About this city
Also known as: Switzerland of America
Ouray is a spectacular, historic mountain town nestled tightly within a narrow, amphitheater-like valley of the rugged San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. Founded in 1876 during a massive gold and silver mining boom, the entire town is a designated National Historic District, universally celebrated for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and world-renowned alpine ice climbing infrastructure.
Location & Administrative
County
Ouray
Time Zone
MST
State Code
CO
Transportation & Accessibility
Nearest Airports
MTJ
Getting Around
WalkableCar Required
Weather & Timing
Best Months
MayJunJulAugSepOct
Average Temperature
Peak Season
Hiking SeasonScenic Drive Season
Off Season
Deep Freeze Season
Economics & Local Vibe
Population
City proper 1.0K · Metro area 5.0K
Sales Tax
8.45%
Key Industries
Alpine Sports & Mountain TourismHot Springs Hospitality
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 1–3 days
Soak in the non-sulfur mineral waters at Ouray Hot Springs, ice climb the frozen vertical walls of the world-famous Ouray Ice Park, drive the thrilling and narrow Million Dollar Highway, and view Box Canyon Falls plunging through a tight quartz gorge.
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