Ringed by 13,000-foot peaks on three sides, Ouray is one of Colorado’s most scenic towns in any season.
Ouray at a glance
| Known for | Hot springs, Ouray Ice Park, waterfalls, jeep trails |
|---|---|
| Best for | Hot-springs soaking, ice & rock climbing, 4x4 adventure |
| Getting there | US-550 (Million Dollar Highway); ~40 min from Montrose |
| Best season | Summer for jeeping/hiking; winter for ice climbing |
What to do
- Ouray Hot Springs Pool — a big, family-friendly spring-fed pool in the center of town; plus the historic Wiesbaden vapor cave and Orvis nearby. See our hot springs guide.
- Ouray Ice Park — a world-famous, free man-made ice-climbing venue in a gorge, drawing climbers all winter.
- Waterfalls & hikes — Box Canyon Falls, Cascade Falls, and the Perimeter Trail loop around town.
- Jeep the high country — guided or self-drive 4x4 trails to ghost towns and alpine passes like Imogene and Yankee Boy Basin.
Getting there & where to stay
Ouray sits on US-550 in the San Juans, about 40 minutes south of Montrose and connected to Telluride and Silverton by spectacular mountain roads. It’s a long haul from Denver (5–6 hours) but worth it.
Where to stayFind hotels in OurayBox-canyon views and historic hot springsCheck availability → Prefer a whole place? Search Vrbo condos & cabins in Ouray →Ouray FAQ
What is Ouray, Colorado known for?
Ouray is known as the "Switzerland of America" for its dramatic box-canyon setting in the San Juan Mountains. It is famous for its hot springs, the free Ouray Ice Park for ice climbing, nearby waterfalls, rugged jeep trails to ghost towns, and its place on the scenic Million Dollar Highway.
What is there to do in Ouray in winter?
Winter is ice-climbing season at the Ouray Ice Park, a world-renowned free venue in a gorge. You can also soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, visit the vapor caves, and snowmobile or explore the snowy San Juans.
How do you get to Ouray?
Ouray is on US-550 in southwest Colorado, about 40 minutes south of Montrose and linked to Silverton and Durango by the Million Dollar Highway. It is roughly a five to six hour drive from Denver.