Ouray - Southwest Colorado

Includes Ridgway

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.

Relaxing at Ouray Hot Springs Colorado
Sit Back and Relax as You Soak in Ouray's Hot Springs
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway near Ouray, Colorado
The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway is a Must Experience
 

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.

Snowmobiling near Ouray, Colorado
Snowmobile the Ridgway Snowmobile Trails
Ice Climbing at the Ice Park in Ouray, Colorado
Learn Ice Climbing at the Ice Park
 

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, Silverton & Telluride

Featured Ouray Businesses

4J+1+1 RV Park and Campground
Campground along the Uncompahgre River in Ouray. Same Family (4J+1+1) ownership for OVER 60 YEARS! Cross the foot bridge from your RV site to the public hot mineral springs pool, dining and shops.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon RV Parks and Resorts Scenic Byways and Drives Hot Springs 


60th Annual Artists' Alpine Holiday
July 28-August 6, 2022 the 60th Annual Artists' Alpine Holiday presented by Ouray County Arts Association. 400+ works of art: sculpture, photography, oil/acrylic, watercolor, printmaking, mixed media.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon New Colorado business icon Activities, Tourist Attractions 


Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour - Historic Firsthand Experience
A family experience in Silverton! Gold Mine Tour with Tram Ride into Galena Mountain. Historic guided walk in a hundred years old mine. See gold, crystals, minerals. Must day trip from Durango or Ouray.

 Email link icon Web page link icon Photos on page icon Scenic Byways and Drives Activities, Tourist Attractions Activities and Fun Things to do 


Ridgway State Park
5-mile long reservoir near Ouray, surrounded by mountain scenery. Ridgway State Park: 283 campsites, 3 yurt tents, marina, swim beach, nature trails, fishing, gift shop, nature programs. EVENT FACILITIES.

 Web page link icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Groups and Reunions 



For more travel information contact:

Ouray Activities & Maps

Scenic Byways:
Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway
San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway

Seasonal Attractions:
60th Annual Artists' Alpine Holiday

Rafting & Kayaking:
Uncompahgre River Rafting & Kayaking

Jeep & 4WD:
Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway
Lake City, Ouray, & Silverton Jeeping & ATV/UTV Trails
Switzerland of America Jeeping & ATV/UTV Trails

Hot Springs:
Ouray Hot Springs

Snowmobiling:
Montrose Snowmobile Trails
Ridgway Snowmobile Trails


 
 

Places to Stay, Rentals & Amenities
Cabins & Cottages | Motels & Hotels | Lodging & Lodges | Vacation Homes | Condos, Suites & Townhomes | Bed & Breakfast | Tent Camping | RV Parks & Campgrounds | RV Sales, Service & Rentals | Romance Packages | Family Friendly | Pets Welcome | By Water | Swimming Pools | Guest Horses | Groups, Reunions & Retreats | Weddings & Elopements | Winter Lodging

Fun Things to Do
Calendars of Events | National Parks, Monuments & Historic Sites | Scenic Byways & Drives | Fishing & Fly Fishing | Hot Springs | Horse Riding | ATV/UTVing | Jeeping & 4WD | Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking | Attractions | Golfing | Restaurants & Dining | More Fun Stuff | Hunting & Land Leases | Snowmobiling | Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding | Snowshoeing | Cross-Country Skiing

A-Z Towns & Areas | Colorado Maps | About Us

©Copyright 1997- by The Colorado Directory, Inc. This is a directory only; it is not and does not contain a recommendation, warranty, guaranty, inducement or endorsement of any kind. Representations herein were supplied by the individual businesses. The publisher, The Colorado Directory, Inc., does not assume any responsibility for truth, falsity or completeness of any representation made herein or any errors, changes, services rendered, or changes made in the use of this directory. This information was compiled as accurately as possible. Prices and services are frequently subject to change. Errors called to the publisher's attention will be corrected in the future. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.