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Ouray
The Hidden Gem of Colorado
Elevation 7,792'
Population 800(+)
Average Snowfall 140"
Ouray, Colorado is the perfect place to vacation if you want to escape the highly advertised touristy destinations. This is where you come for big adventure, rest and relaxation and to reconnect with the family.
Ouray is definitely one of those hidden gems of Colorado.
Tucked in the San Juan mountains, this intimate community of about 800 has so many opportunities for outdoor adventure. Your family vacation here will definitely be a memorable one.
Ouray Ice Climbing ParkLocation: 280 County Road 361
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
This small historical mining town in Colorado is touted as the "Ice Climbing Capital of the World". The Ice Park was the first ever climbing park open to the public.
The Ice Park offers everything from kids clinics to the Ice Festival held in January.
Free to everyone, the park is open based on weather permitting from mid December until the End of March.
You can climb from sunrise to sunset.
We have included a list of guides
that can help make climbing safer and more enjoyable for the whole family.
For your very own Ice Climbing Guide Book to Ouray Ice Park and other regional climbs, grab your copy of the Peregrine Colorado Ice Climber's Guide by Cameron Burns.
Burns is very familiar with Colorado having obtained a degree from the University of Colorado and written several books on Climbing and Hiking in the Centennial State. Mr Burns also serves as Senior Editor for the Rocky Mountain Institute. You can read more about his works at www.rmi.org
Tantalizing WaterfallsThe city boasts fabulous waterfalls. The best time to visit the falls is during Spring, just as the snow is melting from the mountains.
Box Canyon Falls
Location:County Road 361 / Hwy 550
Feel the roar of the water as you marvel at this 280ft waterfall. There is a bridge that runs above the falls that gives you a great view of the waterfall below and the most spectacular view of the city. See this great waterfall up close and personal while walking a narrow bridge that leads you into the midst of the water inside Box Canyon.
Interesting Note: It's said that the force of the waterfall could supply most of the power needs of the city.
Park Information:
- $3.00 Adults
- $1.50 Children
- Park Hours - 8am to 8pm
- Trails - Open Year Round
- Visitor Center - May through mid October
Cascade Falls
Location:8th Avenue / Hwy 550
A short steep hike from downtown. This 175ft waterfall is open year round during daylight hours.
photo courtesy of AndrewEick
Revitalizing Hot SpringsLocation:1220 Main Street
(970) 325-7073
The Ouray Hot Springs Pool is 37,000 square feet of family fun. Maintained and Operated by the City, the pool is open to the public. This is a very economical way to spend the day relaxing.
Click Here for more information on the
Hot Springs Pool
admission pricing, amenities and hours of operation.
Fellin ParkLocation:1200 Main Street
Just outside the Hot Springs Pool is Fellin Park (also known as Hot Springs Park). The park provides a picnic area with ball fields, BBQ grills, tables, tennis, running track, playground and volleyball.
Historical Walking TourThis is the place where History and 20th Century coexist effortlessly. They proudly display and utilize most of the original structures from the Silver and Gold rush of the late 1800's.
We highly suggest the Historical Walking Tour.
We have included a free PDF Download of the Ouray walking tour map, (courtesy of the County's Historical Society). There are 24 properties in all. Some properties date as far back as 1880. Right-click to download this PDF file here.
Mount Sneffels5 miles West of town, stands one of Colorado's most prominent 14ers. Mt Sneffels summit stands at 14,100' and is the 2nd highest peak in the San Juan Mountain range.
Lodging Options from Historical to PrimitiveStay at cabins near the Uncompahgre River or rent a condo with fully equipped kitchen, outdoor grill and sauna. Several
Hotels and Motels
offer convenient locations to downtown shopping and restaurants.
Choose from luxurious Inns with hot spring tubs and astounding views of the surrounding mountains.
Or....simply stay at one of the many
Bed & Breakfasts
with family friendly hospitality.
Camping
here is anything but primitive, many of the camping facilities offer amenities you don't expect to find at most campgrounds.
Pan for Your Own Gold Souvenir
Bachelor-Syracuse Mine
1222 County Road 14
(888) 227-4585
Take a trammer into the heart of mining for a narrated tour. Tours are available during the Summer months.
Stop by the outdoor cafe for an all you can eat breakfast or BBQ lunch.
Shop for souvenirs at the Gift shop or try panning for your own Gold souvenir.
Tour Information:- Open Every Day except July 4th
- May through September
- Tram Runs Every Hour
- Hours of Operation: 9am-4pm
Ouray Dining
Ouray offers many
Restaurants/Eateries
to grab a bite. I like that most of them are within walking distance of where we stay. You will find Upscale Fine Dining, the best tasting hamburgers, sandwiches, pizza and more.
I personally love to stop for handmade chocolates for dessert. I also found the hunt for great tasting coffee in the mornings was rather easy with plenty of places that cater to the early birds.
Shopping and more Shopping
This is Danielle's favorite pastime. We found many Skilled artisans with plenty of
galleries and opportunities for shopping.
There is everything from Native American Jewelry, Homeade Candles and Hides to Indian Pottery and a Chocolatier.
Links to More of Colorado
Scenic Train Rides in Colorado
I always enjoy these train rides, spending hours relaxing, visiting with family and friends and admiring the breathtaking views. These scenic train rides give you up close and personal access to the most rugged wilderness in the state.
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