Ouray
The "Switzerland of America" with hot springs and ice climbing
What's On
Local News
Mudslides Strand Visitors on East Portal Road After Heavy Rain
Colorado Tracks Two Toxic Algae Blooms Amid Record Heat
Colorado Allocates $30.2 Million for Roof Upgrade Grants to Curb Insurance Costs
76 Percent of Coloradans Worry About Affordability in New Pulse Poll
Hudson Residents Rally to Stop GEO Group Immigration Detention Center
Explore Ouray
Local Favorites
Other PlacesOuray Adventure Center
We are Ouray’s first fitness gym, blending physical training with outdoor adventure logistics. Inside, members train on bouldering walls equipped with a Tension Board and a MoonBoard, lift weights, or practice Ashtanga Vinyasa and Yin yoga. The facility also hosts epic Ping-Pong matches and provides a meeting room for up to twelve people, complete with high-speed internet and a projector for office use. Beyond the gym floor, we function as the booking hub for Basecamp Ouray and Canyoning Colorado. Here, you can reserve exclusive Gold Mountain Via Ferrata experiences, book guided cable routes on the Ouray Via Ferrata, or secure a Canyoning Colorado adventure. We offer indoor climbing clinics ranging from Dry-Tooling to Youth Climbing Programs, ensuring skill development for all levels. Members enjoy 24-hour access via a unique code, complimentary entry to classes and clinics, 10% off rental gear, and three monthly buddy passes. After booking your outdoor excursion online or by phone, you can pick up your gear directly at our front desk before heading out into the San Juan Mountains.
Food & DrinkMineshaft Bar, Restaurant, and Pizzeria
Our signature hand-tossed pizzas, crowned with the 2023 title of Best Pizza in Ouray, anchor a menu that spans hearty breakfasts and savory dinners seven days a week. As the only restaurant in town with a glass roof, we let guests dine under an open sky while taking in the spectacular mountain views from our home inside Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs. The name pays homage to Ouray’s 1870s gold rush roots, and our dedicated team ensures every meal feels like a culinary adventure for the whole family. From classic cheeseburgers and BBQ ribs to fresh pizzas and delicious desserts, we craft dishes that satisfy cravings before or after your mountain adventures. We also make it easy to enjoy our food anywhere in town, offering free delivery within Ouray City limits so you can savor a hot plate at home or in your hotel room. Guests celebrating special occasions, relaxing with friends, or seeking a warm atmosphere after exploring off-roading trails leave with a full belly and a smile.
Automotive & TransportationOuray Riverside Resort • Cabins & Inn & RV Park
The Smokehouse Restaurant anchors the Ouray Riverside Resort, a property defined by its position along the Uncompahgre River in downtown Ouray. Lodging options span from pet-friendly rustic cabins with modern amenities to deluxe units featuring full kitchens and gas grills. A distinctive 10-person riverfront bungalow sits on the grounds, offering a private saltwater spa, wraparound deck, and direct views of a local waterfall. The resort also manages an RV park with full hookups and pet-friendly pull-thru or back-in sites. Accommodations include hotel suites and rooms located just north of the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, placing guests within walking distance of the historic downtown district and the Riverwalk. This setup provides easy access to San Juan Mountain adventures and nearby Telluride ski slopes.
Entertainment & RecreationSan Juan Scenic Jeep Tours
Established in 1946, San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours holds the title of Colorado’s original Jeep tour company. Operating out of Ouray, the business guides visitors through the San Juan Mountains using luxury Jeep Gladiators and hybrid 4xe Wranglers. The tours explore waterfalls, ghost towns, and high-mountain passes across the regions of Silverton, Telluride, and Lake City. Guests can choose between fully customized private rides or affordable group adventures led by seasoned guides. The company’s history includes being hired to pattern Disneyland rides, and they have been featured by National Geographic and the Washington Post. Families, photographers, and solo travelers regularly book these scenic excursions along the legendary cliff-hanging roads.
Outdoor Destinations
Explore all destinations
Falls Trail
Cascade Falls and the Chief Ouray Mine
Oak Creek Overlook
Portland Mine Trail #238.1A
Corbett Canyon Trail #6256
New Twin Peaks Trail
About Ouray
Ouray has earned its nickname as the "Switzerland of America" for its stunning alpine setting, where dramatic mountain peaks surround a charming Victorian town that seems frozen in time. This historic mining community of 1,000 residents offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and authentic mountain character that makes it one of Colorado's most beloved destinations.
Quick Facts
1,000
7,792 ft
Summer & Winter
Ice Climbing
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ouray called the Switzerland of America?
The nickname comes from the setting. Ouray sits in a tight bowl with steep peaks rising on nearly every side, and the Victorian buildings downtown fill in the floor of it. It's an old mining town that kept its frontier look, and the mountains do most of the talking.
What about the hot springs in Ouray?
The Ouray Hot Springs Pool is the main draw, fed by mineral water and open to the public. A few smaller spas around town use the same geothermal source if you want something quieter.
What can I do outdoors around Ouray?
This is good country for hiking, climbing, and getting up into the high backcountry, with the San Juan National Forest right at the door. Box Canyon Falls is a short walk and worth it, with the creek roaring through a slot in the rock. The Alpine Loop also runs out of here for anyone with the right vehicle.
Can I see the mining history in Ouray?
The whole downtown is a reminder of it, with Victorian storefronts from the boom years still standing and in use. The county museum fills in the rest of the story if you want the details behind what you're looking at.
How do I get to Ouray?
Highway 550 brings you in, and it's about an hour south of Montrose, where the nearest airport is. From Denver figure on roughly five hours of driving across the Western Slope. The stretch of 550 south of town is a serious mountain road, so take it slow if it's your first time.