Ouray, Colorado

TRAVEL 4 CORNERS
Return to TOP STORY

Top stories

Related stories

• Bachelor Mine
• Hot Springs
• Memories of Idarado
• Searching for Chief Ouray
• Radio KURA
• Beaumont Hotel
• Ouray in winter
• Jeeping San Juans
• Beautiful things for You & Home
• San Juan Scenic Byway, winter

HOW TO GET THERE

coloradodirectory.com OURAY MAP

Ouray County is located on Highway 550, approximately 70 miles north of Durango, 46 miles south of Montrose, 70 miles south of Grand Junction and 47 auto miles east of Telluride. Each of these locations provides air and car rental service to the area.

OURAY COLORADO - GEM OF THE ROCKIES
LITTLE SWITZERLAND OF AMERICA
Story and Photography by Kathryn Retzler
Copyright San Juan Publishing, all rights reserved

APPROPRIATELY CALLED the “Gem of the Rockies” and “Little Switzerland of America,” the city or Ouray nestles in a steep V-shaped valley in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, several topping 14 thousand feet, the jewel-like Victorian town, at 7700 feet, is an historical journey, a scenic feast. The town is designated a National Historic District.

Throughout the county, recreational and cultural opportunities abound year-round. For more than a century, ruggedly scenic Ouray County has been a destination for travelers from around the world and people seeking a scenic place to put down roots.

Recreation Ouray county boasts hundreds of jeep trails—most are four-wheel drive—through the old mining country, hiking, biking and driving trails past wildflowers, waterfalls and forests teaming with wildlife. Naturally flowing hot springs offer scenic soaks beneath blue skies and starry snowflakes. In winter, deep snows blanket the mountains and red rock- walled gorges. Spring brings thundering waterfalls and the quaking of new green aspen leaves. Summer is lush, with warm days, shady forests, colorful carpets of wildflowers in the high country and world-class fishing in the clear mountain streams. Fall is a kaleidoscope of color as the aspens and oak turn to rich reds and golds. In all seasons, nature’s abundance beckons, drawing artists, musicians, writers and photographers from around the world. To the south, the aptly named Million Dollar highway winds and climbs to Red Mountain Pass, gateway to San Juan County and Silverton. To the north and east, Highway 62 crosses Dallas Divide, following the old railroad grade past the spectacular Mt. Sneffles Range on its scenic way to Telluride, winter playground of ski enthusiasts.

History Once the hunting and resting ground of the Utes, who called the San Juans the “Shining Mountains, ” when Ouray was originally founded, it was called Uncompahgre City, after the Ute word that translates as “hot water springs.” The name was changed to commemorate Ute Chief Ouray who signed the Brunot Treaty, giving the San Juans to the United States. Hopeful miners soon flocked to the San Juans in search of gold and silver. Although the mines are no longer commercially operated, parts of the old mining camps and towns have been preserved. One, The Bachelor-Syracuse Mine, operates as a tourist attraction with a mine train into the old tunnels. Others, in the Red Mountain Area—once home to nearly 10 thousand brave souls—are wonderful photographic opportunities. In town, the Ouray County Historical Museum (once the county hospital) features exhibits on mining, minerals and life in the Victorian times. At the Ouray County Fairgrounds, the Ridgway Visitors Center and Railroad Museum provides exhibits, including railroad rolling stock. Of particular pride is Goose Number One (Mother Goose), a reincarnation of the first of the unique hybrid auto/train boxcar combinations to ply the rails allowing steam passenger service to be discontinued.

Geology Ranging in elevation from seven to 14 thousand-plus feet, Ouray County is a land of steep gorges, towering peaks and tumbling waterfalls. Just south of Ouray (near the old powder house) Box Cañon Falls thunders into a cavernous pool below. On the mountainside above Ouray, Cascade Falls holds true to its name, offering refreshing spray in summer and world-class ice climbing in winter—as does the ice park in the Uncompahgre Gorge near Box Cañon Falls. The natural hot springs, flowing eons before the Utes walked the area, are harnessed for swimming and soaking pleasure at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool and in Ridgway, at Orvis Hot Springs.

Cultural Opportunities Galleries offer outstanding work by local, regional and national artists. Annually in August, the City of Ouray hosts the Artists Alpine Holiday. Each fall, the Ouray County Historical Association hosts the Ouray Highgrader’s Holiday with contests, lectures and a miners’ dinner. Music lovers come back year after year to hear the world-famous Raphael Trio and guests present the annual Music in Ouray, held at the historic Wright Opera House, which also offers first-run movies and other entertainment throughout the year. Suzanne’s Broadway to Branson (above Cecilia’s Restaurant in Ouray) offers live music.

Lodging, Dining and Shopping Lodging ranges from low-end camping to high-end bed and breakfasts offering gourmet meals, rooms filled with antiques and in-room fireplaces and hot tubs. Restaurants, especially in summer, run the gamut from Mexcican take-out at the Buen Tiempo, open year-round and a locals favorite, to fine dining at the Bon Ton. The shops offer everything from fabulous western wear and home furnishings (Rockin P Ranch) to camping cookwear and cameras (Ouray Variety Store). See articles on : 6th & Main , 7th and Main, this site, for more on shopping in downtown Ouray.

Kathryn Retzler is a long-time resident of Ouray County, who like many before her, came to visit and never left. And, like most other permanent residents, she wears many hats - photo journalist, author, publisher, artist, photographer, teacher.