Ouray - Southwest Colorado
OURAY is a quiet little community wedged tightly into a portion of the Uncompahgre River Valley. Named for a Ute chief, Chief Ouray was responsible for keeping peace between the Europeans and Native Americans in the southwest region of Colorado. Later settled as a mining town in the 1870's, the area contained rich deposits of silver and produced over $20 million in gold. Tourism and mining still support the town today.
A newspaper once published "Ouray is to jeepers what Oahu is to surfers." The four wheeling roads often follow sheer drops and cut into cliffs, and the scenery is some of the best. The Alpine Loop covers 65 miles of roads between the towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton. Depending on winter snows, the Loop opens in late May or early June and closes in late October. Give 1-2 days to cover all the byway has to offer on either an ATV & 4 wheel drive vehicle.
Cross country skiing is also popular, especially around Red Mountain Pass. Be sure to take one of the many mine tours, visit the historical museums, Box Waterfalls, and the hot springs. Also visit the Ouray Ice Park, a center of ice climbing, climbing is free. In January, go to the Ouray Ice Festival where exhibition climbing, free clinics and gear demos take place. The Ice Park also provides a beginner's climbing facility, the School Room, where beginners can receive instruction from local climbers.
RIDGWAY is nestled between the verdant San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests with the rugged San Juan Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop. Rich in ranching history and scenic beauty, Ridgway offers something for everyone. Recreational activities, including hiking, 4-wheeling, boating, fishing, hot air balloon rides, cross-country skiing, swimming, and rafting. The San Juan Skyway begins its southerly route on US Highway 550 in Ridgway, offering scenic views of emerald pine and golden aspen forests at every turn and ending in Durango. The Byway covers 236 miles of terrain across southwestern Colorado. Ridgway Snowmobile Trails offer snowmobilers a chance to discover just why the San Juans are the most photographed mountains in the world. The Owl Creek Pass trail takes riders up 10,114 feet into the peaks to enjoy the breathtaking views and scenery the mountains offer.
Ouray is near: Montrose, Telluride, & Silverton
Ouray Featured Advertisers
Escape to Ouray! Enjoy the Victorian architecture. Discover our incredible Native American & mining history. Meet the friendly people. Relax in our naturally heated mineral springs. Explore our mountains.
Situated against the spectacular mountains of Ouray Colorado, whether indoor or outdoor, formal or casual, large or small, recreation or business, we offer you the perfect site for your event.
Specializing in Ouray, Colorado since 1969, offering Jeep rentals & scenic tours, PLUS hot air balloon rides, whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, horseback riding, and more! For the personal touch - give us a try!
All Ouray Advertisers
OVER 50 YEARS! Make our full-service campground along the Uncompahgre River your home base for the Ouray area. Walk to everything in town. Foot bridge to huge public hot mineral springs pool.
Fun for the entire family! Whether your staying in Ouray, Silverton or Durango spend an afternoon on a tour of a real gold mine, then pan for gold. Have breakfast or a Texas BBQ lunch. Gold nugget jewelry!
Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in Ouray, enjoy the natural hot springs waters, fitness center & complimentary breakfast. Plan your wedding or honeymoon will help with all the arrangements.
Quiet location in Ouray 2 blocks off of Main Street with standard rooms, small and large suites, condo units and a Honeymoon suite. Natural Hot Springs on-site with 4 soaking tubs terraced on the hillside.
In the center of Ouray, walk to restaurants, shops & hot springs pool. Every room has a mountain view & WI-FI; Some with refrigerators. Free enhanced continental breakfast with homemade Belgian waffles.
Drive one of our top-of-line, off-road-ready Jeep Wrangler to spectacular sights in the WEST! Rental locations in: Moab - Utah; Death Valley - California; and in Colorado - Lake City, Ouray and Telluride.
Escape to Ouray! Enjoy the Victorian architecture. Discover our incredible Native American & mining history. Meet the friendly people. Relax in our naturally heated mineral springs. Explore our mountains.
Situated against the spectacular mountains of Ouray Colorado, whether indoor or outdoor, formal or casual, large or small, recreation or business, we offer you the perfect site for your event.
In the San Juan Mountains, Ouray offers the ultimate escape from busy schedules and hectic lives in this stunningly beautiful town. We offer charming, well-appointed accommodations with an array of choices.
Guest with an active spirit can explore Telluride's mountains by bike, horseback, skis, or on foot then return to the comfort of a guest room, cozy cabin or stylish penthouse. Ski packages available.
Quality guided fly-fishing & whitewater rafting adventures start in Ridgway convenient to Telluride, Montrose and Ouray. 40+ years combined guiding & outfitting experience - we know the Rivers!
ATV rentals in Ouray! Experience the awesome San Juan Mountains. Try our super fun Polaris Ranger. Fun for couples, families & groups. Half & full-day rentals trails start within 5 minutes.
Outstanding scenery, a full-service marina and magnificent campgrounds beckon visitors with 283 campsites, 3 yurts no indoor cooking facilities, marina, swim beach and nature trails near Ouray.
The Gateway to Ouray, nestled within the Rockies amidst towering aspens in Ouray. Clean rooms, RV Sites & log camper cabins. JEEP Rentals on-site! Telluride Ski passes & Hot Springs passes available.
Specializing in Ouray, Colorado since 1969, offering Jeep rentals & scenic tours, PLUS hot air balloon rides, whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, horseback riding, and more! For the personal touch - give us a try!
For More Information Contact:
Ouray Chamber Resort Visitors Center
Escape to Ouray! Enjoy the Victorian architecture. Discover our incredible Native American & mining history. Meet the friendly people. Relax in our naturally heated mineral springs. Explore our mountains.
Ouray Maps
Jeeping & 4WD Maps
Jeeping & ATV Trails on the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway
Ouray & Telluride Jeeping & ATV Trails
Silverton/Ouray Jeeping & ATV Trails
Local Area Maps
Montrose/Ouray Area Map
Rafting & Kayaking Rivers
Uncompahgre River
Scenic Byway Maps
Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway
San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway
Snowmobiling
Montrose Snowmobile Trails
Ridgway Snowmobile Trails




