Montrose, Colorado

Montrose and Ridgway ... Clearly the mountain sports are covered in this region. What about youth sports in both towns - it appears Montrose has its own city run youth sports leagues - how do Ridgway kids participate in these? I'm referring to little league, football, gymnastics, etc., ages everything under high school. Thanks for the great, active website here. HT

Plenty of youth sports opportunities in Montrose. In Ridgway I'm not as sure, but when I was growing up it was a challenge for them to just field teams in major sports. Things have certainly grown, but graduating classes still must be quite small, perhaps 20 students? If you were willing to drive to Montrose for sports I doubt there are any restrictions for including Ridgway kids, except for school-specific teams.

Hey Yagi,
I live in Ridgway and work quite a bit in Montrose. Like others have mentioned, it's a diamond in the rough. Tons to do and explore, just need to find the time to do it all. If you're willing to live in a mixed political environment and hack out your own existence, it can't be beat. I'm a member of the Ouray County Mtn Rescue. Black Canyon NPS has it's own team, otherwise the Montrose County Posse handles lost hunters and things like that. The Coffee Trader is the hippest coffee joint in town plus standards like Starbucks and Looney Bean. 2 microbreweries in town and counting. New purpose-built singletrack is happening, and there is a lot of rock to climb if you're willing to go looking. If you want quick bouldering sessions on the same Horsetooth problems, a clean car, and lots of shopping choices, stay on the Frange.
Good luck!

Thanks for the feedback on sports.
I'm guessing maybe there are self-contained little league, club soccer options, etc., in town, although a search doesn't immediately deliver any info.

Yes, clean cars basically defeat the purpose.

Do many locals commute Ridgway to Montrose?

I lived in Montrose for three years and loved it. Most of my partners lived in Ouray or GJ. Previous posters are correct about the 1.5-3 hr radius being excellent. As for local:

- Dry Creek is fun, if short, Dakota sandstone sport. If you end up there, PM me for a thorough pdf guide. 30 min drive and a 15 min hike.
- Ridgway Dike Wall has a handful of tall, engaging basalt routes up to 11a. 20 min.
- Ouray Pool Wall, etc: 45 min.
- Marmot Rocks crack bouldering at the South Rim of the Black is fun if you have a pass.