Ouray County: Mountain Landscapes, History and Unique Trails
Accommodation in Ouray County
Ouray County combines impressive mountain landscapes with unusual experiences and a clearly visible mining history. Between the headwaters of the Uncompahgre River, steep canyons, high mountains and places such as Ouray, you will find a variety of ways to plan your trip. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, the key consideration is therefore whether you are planning active days, nature observation, culture or a combination of these.
Ice Climbing, Canyons and Trails for Different Daily Itineraries
Ouray Ice Park is a free public ice climbing park with more than 150 named ice and mixed climbing routes. The routes extend across almost two miles of Uncompahgre Gorge. Another special experience is the Ouray Via Ferrata: Firmly anchored cables, ladders and iron rungs lead through the steep walls of Uncompahgre Gorge. The more accessible Downstream Route can be distinguished from the more technically demanding Upstream Route, which has greater exposure and fewer rungs. These specific differences help you choose activities according to the level of challenge you want, without structuring your entire vacation around just one type of experience.
For a quieter part of the trip, the Uncompahgre River Walk Loop, also called the North Ouray Corridor, is a good choice. The mostly level loop trail is two miles long and runs along the Uncompahgre River north of Ouray Hot Springs Pool. Access is available from the Hot Springs Pool parking lot, from Chautauqua Lane opposite Rotary Park, and from Uncompahgre Street. At Box Cañon Falls Park, three interpretive trails with easy to moderate difficulty levels are available. Box Cañon Falls itself plunges 285 feet into a narrow quartzite gorge. The area is also recognized as an important bird-watching area and is home to a large colony of Black Swifts.
Mountain Wilderness and Riverside Landscapes
Mount Sneffels Wilderness covers more than 16,000 acres in southwestern Ouray County. Mount Sneffels rises to 14,158 feet and is the highest peak in the Sneffels Range. Travelers who place greater emphasis on landscapes and nature observation when planning their trip will find a clear contrast here to the region's historic and technically oriented experiences. Ridgway State Park also expands the picture of the region: It stretches for almost five miles through the Uncompahgre River Valley and includes pinyon-juniper forests, montane shrublands, riparian areas, wetlands and riverside vegetation around Ridgway Reservoir.
The hot springs of Ouray County do not have the strong sulfur smell found at many other hot springs. As another nature experience, the shortened version of the Weehawken Trail leads through shaded forest to the first open meadows and offers views toward Potosi Peak and Whitehouse Mountain. On some of the easiest trail sections, you can also enjoy viewpoints, benches and views of Cascade Falls.
Mining History, Culture and Regional Gathering Places
The Ouray County Museum is located in the former St. Joseph's Miners' Hospital, which was built in 1886 and completed in 1887. It presents the history of mining, ranching and railroads. On the Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour, the route leads into the underground workings of a mine that operated from the late 19th century through the middle of the 20th century. Ironton is also part of the region's historical story: The town was founded in 1883 at the northern end of the Red Mountain Mining District and served as an important transportation hub as well as a stage and supply center.
The cultural calendar includes music, dance, theater and other events organized by the Ouray County Performing Arts Guild, which has been bringing them to Ouray and Ridgway since 1983. The Labor Day Rodeo has taken place since 1917; the Rodeo Association organizes it annually. The San Juan Potters' Guild offers technical workshops. Every Friday at Hartwell Park, locals and visitors meet at the Ridgway Farmers Market to share fresh food, music and community.
Choosing the Right Base for Your Trip
When looking for accommodation in Ouray County, it is worth first defining your preferred focus. Ice climbing, the Via Ferrata and the Uncompahgre River Walk represent a more active itinerary with different levels of difficulty and trail formats. Mountain wilderness, water landscapes and short nature experiences set different priorities. Those especially interested in the region's history can include the museum, Mine Tour, Ironton and the historical connections of the former Million Dollar Highway in their plans. The highway was a former toll road built by Otto Mears in the 1880s. This allows you to choose a vacation rental or vacation home according to your personal daily rhythm and preferred experiences, rather than simply searching by the name of the county.
For the broader travel overview: Colorado.
More Destinations
More places within the same destination:
