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Guidebook Ouray, Colorado
Location: Western U.S., Southwest Colorado
Geographical Description: Ouray is
located in the San Juan Mountain Range of the Rocky Mountains at
an elevation of 7,800 feet. The City of Ouray is nine blocks
long and six blocks wide and surrounded on all sides by 12,000
to 13,000 foot mountains. It is on Highway 550 almost half way
between Durango to the south and Grand Junction to the north.
Climate: Summer climate is dry with low
humidity; winter months are mild. We typically enjoy 285 sunny days a
year. A typical summer day is sunny, in the 70’s and 80’s with evening
temperatures in the 50’s. Brief afternoon showers are typical in July.
We get 140 inches average snowfall during the winter
months that tends to melt off between infrequent snowstorms. A typical
winter day is sunny and bright, with highs averaging in the 40’s and
lows in the high teens. Snowstorms can be heavy.
Population: 820 year-round residents.
Area history: Ouray and its magnificent
surroundings were formed over millions of years from glaciations, water
carving and volcanic activity, resulting in the most mineralized
mountain range in Colorado.
The Tabeguache Ute Indians, a nomadic tribe, settled
in this spectacular valley during the warms months, hunting the
plentiful game and enjoying the “magic” of the mineral hot springs that
surfaced throughout the valley. When prospectors swarmed to the area in
search of silver and gold in the mid 1870’s, the Ute Chief, Ouray, had
his hands full trying to keep peace between the Ute Indians and the many
prospectors that claimed this land; an area that had been given to the
Indians by the government.
Gold was discovered in 1875 and the town of Ouray was
founded in 1876. Within a short time, Ouray had a population of 2,000
citizens along with the churches, theaters, hotels and businesses that
supported this thriving community. The railroad arrived in 1887 from the
north, making Ouray the hub for the mining camps and towns that were
tucked up high in the mountains surrounding Ouray.
Because of the grandeur of the surrounding mountains,
Ouray has been a destination for tourists from the very beginning.
Guests flocked to the area on trains and stagecoaches to enjoy the hot
springs and revel in the majesty of the San Juan Mountains.
After the silver crash in 1892, some of the area mines
closed. Fortunately, gold was still being heavily mined at other area
mines, allowing Ouray to continue to thrive. As mines finally started
playing out and the price of mining became too great, tourism
took over as the main source of income for this small community.
It continues to attract visitors from all over the
world. Although Ouray has always been a summer destination for
travelers, enjoying four-wheeling, hiking and mountain biking, it has
now come into its own as the number one destination in the world for the
sport of ice-climbing. It also attracts winter visitors who enjoy the
solitude of cross-country and backcountry skiing.
Cultural Information: Ouray is fortunate to
have attracted an extremely diverse population of residents who live
here year-round. From writers, to painters, photographers, silversmiths
and other artists, to fine classical musicians, Ouray does not lack for
cultural stimulation.
Local residents, as well as visitors, enjoy historical
and nature lectures throughout the summer. The Ouray County Arts Center
offers art workshops and classes through the summer and winter and those
who appreciate music can become involved in or just enjoy the many small
and larger concerts that are held in Ouray year-round.
Ouray also has a first-class movie theater that shows
all of the most popular and first-run movies.
The Area: Ouray is located along the San Juan
Skyway, chosen as one of America’s most scenic drives. This small,
intimate community, surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains, is
repeatedly referred to as the “Switzerland of America”.
A remarkable two-thirds of Ouray’s original Victorian
structures, both private and commercial, are still occupied and have
been lovingly restored to their original splendor. The City of Ouray was
honored in1983 by both the Colorado and National Historical Authorities
with the National Historic District designation.
What to see and do: Ouray is a sports
enthusiast’s paradise; there isn’t a summer or winter sport that can’t
be experienced in Ouray or its surrounding mountains. If sports is not
your bag, Victorian Era history, geology, photography, artistic
endeavors, or JUST RELAXING are enjoyed by both residents and visitors.
We just tell our guests to “bring all your toys” and you will have a
great stay in Ouray.
Enjoying the hot springs of Ouray, either through
private sources or the city public hot springs pool, is very relaxing
and therapeutic. Soaking in springs, ranging in temperatures from 100 to
110 degrees, is a great way to start and end your day.
Tips on visiting: Ouray is a fantastic vacation
during both the summer and winter months. The fall season, however, from
mid-September through early October is breathtaking, with mountainsides
solid with aspen trees looking as if their leaves were dredged in gold.
Ouray can be reached by automobile or by flying into
any of several nearby locations. The closest regional air service is
available into Montrose, Telluride, Grand Junction or Durango. Car
rentals are available at all surrounding airports. The closest major
airports are Denver (6 hour drive), Colorado Springs (5 hour drive),
Salt Lake City (6 hour drive) and Albuquerque (6 hours drive).
Interesting or little known facts: Ouray is
located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, a range of the Rocky
Mountains that is millions of years newer and significantly more rugged
than other parts of the Rockies.
Ouray, the County Seat of Ouray County, is located in
the Uncompahgre National Forest. Over 45% of Ouray County is on either
State or Federal public lands. With the rugged mountains and the
accessibility of these public lands, the opportunities for outdoor fun
is limitless.
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