Monticello was one of the many cities established by Mormon pioneers in the Utah Territory, which became the State of Utah. Monticello rests at the base of the Abajo Mountains on the Colorado Plateau. The Old Spanish Trail trade route passed through the area of Monticello from 1829 into the 1850s.

As the seat of San Juan County, Monticello is home to the San Juan County Fair and Fairgrounds. The annual fair usually occurs during August. A 24 July Parade and Celebration are also held annually in Monticello to commemorate Pioneer Day, a Utah holiday commemorating the arrival of Mormon settlers to the Salt Lake Valley.

Blue Mountain Entertainment is a local arts organization which provides funding to bring cultural performances to Monticello throughout the year.

The City of Monticello annually hosts the Blue Mountain Triathlon. The 27-mile (43 km) race begins with 4 miles (6.4 km) of cross country skiing on the Blue Mountain, followed by an 18-mile (29 km) bike ride, and ending with a 5-mile (8.0 km) run past Newspaper Rock.

The Abajo Mountains and surrounding areas offer hiking and hunting. Fishing is available at Foy Lake, Monticello Lake, and Lloyds Lake, all on the Blue Mountains.