• Montrose Water Sports Park: Enjoy kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding in this unique river park.​

• Montrose Botanic Gardens: Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens showcasing native plants.​

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park:One of the most dramatic and lesser-known national parks — explore breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and rock climbing in this narrow canyon carved by the Gunnison River.

• Downtown Montrose:Stroll through local shops, art galleries, cafes, and farmers markets — the heart of the city’s community events and festivals.

• Montrose Recreation Center:A modern facility with pools, fitness classes, climbing walls, and sports courts — great for staying active during your assignment.

• Grand Mesa Scenic Byway:Take a day drive to see the world’s largest flat-top mountain, dotted with hundreds of alpine lakes and forest trails — stunning in both summer and fall.

🚗 Nearby Weekend Trips

• Telluride, CO (1.5 hrs):One of Colorado’s most beautiful mountain towns — known for skiing, film and bluegrass festivals, gondola rides, and breathtaking hiking trails.

• Ouray, CO (1 hr):Dubbed the "Switzerland of America," this mountain town offers hot springs, Jeeping adventures, and ice climbing in winter.

• Durango, CO (2.5 hrs):Explore this Old West town with a charming downtown, scenic train rides, river rafting, and easy access to Mesa Verde National Park.

• Crested Butte, CO (2.5 hrs):A colorful ski and mountain biking town with incredible wildflowers, summer festivals, and a laid-back vibe.

• Moab, UT (3 hrs):A desert escape for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, red rock hikes, and off-roading.

🧭 Summary

Montrose, Colorado is an ideal spot for travel nurses who want scenic views, outdoor adventures, and a strong sense of local community. It offers a relaxed pace of life while still being close to bucket-list destinations like Telluride and Black Canyon National Park.

✅ Why Travel Nurses Love Montrose:

• Affordable cost of living with plenty of furnished housing options

• Great RV parks and short-term hotels perfect for any lifestyle

• Proximity to stunning national parks and hot springs

• Tight-knit and welcoming local community

• Tons of outdoor activities — hiking, biking, fishing, snowshoeing

• Peaceful mountain town vibe with vibrant arts and culture

Whether you're sipping coffee downtown, kayaking the Gunnison River, or road-tripping to nearby mountain towns, Montrose makes a peaceful and adventurous home base for your next contract 🏞️🩺🌼

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.