2019 Montrose, Colorado Visitor Guide - 44

go with the flow
AT THE MONTROSE WATER SPORTS PARK

here is no other river in Colorado quite like
the Uncompahgre. Long after the snow
runs off the mountains, kayakers, boaters
and stand up paddle boarders can still
enjoy high, sustained water flows throughout the
summer and fall at the Montrose Water Sports
Park (WSP).
How is this possible? Because of the century-old
engineering of the Gunnison Tunnel. The tunnel,
completed in 1909, is open each year from spring
through fall, delivering water from the Gunnison
River to farmlands all over the Uncompahgre Valley.
Miles of canals stemming from the Uncompahgre
River deliver water for these agriculture purposes,
and the Uncompahgre River. Water from the
tunnel is diverted into the river south of Montrose.
The supplement of agricultural water from the
tunnel results in sustained water flows on the
Ucompahgre River, and the Water Sports Park,
through late summer. The Montrose WSP is 100%
unique in this respect.
Using what nature had to offer by building a
unique water park right in the city was the primary
goal of a broad community effort. The WSP
combines high-quality white water features and the
vast green space of Riverbottom Park. Now, with
access to 1,000 feet of the Uncompahgre River, the
WSP has quickly become a destination of choice
for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, boasting riverbased activities from wading, tubing, and fishing,
to kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), and
white water rafting. Riverbottom also features landoriented fun such as disc golf, hiking, and biking on
an extensive concrete and soft surface trail network.
Picnic and pavilion areas, terraced river-side
spectator areas, beaches, playgrounds, ball fields,
and the Montrose Skate Park round out the many

amenities to be enjoyed. The WSP
also is one of the first such parks,
and one of only a few in the United
States, deemed accessible by ADA
(Americans with Disabilities Act)
standards, including put-in and takeout access to the river. That means the
park offers something for all visitors,
regardless of age or ability.
The WSP is celebrated during the annual FUNC
Fest - or "Fun on the Uncompahgre" Festival. In
2019, the festival is in its 5th year and continues
to grow. The community event welcomes visitors
from near and far for local food, great music,
and an overwhelming sense of camaraderie
that embraces water sports competitors and
spectators alike. It has quickly become one of
Montrose's premier annual events. Hosted by the
City of Montrose Office of Business and Tourism
the festival would not be a success without its great
local sponsors.
Almost every similar event in the state is held in
May and June, so having FUNC in August is great
timing with warm temperatures and sustained
flows to keep paddlers excited to be on the river.
When you combine the timing with the incredible
venue, it has a ton of potential to grow into one of
the premier white water events in the state.

WATER RENTALS
970 Sports Rewind
970.417.3771
Great Outdoors
Company
970.249.4226
Montrose Kayak
and Surf
970.249.8730

For more information about Montrose parks
and an interactive map of the Water Sports Park,
visit CityofMontrose.org/WSP. Be sure to "Like" the
Montrose Water Sports Park page at Facebook.
com/MontroseWSP and check for updates on
current events and special activities. For FUNC Fest
information see ColoradoFUNCFest.com.

VISITMONTROSE.COM/WATER-SPORTS

/VISIT MONTROSE

#MONTROSECO

http://www.CityofMontrose.org/WSP http://www.ColoradoFUNCFest.com http://www.VISITMONTROSE.COM/WATER-SPORTS http://MONTROSE.KAYAK.COM

2019 Montrose, Colorado Visitor Guide

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2019 Montrose, Colorado Visitor Guide