Ouray, Colorado

Ouray is known as the “Switzerland of America” because of the high mountains rising on three and a half sides of town. The town was named after Chief Ouray of the Ute Indians, a local tribe. Originally established by miners looking for silver and gold, Ouray had more than thirty active mines in 1875. Today, it’s a gateway town to the San Juan Mountains and has outstanding recreation.

In the Winter, Ouray is the ice climbing capital of the U.S. There are several waterfalls between Ouray and Durango, all popular with climbers. The annual Ouray Ice Fest brings some of the world’s top ice climbers together for competition, exhibitions, and instruction.

Main Attractions

Hot Springs – A number of options exist, including the year-round, Ouray Hot Springs Pool. Most are open to the public and some even offer hotel accommodations on-site. Box Canyon Lodge boasts hot springs, available to overnight guests only. Both Twin Peaks Lodge and Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodging offer both guests and non-guests an opportunity to soak.

Ouray Ice Park – Manmade ice park featuring dozens of ice climbing routes open in the winter. If you’re new to the sport, there are routes for you and guides in town to give you a safe lesson. In January the park hosts its epic Ouray Ice Festival, inviting the top climbers for a weekend of doing what they do best.

Read about the best things to do in Ouray.

Recreation

Camping:

• Read about the camping near Ouray and Ridgway.

Hiking:

• Read about the hiking trails near Ouray.

Accommodations

Booking.com

Hotels and lodging:

• Beaumont Hotel – historic 4 star
• Historic Western Hotel – Victorian 3 star
• Hotel Ouray – historic
• Box Canyon Lodge – hot springs
• Twin Peaks Lodge – hot springs
• Wiesbaden Spa Lodgings – hot springs
• Read about the best hotels in Ouray.
• Read about the top bed and breakfasts in Ouray.

Special Events

Jan – Ouray Ice Festival: Largest ice climbing competition in North America. Four days of competition, exhibitions, and instruction in early January.

For an in-depth photo tour of the town, take this virtual walking tour.

Activities near Ouray

ATV/Jeep Rentals:

• Colorado West Jeep Rentals & Tours
• San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours

Cross Country Skiing:

• Ouray County Nordic Council

Federal Lands:

• Mount Sneffels Wilderness
• San Juan National Forest
• Uncompahgre National Forest
• Uncompahgre River

Ghost Towns:

• Animas Forks (13mi)
• Guston (13mi)
• Ironton (7mi)
• Red Mountain (12mi)

Hiking:

• Bear Creek National Recreation Trail

Hot Springs:

• Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs
• Orvis Hot Springs (8mi)
• Ouray Hot Springs
• Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs
• Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings

Ice Climbing:

• Ouray Ice Park

Museums:

• Ouray Alchemist Museum
• Ouray County Museum

Performing Arts:

• Wright Opera House

Rock Climbing:

• Ouray Via Ferrata
• Peak Mountain Guides
• San Juan Mountain Guides

Scenic Drives:

• Alpine Loop 4×4
• Cinnamon Pass (23mi)
• Engineer Pass (13mi)
• Imogene Pass (10mi)
• Million Dollar Highway
• Red Mountain Pass (13mi)
• San Juan Skyway

Ski Areas:

• Kendall Mountain Ski Area (24mi)
• Lee’s Ski Hill
• Silverton Mountain Ski Area (29mi)
• Telluride Ski Resort (49mi)

Sledding:

• Vinegar Hill

State Parks:

• Ridgway State Park (17mi)

Towns:

• Delta (58mi)
• Durango (70mi)
• Grand Junction (96mi)
• Lake City (30mi) – summer
• Montrose (36mi)
• Ridgway (10mi)
• Silverton (23mi)
• Telluride (49mi)

Transportation:

• Montrose Regional Airport (38mi)

Waterfalls:

• Bear Creek Falls Ouray
• Box Canyon Falls

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