HERITAGE LIKE NO OTHER!
Situated along America’s most scenic highway, the "San Juan Skyway," Ouray has been a cherished destination for global travelers for over 100 years. Our small, close-knit community, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, is often known as "The Switzerland of America," "The Gem of the Rockies," and "Our Special Place."
The Ute Indians, the original inhabitants of this area, lovingly called the San Juan Mountains the "Shining Mountains." Ouray was considered sacred land by the Native Americans, with abundant mineral healing springs, lush foliage, and diverse wildlife. The area is blessed with aspen groves, rivers, streams that form magnificent waterfalls, and forests rich with deer, elk, moose, bears, sheep, and marmots.
Our area is surrounded by the San Juan Mountain Range, which boasts more 14,000-foot peaks than any other region in the United States. It is the youngest and steepest range of the Rockies.
We are located in Southwest Colorado in the San Juan Mountain range of the Rocky Mountains. Ouray County encompasses three towns: Ouray (the County Seat), Colona, and Ridgway. Each town has its own unique characteristics. Ouray has a rich mining history, while Ridgway has a strong ranching heritage. Both towns embody the best of Western Colorado tradition, offering a relaxed and meaningful quality of life that many people can only dream of. Here, your word is your bond, and a handshake is a binding agreement.
Ouray County is located within the Uncompahgre National Forest. It offers excellent opportunities for hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, jeep excursions, mountain climbing, horseback riding, gold panning, mineral collecting, photography, ice climbing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. Most of these activities are just a short distance away and easily accessible.
The entire city of Ouray is listed on the National Register of Historic Districts. Here, you can enjoy Victorian architecture, meet friendly people, experience the town’s peaceful atmosphere, relax in therapeutic hot springs, and take advantage of many recreational opportunities. We invite you to share this extraordinary place with us, where life is simple, the mountains are inspiring, and the people care.
Pronounced: “you-ray”
Elevation: 7,760 ft.
Average Snowfall: 152”
Population: City of Ouray 843, County 3,888 (1 stop light)
The average summer temperature is 76° with low humidity. Summer days are sunny, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s during the day and nights usually in the 50s and 60s. We average 265 sunny days.
Ouray is part of the San Juan mountain range in the Rocky Mountains, on the west side of the Continental Divide.
Ouray is full of activities all year round; see what’s going now at the Ouray Chamber of Commerce website
SEE AND DO
Local Attractions
Just a short distance from the lodge, you can discover cultural sites, a historic downtown, and nearby attractions. Ouray has 270 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Many buildings are in the Italianate and Victorian styles.
Hot Springs
Ouray, Colorado, has a series of clean and odorless hot springs due to the pressure and heat from the Uncompahgre Valley's geological lift. Soak in the clear and warm waters of the Ouray Hot Springs Pool while enjoying the San Juan Moutain view.
Wildlife Watching
Ouray has many unique animals in its borders, like mule deer, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep. You might just see these animals while you're here. Grouse are elusive birds that are also called 'spring chickens'.
Scenic Trails
Explore nearby hiking trails and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the mountains. The Ouray Trail group maintains 84 trails.
Adventure Activities
Embark on thrilling adventures such as river rafting, mountain biking, and zip-lining, or step back in time and visit the ghost towns around Ouray.
Jeep and 4X4 Off-Roading
Well-known as a premier Off-Roading destination, experience over 10 exhilarating trails. Jeep rentals and guided jeep tours are available through local merchants.
GARDENS ON THE RIVER
Discover the vibrant beauty of Ouray, Colorado, and its stunning mountain hills and valleys, renowned for their colorful wildflowers. At Rivers Edge, you'll encounter the same mountain hues with our meticulously planted native mountain flowers along the Uncompahgre River.
Since 2008, our lush gardens have been designed to offer our guests a tranquil retreat. Admire the stunning hanging petunia baskets, spanning up to four feet across, and witness the transformation of our gardens from the early spring daffodils peeking through the snow to the ever-changing, robust colors throughout the summer and fall.
Our gardens are just one of the many reasons why guests return year after year to experience the peaceful serenity of The Rivers Edge Lodge Resort.
BOX CANON FALLS PARK & NATURE CENTER
Enjoy an easy 500-foot walk into the thundering waterfalls! With access to the high bridge, perimeter trail, and nature center. The Box Cañon Falls is a must-see in Ouray, Colorado! Box Cañon Falls is the culmination of Canyon Creek before it joins the Uncompahgre River near Ouray.
Box Cañon Falls, Ouray's own wonder of the world, is the culmination of Canyon Creek narrowing and spilling thousands of gallons a minute of water over the falls. The 285-foot waterfall plummets into a narrow quartzite canyon at this most spectacular geological formation. The narrow rock walls tower over the falls by nearly 100 feet!
THE DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GUAGE RAILROAD
Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys, and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million-acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable year-round adventure.
MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK
A United Nations World Heritage Site, it is known internationally for its fabulous cliff dwellings. To preserve this priceless archeological treasure, the National Park Service has excavated and stabilized both mesa top and cliff dwelling sites, chronologically interpreting some 700 years of mesa occupation so that people today can learn from the past.
Go back in time and visit the historic MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK!
ICE CLIMBING
Located in the Uncompahgre Gorge, the Ouray Ice Park opened in 1995 as the world's first park devoted exclusively to ice climbing.
Climbing is free.
Read more about visiting the ANNUAL ICE FESTIVAL and scheduling your ICE CLIMB!
SKIING AT SILVERTON MOUNTAIN
Silverton Mountain is a new expert and advanced ski/snowboard facility in Silverton, Colorado. One double chairlift accesses the steepest, most powder-filled skiing this side of Valdez, Alaska. Silverton Mountain opened for business on January 19th, 2002.
It is a guided-only operation with a maximum of 20 people a day.