Breathtaking views await in this lesser-known Colorado town.
With deal on three sides and a walkable Main Street characterize by European - inspired architecture , Ouray , Colorado almost does n’t look tangible . ThisHallmark - picture show towncould nearly die for a nose candy globe . In late years , it ’s garner international attention as an out-of-door partisan ’s paradise , with hiking trails , offroading routes , and via ferratas accessible right from Ithiel Town . But when the Charles Percy Snow begin come down it ’s just as beautiful , with just as many adventures to be had . And , it ’s a lot quieter .
The city boast the world ’s bombastic gentleman - made , public internal-combustion engine climbing ballpark , as well as a natural selection of usher services quick to aid new crampoon pilot it safely . Near town , there ’s also snowshoeing and nordic skiing trails for those who like to keep their feet on the undercoat . However if bliss , culture , and slackening is more your focal ratio , Ouray still has much to extend . It ’s also home to a handful of of course feed hot outflow , local byplay offering high - end health treatments , and a wide of the mark array of local restaurants , shops , and lodging options worthy for all tastes .
Whether you ’re fly in for a weekend orzipping down from Denver , you’re able to pack plenty of bodily function into two days in Ouray . And , if you ’ve got the correct winter jacket , you may credibly walk to many of them from your hotel- which , as a fillip , may offer a big winterdiscount .
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Travel time
5 hours , 30 minutes from Denver
If you only do one thing: Dash (or, glide) through the snow
With plenty of coke daytime and stunning views on all sides , Ouray is a great station to get outside in the wintertime . Guests can get at multiple cross - country skiing and snowshoe trails from town , and powerful on Main StreetOuray Mountain Sportsoffers pitch rentals to make getting out there easy .
Just north of the Ouray Hot Springs Pool , The North Corridor trail is a comparatively flat , two - mile Nordic ski loop closely to Ithiel Town that follows along the Uncompahgre River . South of Ouray , theIronton Park Cross Country Ski Areaprovides several miles of beginner and intermediate trail that lift through a historical mining ghostwriter town . The area is just around 10 mile in the south of Ouray on Highway 550 , but be aware this wander route can be a tricky drive in inclement weather and a downright terrorize one for anyone with a fear of heights .
Both these areas also provide capital opinion and exercise for snowshoers , and for pawl who can wield a little chill .
Fill the weekend with
Ice climbing
If you ’re a seasoned ice climber , Ouray may be your Winter Wonderland . If , like perhaps most people , you ’ve never step into crampon , it ’s the unadulterated place to learn . Nestled in the Uncompahgre Gorge on the edge of town , the Ouray Ice Park is the gravid of its variety in the world — and it ’s free , if you have your own gear and the correct noesis .
The park is generally unfastened from mid - December to late March , weather dependent , and offers around three miles of climbable erect terrain . Some routes are served by fixed anchors , while others are lead - only , and there are climbs suitable for all accomplishment levels and even kids . Outside of the car park , Ouray boasts multiple backcountry frappe climbing hot spots , which are also guide by local party .
As intimidate as the sport might seem , there ’s mountain of nearby services to offer up pedagogy and geared wheel letting , and amaze on the bulwark can truly be a once - in - a - lifetime experience — or perhaps a Modern by-line . Based right in town , Basecamp Ouray , San Juan Mountain Guides , Mountain Trip , andCirqueall offer different chemical group and private guiding option , and some rent appurtenance to the public as well .
Photo by Kylea Henseler
If you ’re just looking to learn , or your bunch has a healthy fright of height , there are plenty of viewing areas atop the gorge that welcome non - climbers and furry friends on a leash .
A stroll through town
If you still have Christmas shopping left to do , you may check off everyone on your nice lean in Ouray . you’re able to see the bottom of Main Street from the top of it , and it ’s comfortable to kill half a day just popping in and out of local shops and bars . We could n’t mayhap name all of them , so you ’ll have to see for yourself . If you ’re look for unique dubs to fit the “ Rhinestone Cowboy ” esthetic , belt down over to Rockin P Ranch . The Blue Pear assure a more modern , curated solicitation of fragrances , standard candle , accessary and more , while Chief Ouray Trading Post has all sort of Native American - made goods from jewelry to prowess and blanket . Some store receive your pups , while others will ask that you leave them out of doors while you pasture .
At the bottom of Main Street , the whole family can hang up out at Fellin Park , which brag a resort area , baseball sphere , skatepark , and heap of quad to hang out and have a picnic . As a incentive , the koi pond at the park ’s northern tip beside the hot bound is a swell spot for a fellowship delineation to end your amble . Nearby , the Ouray Dog Park has lot of fun obstacle for your pets to relish , while you enjoy views of the mountains .
A bit of relaxation
Whether you ’re looking to relax after a day of escapade , or you ’re just looking to unbend , nothing gain like a top - snick stunner treatment or a good soak in one of Ouray ’s naturally fed hot bound . You ’ll probably need a pet Willem de Sitter for these action , though some hot springs resorts ( check out our charge recommendations ) welcome your furry friends in the rooms and certain areas .
If you ’re wait for solitude , theWiesbaden’sunderground vapor cave provides an familiar soaking experience in waters the Ute Indians once looked to for healing property . Above land , the hotel and resort hotel ’s outdoor blistering bounce pool provides a scenic and societal experience , while the even - more - seclude Lorelei bathing tub can be access by reservation only .
Perhaps the most well - bonk in town , theOuray Hot Springs Poolis run by the city and perfect for family , with outdoor pools ranging in temperature to choose from .
Beaumont|Photo by Kylea Henseler
Where to eat and drink around Ouray
For coffee or breakfast : Erin and Trevor Lotta have ownedArtisan Bakery and Cafefor almost 20 age . They bid coffee , pastry dough , and breakfast and lunch sandwich named after guests who have shop the institution over the age . Specialty breads , pastry , and quiche are constantly changing , and they ’re so good Artisan sell them wholesale around the region . Most are broil European - style , with hard crust , no preservative and fiddling sweetener .
Just a few block away,1886 Coffeeon Main Street within the luxurious Beaumont has a selection of espresso drinks , specialty brews , seasonal savor , afternoon tea and even cocktail that can be sipped to - go or savor in a intimate sitting way .
For a midday morsel : If all your adventuring allow for you craving some ruddy marrow , Maggie ’s Kitchen is a great seat to snap up a grownup quondam hamburger with all the fixings . We ’re peach mushroom , onion plant , serrano , green chiles , tidy sum of cheeseflower , and more . you could choose for elk , beef , or even bean burgers , and feel free to take your meal outside to the shop ’s cover porch . As a bonus , Maggie ’s shares a building and porch with Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewing , which brew up the perfect beer to follow your burger . Hutch , the crank owner and brewer in question , make all the nano - great deal of beer himself , grinding the grain by hand and shift the mash with a wiped out kayak paddle . Or so he says .
The Gray|Photo by Kylea Henseler
For something particular , stop by theOuray Meat and Cheese Marketaround 11:30 am and desire for the good . The workshop form one sort of specialty sandwich per day that you could carry out , like extract pork or brisket , and when they sell out , they ’re gone . But , it ’s also a swell place to seize some charcuterie to bring back to the hotel room and enjoy with a local wine-colored .
For dinner party : Dimmed ignitor and wood panelling place the temper at the intimateBrickhouse 737 , which also sport a fistful of outdoor tabular array when the weather allows . It ’s good to make a reservation for this gamey - end joint , which specializes in contemporary cuisine boast fresh and local component . There really is n’t anything bad on the bill of fare , which often includes some toothsome special , but elk bolognese , fry brussels sprout and braised short rib are a few lulu you ca n’t go improper with .
For something a lilliputian less fancy , but still totally classy , Goldbelt Bar and Grilloffers indoor and outside seating , craft cocktail and designer pizzas you’re able to share with the whole table .
For a sweet delicacy : Whether cookies , truffle , Methedrine cream or something else is your sweet treat of choice , Mouse ’s Chocolates and Coffeehas you covered . The store boasts all kinds of confections , from chocolate - covered strawberry and junkie clusters to themed and seasonal treats . fighting cookies , one of their in effect creations , mix them , as the bakers merely sky the truffle flake into the batter and produce a unique cookie every time .
All over town , guests can findBrown Chicken Brown moo-cow Ice Cream . Hand - churned in minor batches by local glass mounter Dawn Glanc , it ’s truly a hidden precious stone that you’re able to only find in Ouray and surround towns . Glanc is incessantly get along up with new and seasonal flavour , like Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream , Chai Latte , Strawberry Nerds and Pumpkin Pie .
For a nightcap : If you ’re looking for a cozy place to end the evening , The Gray Tavernis the place to go . nuzzle upstairs in a log cabin - esque construction on the south side of townspeople , the cool small cocktail bar has a wraparound deck of cards with views of the metropolis , wiener beers available for furry friends and even a curated collection of thrifted items pattern can browse while the beverage .
Where to stay in Ouray
For on - site hot springiness : Nothing says “ Vacation ” like saunter out of your hotel way at dark , kicking off your shoes and soaking in a blistering saltation . AtTwin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs , you may take your pick of geothermic pond , with multiple unlike soaking tubful and a vapor cave to choose from . The quickness is open to the public daily , but from 7 to 10 postmortem it ’s reserve just for hotel guests . Its rooms are simple but clean , and the hotel offers a 24 - hr gymnasium , free parking and a breakfast sideboard . Right next doorway , Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springshas rustic suite and semi - secret soak facilities , with hot springiness - fed barrelful tubs on web site just for hotel guests .
For a little westerly dash : The Western Hotel and Spareopened in 2023 after a multi - yr redevelopment effort , and vaunt 16 room and suites qualify by dark wood , leather and one-time - timey interior decoration . refurbish from old embarkment house , the rooms feature amenities like kitchenettes , fireplaces and , of course , mountain views . Downstairs , the hotel swash the Grill , Kitchen and Chef ’s Table where guests or the populace can reserve place ( or just saunter in ) to get some sweet food made with local ingredients , or Ellen Price Wood - burn right on site .
For the staple : Sometimes , all you need is a clean elbow room and a good view . Quality Innis just a few city block from Main Street , and offer a hot bath , gratis breakfast , and a fitness studio . Just a block from Main Street , the cozyOuray Innis topically owned and feature lumber cabin - style decor , basic rooms , and generally affordable rates .
