Apr 10
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Ouray, Colorado
View of Ouray Colorado
While I hesitate to share this town in southwest Colorado because I’d like to keep it all to myself (although I think word has gotten out). Ouray, Colorado has to be one of the most breathtaking mountain towns in this state full of spectacular mountain towns.
Surrounded by the rugged San Juan Mountains, the views are jaw-dropping. Nicknamed “The Little Switzerland of America” you will see why when entering town from either the north or the south.
If you drive up from Durango or Silverton you will be traveling the “Million Dollar Highway” aptly named for either the views or the cost related to building the road.
Either way, the drive is full of million dollar views. If you get the chance, take one of the many hiking trails in or near town and if you’re up for a full day hike, head to East Dallas Road and the Blue Lakes Hiking Trail which will keep you mesmerized with the surrounding beauty.
Ouray also offers many other activities such as swimming in the hot springs pool, fly fishing, Box Canyon waterfall and park tour, a historical museum and carriage rides through town.
If you choose to overnight in Ouray, there are many hotel options from the historical Beaumont Hotel & Spa to the Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs, Best Western Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs to many lovely B & B’s.
After your hike or sightseeing around town plan to have a dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants. One of my favorites is The Bon Ton because of the awe-inspiring view of the Amphitheater (one of the best views I’ve seen,) romantic atmosphere, mouth watering dishes like Tuscan Chicken, and desserts to die for and a wonderful wine selection.
There are numerous hiking trails in and around Ouray. One of my all time favorites is located just west of Ouray as the crow flies. To get to the Blue Lakes Trailhead you need to drive to Ridgeway and then head towards Telluride to Dallas Creek Rd. There are many other hiking trails with spectacular views. So be sure to check out the hikes near Ouray.
Winter in Ouray
Ouray, Colorado is a visual delight any time of year but winter is especially beautiful. There are warm hot springs to soak in, downhill skiing and boarding an hour away in Telluride, snowshoeing near town and their most famous claim to fame, ice climbing.
Ouray has some of the best and most accessible ice for climbing in the country. Ice climbers have been coming here since the 70s but the actual Ouray Ice Park came about in the mid 90s when a group of volunteers rigged up a series of pvc pipes and sprinkler heads to create the park. Lessons for ice climbing are available from local outfitters so try your hand at a new and challenging winter sport.
Don’t miss Yule Night in Ouray, in early December featuring a parade, caroling, bonfire and a visit with Santa. Festivus, a street party held on December 20th is another holiday celebration that includes a bonfire, seasonal beverages, food and caroling. Ouray, Colorado exudes small town warmth and charm and this could be just the place for you to get away and unwind during the holiday season.
Ouray Lodging
Ouray has a wide array of lodging options including hotels that offer hot springs on site. There are vacation home and condo rentals, cabins, b&b’s and more traditional motel/hotel accommodations. Whatever your taste, you will find great choices in Ouray.
One of my favorites is the Best Western Twin Peaks. They have the most comfortable beds and two hot springs pools. Another very popular choice in Ouray is a small intimate hotel with a european feel; the Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings. The Wiesbaden has indoor, outdoor hot springs and a unique vapor cave.
Ouray Restaurants
You’re bound to work up a good appetite while visiting Ouray and no matter what your taste, there are restaurants to satisfy your hunger. The Bon Ton at the St Elmo Hotel is one of the best in town and probably has the best restaurant view in all of Colorado when you dine on their outdoor patio. The service is prompt and friendly and the food is scrumptious. Other good choices include The Beaumont Hotel, The Outlaw Restaurant, The Coachlight, The Historic Western Hotel Saloon and The Silver Nugget for breakfast.
Ouray Activities
There is no better place to take a hike than this part of southwest Colorado. Hikes range from easy, family friendly to scaling a fourteener and everything in between.
Stop in to a local shop or the visitors center and pick up Hiking Trails of Ouray County to help you decide which hike to take. If this sounds a little too rigorous for you, try a jeep tour, fly fishing, golf, horseback riding, mine tours, hot springs pool soak or shopping in the quaint downtown Ouray.
Jeep tours are a good way to get into the high country and see some spectacular San Juan Mountain scenery, don’t miss the opportunity to take a ride on the Alpine Loop, see Imogene Pass or experience the rugged beauty of Mt Sneffels, one of Colorado’s rugged fourteeners whose trailhead starts in Yankee Boy Basin.
