Ouray, Colorado

Looking down on Ouray from the south

Surrounded by peaks up to 5,000 feet higher than town, Ouray is also blessed with sulphur-free hot springs. One visit and you'll see why Ouray is often called "the Switzerland of America." Imagine relaxing in a flowing hot mineral spring, watching the sunset on the snow-covered peaks above. Ouray is blessed with many good hot springs bubbling to the surface in town. Several of these have been developed into excellent spas and health facilities.

Ouray boasts quite a number of recreational opportunities locally. Town is surrounded by the San Juan Mountains and the Uncompaghre National Forest. The Alpine Loop makes its way into the east side of town from Lake City and Silverton. The San Juan Skyway winds through town following a north-south canyon. Mt. Sneffels, one of Colorado's famous Fourteener's, can be found directly to the west. On the other side of that ridge to the west is Telluride, famous for its' cost of living, its' skiing and its' scenery.

Summer is Ouray's busiest time of year with visitors coming in from all over the world to soak up the views you can only get by driving the 4-wheel-drive mining roads through the ghost towns, old prospector cabins and other relics from Colorado's mining heyday, and then coming back to town to relax in the world-famous hot springs.

Also near Ouray is Box Canyon Falls, one of the premier ice climbing spots in America.

Other Data:

Population: 813
Elevation: 7,760 ft.
Median Temperature: Summer: 70°/50° F.
Median Temperature: Winter: 40°/15° F.
Founded: 1876
Primary Industries: Tourism and Ranching

Ouray has gotten a lot busier in the winter lately with the January Ice Festival bringing in climbers to America's first ice park. The Ironton Dog Sled Races are now classed as a professional event and that draws a lot of spectators, too.

Ouray also has a wealth of fine shops and galleries displaying the works of many of the local artists. The local restaurants offer everything from homemade soup and fresh pastries to 4-course gourmet meals with fine wines.

Looking west on a side street

Looking south on Main Street

Looking north on Main Street

One of the old hotels on Main Street

Looking southeast across Main Street

This used to be 2 markets: one a grocer, the other a produce company

Another of the old hotels on Main Street

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The Ouray Public Hot Springs Pool	Looking west across Main Street	On Main Street
Looking south on Main Street	Another old hotel on Main Street	The Western Hotel, on a side street
Looking north on Main Street	The Beaumont Hotel	The Library

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