Ouray Live Cam

Surrounded by the mountains it is only natural to want to go exploring. There are many trails from each of the mountain towns that reward the day hiker or the hardened back packer.

The ultimate challenge is perhaps the Colorado Trail which links Denver and Durango passing through the heart of the Rockies. This trail is very challenging in parts but offers many opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers to enjoy some solitude and alpine scenery. Further long distance adventures are to be had on the Highline, Bear Creek and Calico trails, each exploring a different area within the San Juan National Forest.

The Uncompahgre Riverway runs the 65 miles or so from Ouray to Delta along the Uncompahgre River. It is under construction but already has several extended sections ideally suited to leisurely exploration and recreation.

For shorter forays into nature try some of these destinations.

A particularly nice half day can be spent exploring the beaver ponds and trail to Potato Lake off the San Juan Highway between Durango and Silverton. Here are some others:

Box Canyon Falls (Ouray / short hike) - a 280 ft waterfall crashing into a cave before rushing down into Box Canyon below.

Bridal Veil Falls (Telluride / hike or bike) - even taller at 365 ft, the Bridal Veil falls are one of Colorado's finest. The best time to go is spring with wild flowers lining the route in abundance.

Red Mountain Pass (Silverton / hike or bike) - explore the ghost towns or just soak up the view along the backroads in the area.

Ridgway State Park - (Ridgway / hike or bike) - 15 miles of trails skirt Ridgway Resevoir.

In truth, there is little that you can do wrong in the San Juan's by stopping wherever takes your fancy and following a trail.

Winter Fun

When the snow comes the San Juan's become a winter wonderland for sports and recreation. The ski resorts in the area offer world class skiing with fabulous snow without the prices attached to the mega-resorts. The area also benefits from other attractions such as hot springs, ice lakes, cross country trails and ice climbing.

Telluride - This victorian mining town at the head of a dramatic valley is now a key ski desitnation. The town boasts the world's longest ski lift ride and over 60 runs as well as plentiful cross country trails.

Purgatory - With award winning snow and 75 runs, the Purgatory ski area serves Durango and the outlying regions. The resort has a good reputation for quality skiing and a fun atmosphere.

Wolf Creek - On the Eastern edge of the San Juan's near Pagosa Springs, this area gets more snow than anywhere else in the state. It is also cheaper than many of the other resorts.

History

Ouray, a picturesque town nestled in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Often referred to as the "Switzerland of America" because of its dramatic alpine scenery, Ouray has a unique past that dates back to the time of Native American settlement and flourished during the mining boom of the late 19th century. The town’s history is a testament to the cycles of boom and bust that shaped much of the American West, as well as the perseverance and resilience of its residents who have transformed Ouray into a modern-day destination for tourists, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

Native American Roots

Long before European settlers arrived in the area, the land around Ouray was home to the Ute Native American tribe. The Ute people lived in the region for centuries, relying on the land's natural resources for sustenance and spiritual significance. The San Juan Mountains, with their abundant wildlife, fresh water, and rich forests, provided the Utes with everything they needed for their nomadic lifestyle.

The hot springs located in present-day Ouray were of particular importance to the Ute people, who considered them sacred. The springs were believed to have healing properties, and they were used for both medicinal and spiritual purposes. The Ute people called the area "Uncompahgre," meaning "hot water springs," and they would travel to the springs in the summer months to take advantage of the therapeutic waters. The Ute's deep connection to the land, and their ability to live in harmony with it, defined the early history of the area long before miners and settlers arrived.

The Arrival of European Settlers

The first European explorers to visit the Ouray region arrived in the mid-1800s. They were primarily fur trappers and traders who were drawn to the rugged terrain and abundant wildlife of the San Juan Mountains. By the 1860s, the prospect of mineral wealth in the region began to attract the attention of miners and settlers. Gold and silver had already been discovered in other parts of Colorado, and rumors of rich ore veins in the San Juans brought fortune seekers to the area.

The Treaty of 1868 between the U.S. government and the Ute people granted the Utes control of much of the land in southwestern Colorado, including the region around Ouray. However, the discovery of precious metals in the San Juan Mountains in the early 1870s led to increased pressure on the Utes to relinquish their lands. In 1873, the U.S. government negotiated the Brunot Agreement, which allowed mining in the San Juan Mountains while the Utes retained control of other parts of their territory. The agreement marked the beginning of the end for the Ute's dominance in the region, as miners, settlers, and entrepreneurs began flooding into the area.

The Mining Boom and the Founding of Ouray

The discovery of gold and silver in the San Juan Mountains in the early 1870s triggered a mining rush, and the small settlement of Ouray quickly developed into a bustling mining town. In 1875, Ouray was officially founded and named after Chief Ouray, a respected leader of the Ute people who played a key role in negotiating peace between the Utes and the U.S. government. Chief Ouray is remembered for his diplomatic efforts and attempts to protect his people while also fostering peaceful relations with the encroaching settlers.

By the late 1870s, Ouray had become a major mining center. The town's location at the intersection of several important mining districts made it a natural hub for mining operations. Silver, gold, copper, lead, and zinc were extracted from the nearby mountains, and the town's population grew rapidly as miners, prospectors, and businessmen arrived in search of wealth. The town soon earned the nickname "the Gem of the Rockies" due to its wealth of mineral resources and its strategic location in the heart of the San Juan Mountains.

Ouray's early growth was driven by the construction of infrastructure to support mining operations. Roads, railways, and mills were built to transport ore and process it for market. The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad reached Ouray in 1887, providing a vital link between the town and the rest of Colorado. The railroad not only facilitated the movement of ore but also brought in supplies, equipment, and people, further fueling the town's growth.

During the mining boom, Ouray's population swelled to several thousand residents, and the town developed into a lively community with hotels, saloons, shops, and theaters. Many of the buildings constructed during this time, including the Beaumont Hotel and the Wright Opera House, still stand today and are part of Ouray’s historical charm. However, like many other mining towns of the era, Ouray's fortunes were closely tied to the success of the mines, and the town experienced periods of both prosperity and decline.

Challenges and Decline

By the early 20th century, the mining industry in Ouray began to decline. The depletion of high-grade ore deposits, coupled with falling metal prices and the increasing costs of mining in the rugged terrain of the San Juan Mountains, led to the closure of many mines. The Silver Panic of 1893, a financial crisis that resulted from the collapse of the silver market, dealt a significant blow to Ouray's economy, as silver mining had been one of the town's primary industries. Many miners left in search of new opportunities, and the population of Ouray began to dwindle.

Despite the decline in mining, Ouray managed to survive, thanks in part to the resilience of its residents and the town's natural assets. The hot springs, which had long been used by the Ute people, became a popular attraction for visitors seeking rest and relaxation. Tourism began to emerge as an important part of the local economy, and the town's scenic beauty and mineral-rich waters drew visitors from across Colorado and beyond. Although Ouray's population shrank, the town remained a small but vibrant community.

The Transformation into a Tourist Destination

By the mid-20th century, Ouray had fully transitioned from a mining town to a tourist destination. The town's stunning natural surroundings, including its towering peaks, waterfalls, and alpine meadows, attracted outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and adventurers. Ouray became known as the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado," offering a wide range of activities such as hiking, ice climbing, off-roading, and hot spring soaking.

The establishment of the Ouray Ice Park in the 1990s helped put the town on the map as a premier destination for ice climbing. The park, located in a natural gorge just outside of town, features hundreds of climbing routes that are formed each winter using a system of pipes and sprinklers to create man-made ice formations. The annual Ouray Ice Festival, held each January, draws climbers from around the world and has helped solidify Ouray's reputation as a top destination for winter sports.

In addition to outdoor recreation, Ouray's historic charm has played a significant role in its appeal to tourists. Many of the town's original Victorian-era buildings have been preserved, giving Ouray a timeless feel that transports visitors back to the days of the mining boom. The Ouray County Historical Society, along with other local organizations, has worked to preserve the town's heritage and promote its rich history to visitors. The Beaumont Hotel, which was meticulously restored in the 1990s, and the Wright Opera House, a cultural hub for performances and events, are just two examples of the town's commitment to preserving its historic character.

Modern-Day Ouray

Today, Ouray is a thriving tourist destination that attracts visitors year-round. In the summer, the town serves as a base for hikers, mountain bikers, and off-road enthusiasts looking to explore the surrounding San Juan Mountains. The Million Dollar Highway, a scenic stretch of U.S. Route 550 that connects Ouray to Silverton and Durango, offers breathtaking views of the rugged terrain and is considered one of the most beautiful drives in America.

In the winter, Ouray's Ice Park and its proximity to ski resorts like Telluride make it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The town's natural hot springs, including the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, continue to draw visitors who seek to relax and unwind in the therapeutic waters.

Despite its evolution into a tourist hub, Ouray has retained its small-town charm and close-knit community feel. With a population of just over 1,000 residents, the town is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, local shops and restaurants, and annual events such as the Fourth of July celebration and the Jeep Jamboree, which celebrates the town's off-roading heritage.

Conclusion

The history of Ouray, Colorado, is one of transformation and adaptation. From its early days as a sacred site for the Ute people to its boom as a mining town and its eventual evolution into a tourist destination, Ouray has remained resilient in the face of change. The town's rich history, stunning natural beauty, and commitment to preserving its heritage make it a truly unique place in the American West. Today, Ouray stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the people who have called it home and the many visitors who continue to be drawn to its mountains, hot springs, and historic charm.