
Ouray
Overview
Nestled in a steep-walled box canyon in the heart of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Ouray boasts breathtaking views, a charming historic downtown, and a wealth of outdoor activities year-round. Founded in the late 1800s during the gold and silver mining boom, the town retains its Victorian charm while serving as a gateway to the scenic Million Dollar Highway. Visitors are drawn to the Ouray Ice Park, Box Canyon Falls, Perimeter Trail, and the area’s numerous hot springs. Its alpine setting earned it the nickname “Switzerland of America,” a title still celebrated today. The surrounding mountains are rich in wildflowers in summer, ablaze with color in autumn, and blanketed with snow in winter, making Ouray a year-round destination for adventurers and sightseers alike.