Ouray Colorado History and Recreation

Ouray Colorado was incorporated in 1876 and is the county seat of Ouray County. The Historic town of Ouray Colorado gets its name from Chief Ouray, Chief of the Ute Indians during the period. This town is at 7,800 ft above sea level in a beautiful canyon, and has a current population of over 800 people.

Located on Highway 550 (the Million Dollar Highway) Ouray is at the transition point from flat land to the climb up Red Mountain Pass, the first of three on the way to Durango. This town as many in the San Juan Mountains was started by miners prospecting for gold and silver in 1875. At one time, this town was home to over 30 active mines and over 1000 people.

In 1887 the Denver & Rio Grand Railroad came to Ouray and brought supplies to the miners in the region. Supplies were then transported by mule trains and wagons from here to other mining towns in the San Juan Mountains on toll roads built by Otto Mears.

During latter years as use of trucks and automobiles became prevalent, railroad use declined causing a pullout of services to Ouray in 1930.

Today "The Switzerland of America", is much more dependent on tourism. This town has much to offer with its Alpine Loop trails for four wheeling, hiking trails, beautiful scenery, rock climbing, ice climbing, and hot springs to lounge in after your day is done.

The Ouray Colorado's Ice Park is free and is located on the Uncompahgre Gorge and is a mile in length. It is formed each winter by a sprinkler system at the top of the rim, with climbs of 80 to 200 feet. Climbers come from around the world to climb here and there is an annual ice festival held each year.

If you like four wheeling go past Ouray and head towards Silverton along the Uncompahgre gorge till you come to Engineer Pass road on the left. This is part of the Alpine Loop and can take you to many different mines and ghost towns, Lake City or Silverton. These roads require four wheel drive, a good map, and extra cloths in case a storm comes through.

The roads going to Imogene Pass and Yankee Boy Basin are also great for scenery and wild flowers in the summer. Imogene Pass will take you to Telluride and so will Black Bear which is a one way only from Red Mountain to Telluride and more difficult. Always be careful when walking around old mine sites for sharp objects and holes.

There is good hunting in the San Juan Mountains, but the terrain is extremely steep in places and can be treacherous. Guided hunts are available with horses.

Get a map here for directions and different area views.

For more information go to Ouray Colorado Chamber of Commerce.

Western Colorado Towns

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