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Western Slope Adventurers cover photo

Western Slope Adventurers

Montrose, CO, US

1,140 members · Public group

Organized by Paul S and 102 others

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What we’re about

Western Slope Adventurers (WSA) meetup is a group of motivated outdoor enthusiasts who want to get together and meet other like-minded folks--to share hiking, backpacking, canyoneering, road and mountain cycling, skiing of all kinds, and water sports such as rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more socially oriented outings like pot-luck or restaurant dining events, birding, dog walks, car camping, film festivals, photography, games nights, theater outings, lectures and field trips.
You are encouraged to BE ACTIVE in the group. The beauty of this and other Meetup groups is to connect online for "IRL" --IN REAL LIFE-- outings.
We are geographically centered in southwestern Colorado (including Montrose/Grand Junction all the way to Durango), and we welcome members, hosts and activities elsewhere. MeetUp.com allows for a principal 'Organizer' (and a number of Assistant or Event Organizers . If you have an event you’d like to host, we welcome your enthusiasm! The Organizer will grant the rights for you to create and post your event. It’s very easy.
Western Colorado is a great place to live and we will meetup up to share it and make it even better , for ourselves, our group and and larger community.

Meetup.com charges $365/yr, and the Organizer pays the hosting fee. The "Pledge" donation feature you will encounter on some of our pages is to reimburse these costs, and any surplus will be used for group events (such as venue rental for social events). Event costs (such as carpooling, camping fees, etc) are managed by the event organizer(s) and participants are expected to share these. To respect the wishes of our founder, the late Doug Van Etten, there are no dues nor subscription fees to be a member, and event costs are shared amongst event participants. The only requirements for entry are a willingness to participate, to contribute to the group, to respect other members, to be responsible for yourself and your guests, and to observe responsible outdoor safety and ethics practices.

Upcoming events (4+)

Wed, Aug 6, 2025, 10:00 AM MDTCamping and hiking Corkscrew Gulch
Needs location
Let's go camping!
This pic is from about 1 mile up Corkscrew Pass off Red Mountain Pass south of Ouray. There is primitive camping (car camping) in the trees along the road. No facilities available. We can hike on up the road from camp and off to any of many side adventures all offering astounding views. Or we can drive up further and explore the other side of the pass. The road is advertised as an "easy" 4-wheel drive road". I did find that first mile to be a bit challenging with sharp rocks, pot holes, ruts, and berms to negotiate. I didn't scout all the way to the pass but the road did get better once I got out of the initial forest.

Each person will be fully responsible for their own hiking and camping gear/food/water. I will attempt to coordinate between participants earlier that week but please don't assume something will be available for your use.

Newbies are welcome. I can talk with you before hand if you are wondering about your gear or how it all works.

You are welcome to join us for a day hike only or camp a different set of nights. Just let me know so we know what to expect.

I will be leaving from Grand Junction and have 4-wheel capability. I can definitely take one other and possibly 2 depending on how much gear we all have. I will try to coordinate vehicles so everyone can get to camp safely.

Hoping to get out of the heat and meet some new hiking and camping friends!!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to post here or message me directly.
1 attendee
Not open
Wed, Aug 6, 2025, 5:30 PM MDTCall to action drop-in
Enstrom candy, Montrose, CO
Informal drop-in event at Enstrom Candies in Montrose. Stop by for a few minutes or more to sign letters or write postcards to lawmakers about current public lands issues.
If you are feeling frustrated about the onslaught of attacks against our public lands, there is something you can do as a constituent. Join Claire, Conservation Chair for CMC Western Slope Group on August 6th for an informal drop-in event at Enstrom Candies in Montrose anytime between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. It can be quick and easy to make your voice heard by signing petitions and letters or writing postcards to our lawmakers about timely issues such as the repeal of the 2001 Roadless Rule, oil and gas drilling, and deeper staff cuts in federal agencies. Let’s eat candy and write postcards together!
2 attendees
Sat, Aug 9, 2025, 8:30 AM MDTRIVER FEST: Fun on the Unc
Water Sports Park, Montrose, CO
NOTE: This outing needs a host.

Letting WSA folks know of this fun event:

From the Func Fest website:

Calling all water sports enthusiasts and fun-loving folks to come out and enjoy the annual Fun on the Uncompahgre, aka “FUNC Fest” for two fun-filled days of activities, both on and off of the water. The event will occur at the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater on August 8 and at the Montrose Water Sports Park in Riverbottom Park on August 9, 2025.

There is music 8/8 and river events 8/9. Schedule reproduced under PHOTOS.
FUNC Fest 2025 kicks off with FREE live music from Neon Sky and Living on a Bad Name on Friday, August 8, at the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater, complete with a food village to complement the festive spirit with food and beverages.
Along with FUNC-y fun on the river at the Water Sports Park on Saturday, August 9, live musical entertainment from The River Arkansas, The Brown Family Band, and The Williams Brothers Band to round out the day.
Make a splash at FUNC Fest—register HERE for the thrilling water competitions, or dive in day-of and join the fun on the fly! 💦🚤
Riverbottom Downriver Race
Go fast and take chances. This time-trial downriver race begins at Chipeta Park and ends at Riverbottom Park. Racers will be released at 1-minute intervals and paddle roughly 2.25 miles to the finish line.
If you would like to learn more about the Riverbottom Downriver Race map, please use this link. You can learn more about the competition HERE.
Youth Flow Fury Boogie Board Championships
Ride the river’s rhythm and conquer the currents in our adrenaline-fueled boogie-boarding showdown! Compete against the flow and fellow thrill-seekers in this ultimate river wave bodyboarding challenge. Held at the Montrose Water Sports Park in Riverbottom Park.
FUNCy Down River Kayak Rodeo
Did someone say RODEO? Also known as playboating or rodeo kayaking, this form of kayaking competition is super entertaining for spectators. Competitors stay in one feature and perform a variety of acrobatic moves and tricks. A panel of judges will score the contestants and determine the winners. Held at the Montrose Water Sports Park in Riverbottom Park. Learn more …
Mighty UNC Kayak & SUP Cross-Comp
Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayak cross races combine sport with the adrenaline rush of navigating challenging river rapids and obstacles head-on. Athletes race downriver around buoys in heats, aiming to cross the finish line ahead of their opponents. Whitewater kayak and SUP cross events blend the excitement of river rapids with skill, technique, courage, and luck. Held at the Montrose Water Sports Park in Riverbottom Park. Learn more …
Western Slope River Surf Comp
River surfing (on stationary river waves) in Colorado is rapidly gaining popularity. FUNC Fest will host a light-hearted river surfing competition to showcase Colorado’s top-rated river waves in Montrose. Held at the Montrose Water Sports Park in Riverbottom Park. Learn more …
Sat, Aug 23, 2025, 8:00 AM MDTWest Mancos River Loop hike (CMC)
Needs location
This is an FYI. Registration via the below link to sign liability waiver, not thru Meetup. Non-CMC members are welcome and need to create a free guest account and can attend 2 CMC trips as a guest:

https://www.cmc.org/education-adventure/trips/find-trips/hiking-2013-west-mancos-river-loop-1

This is an easy, <4 mile round trip hike with 750' elevation gain near Mancos Colorado (west of Durango) with Dan, Durango area Colorado Mountain Club chair.
See link above for details about meeting location.
1 attendee

Past events (3162)

Mon, Aug 4, 2025, 7:50 AM MDTSneffles Highline out and back
This event has passed
5 attendees

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