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| Recreation
History
Geology
Cultural Opportunities
Lodging, Dining, Shopping
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OURAY COLORADO - GEM OF THE ROCKIES LITTLE SWITZERLAND OF AMERICA Story and Photography by Kathryn Retzler Copyright San Juan Publishing, all rights reserved
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.
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