🏔️ Ouray, Colorado: Mountain Majesty, Mining Lore & Soothing Springs

September 1, 2024

This week we’re diving into one of our favorite nearby mountain towns: Ouray, Colorado—the “Switzerland of America.” Well-preserved architecture, charming shops, hot springs, waterfalls, jaw-dropping mountain scenery, and rich mining history make this town a gem in its own backyard—and yes, we might be a little biased—but we think it’s easily one of Colorado’s best small-town adventures.

🗺️ From Ridgway to Ouray: A Canyon-Through-Jewel Box

Ouray is nestled about 10 miles from Ridgway at the end of a stunning canyon on the way to Silverton. The canyon walls tower above you, and as you wind your way in, the mountain drama unfolds—lush trees, cliff faces, wildflowers, and the crisp

Colorado air practically fill your soul.

Originally established by miners in the late 1800s searching for silver and gold, this little town once had more horses and mules than people. At its peak around 1890, the population hit 2,500. Today, it’s home to fewer than 1,000, but the rich character hasn’t dimmed.

🌊 Cascade Falls Hike: A Quiet Morning Welcome

We arrived early to beat the crowds and kick things off with a short—but steep—hike to Cascade Falls. Park at the east end of 8th Avenue and be prepared for a rocky climb. It's a quick but intense workout that pays off with a brilliant waterfall dropping into a deep blue pool.

The Hubs took the high trail to the base of the falls while I stayed below to soak in the morning mist—classic waterfall magic 🪨🌿.

This area is part of the Perimeter Trail, a 6-mile moderately challenging loop encircling the canyon above Ouray. You can tackle it in segments—just remember, you're at 8,000+ ft elevation. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and if you're bringing a dog, be aware only part of the trail is dog-friendly.

🏥 From Miners’ Hospital to Museum: St. Joseph’s Transforms

With the falls behind us, we headed to the old St. Joseph’s Miner’s Hospital, now transformed into the Ouray County Museum.

• Doors opened in 1887

• Served patients until 1964

• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

• 3 floors, 27 rooms, 38 exhibits—packed with local lore

Mining towns always have big stories, and this museum delivers. They gave us an entrance token to watch a Jack Dempsey fight—so cool! And yes, Popsicles were invented here by accident—talk about sweet history 🍦.

The Camp Bird Mine office here is a standout display. That mine was legendary—and we’ll take you there in our next video. The fluorescent mineral exhibit felt like a mini planetarium—it’s mesmerizing!

⚖️ Dark Chapters: A Tale of Justice & Wealth

Mining camps like Ouray were often rough places, and the museum isn’t shy about violence and vigilante justice. One story stood out: a couple was brutally accused of torturing and killing a 10-year-old girl. Once the town discovered the crime, angry locals broke into the jail and lynched the pair—Colorado's only recorded lynching of a woman in mining towns.

The silver panic of 1893 devastated Ouray until Thomas Walsh discovered the massive gold-bearing Camp Bird Mine. Walsh’s fortune was so vast that his daughter eventually bought the legendary Hope Diamond—worth over $5 million in today’s value! This museum is huge—it’s so extensive we barely scratched the surface.

🏛️ Name Origins & Local Legends: The Story Behind ‘Ouray’

Ouray is probably Colorado’s most mispronounced name (“OOOray?”). But it was named after a revered Ute man known as "Chief Ouray", honored by early settlers for his diplomacy—he helped avoid war with the Ute people. He wasn’t a traditional chief by Ute standards, but he accepted the title and signed treaties as such. He spoke Ute dialects, Spanish, and even some pigeon English.

Also mentioned in many mining histories? Otto Mears, often called the “Pathfinder.” He built over 450 miles of toll roads and railways across Southwest Colorado in the late 1800s—intentions of connecting these remote mining towns and laying the groundwork for today’s highways.

🚘 Explore Historic Ouray: Dirt Streets & Victorian Dreams

There’s no better way to take in Ouray than driving its dirt side streets. Many Victorian-era homes have been lovingly restored, and local wildlife often wanders through yards—though feeding deer is against the law. Residents take pride in preserving their heritage, and it shows in every corner.

Main Street itself is a National Historic District, lined with brick buildings from the late 1800s. Quaint shops, cozy cafes, art galleries, and historic architecture make strolling this street pure delight.

🕰️ Hidden Gems: The Alchemist & Beaumont Hotels

• Alchemist Museum: A hidden trove on Main. You need to book ahead, but expect curiosity cabinets, odd contraptions, and alchemical lore.

• Beaumont Hotel: Inspired by Denver’s Brown Palace and once Ouray’s flagship, it sat vacant for years before beautiful renovations brought it back to life.

These two spots are Ouray’s secret stars waiting for the curious to discover.

🧊 Box Canyon Falls: A Canyon-Boxed Marvel

Just south of town lies Box Canyon Falls, tucked into a sheer-walled canyon. Follow signs from downtown and pass the Ouray Ice Park (winter climbing mecca).

• A paved walkway leads you to a spectacular 285-foot waterfall

• There's a high-bridge trail up above for panoramic views

• The main trail loops back to the visitor center via a nature path—great for crowd control and scenic flow

The National Audubon Society recognizes this canyon as a vital bird area—North American emigrants like Black Swifts arrive from Brazil in early summer!

♨️ Soak & Stroll: Ouray’s Hot Springs + River Walk

Next: Felin Park (Hot Springs Park), centrally located with a playground, picnic grounds, koi pond, and—most importantly—hot springs pool. Our favorite time? Winter nights, surrounded by steam and starlight 🌌.

There are five communal pools plus private hot springs available at local lodging. Walking north from the springs takes you to the Uncompahgre River Walk, a peaceful 2-mile loop with benches, fitness stations, and glimpses of the old Gold Hill Mine high above.

⛏️ Go Deeper: Mine Tours & Backroad Adventures

While there’s plenty to explore already, here are must-do experiences if you have time:

1. Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour – A hands-on tour that teaches real mining techniques and history

2. Backroads & Ghost Towns – We’ll feature these mysterious roads in future videos.

3. Free Climbing Park – Offers ropes, climbs, and breathtaking views without a charge!

🍔 Lunch & Local Tastes: Food, Views & Growing Pains

We usually hit our favorite burger joint, but on this visit, it was closed due to a lack of employees. Instead, we popped into Mouse's—a fun spot with solid fare and great vistas. Comfortable, quirky, regularly evolving—just like Ouray.

🎉 Why Ouray Captivates Our Hearts

• History: Hospitals, brothels, murders, fortunes, near-collapse, rebirth

• Nature: Canyon cliffs, waterfall magic, thermal hot springs

• Architecture: Victorian gems and thoughtful preservation

• Local Color: Wild spring koi, rare birds, friendly cats—even deer wander (ust no feeding!)

• Adventure: Hiking, rock climbing, mine tours, river strolls

Every step you take here tells a story.

📝 Pro Travel Tips for Ouray

• Altitude: 8,000+ ft—hydrate, pace yourself, bring sunscreen

• Shoes: Bring sturdy shoes for uneven trails and motel steps

• Reservations: Book Beaumont Hotel, Alchemist Museum, mine tours

• Trail Info: Grab a Perimeter Trail map and plan your sections

• Hot Springs: Winter nights = magic time; private pools available too

• Wildlife: No feeding wildlife—seriously. Preserve the balance 🌿

🚥 What’s Next on Our Colorado Trail?

We just scratched the surface of Ouray’s wild beauty and rich past. In our next post and video, we’ll explore ghost towns, scenic drives, and our favorite mine-hiking routes stretching into the heart of the San Juans.

Thanks for joining us on this journey 🌄! If you loved coming along, hit “Like & Subscribe" on our video.

Tell us your favorite Ouray spots or questions in the comments—we love hearing from other Colorado adventurers. Until next time—keep chasing those hidden mountain stories!