Little Switzerland of America

ORIGINALLY NAMED Uncompahgre after the Ute word for “hot water springs,” the name was changed in honor of Ute Chief Ouray, who signed the Brunot Treaty giving the San Juans to the US. The town perches at 7,700 feet, nestled in a steep V-shaped valley surrounded by 13,000-plus-foot peaks, reminiscent of Switzerland.
To the south is the rugged and wildly scenic Uncompahgre Gorge and the Million Dollar Highway leading to Silverton and Durango. To the east lies Lake City, with access via the roughest part of the Alpine Loop. West is Telluride, golf and ski mecca awash in bling and with a reliable Hollywood contingent.

Ouray is at the north end of the rough road, and after that the 30-minute ride north through farm country into Montrose is fairly flat and smooth, giving easy access to airport, hospital, and an hour past that, the Interstate. Of the three Loop towns, Ouray has the largest population (which is growing) with a healthy mix of old timers and newcomers). Due to access and proximity to high-end resorts, Ouray also has the most viable year-round economy.

HOT SPRINGS What’s Ouray got the other two loop town’s don’t? The Hot Springs Pool and Park; it’s a huge draw that brings people here year round to soak. This area has long been known for its natural hot springs, which were a favorite the Utes, then later of the earlier pioneers and many who “took the waters” for health reasons. Today the pool and park host festivals, a mining contest, live music, baseball, and other activities.

HISTORY The narrow gauge railroad once served Ouray, but because it was unable to travel the steep gorge to the south, had to go all the way around through Telluride, to Dolores, then through Durango to reach Silverton, just a few miles south as the crow flies, but a long ride by rail. Rail service once provided everything anyone wanted or needed, including furniture, building supplies, household goods, farming implements, mining equipment, food and clothes. Downtown streets were lined with hotels, restaurants, bakeries and butchers, livery stables, general stores, a hospital (now a museum), and of course, an assay office. Surrounding residential areas were ornately and elegantly Victorian.

Many of the lovely old homes and brick buildings downtown survive today—the entire town is on the Historic Register. Stop by the museum on 6th street, visit the exhibits and pick up a Town Walking Tour Map. Also worth visiting are the Box Canyon Falls and Cascade Falls. Information on both is at the museum. For more about Ouray, visit their "official" web site, http://www.ouraycolorado.com/

Photographs (top to bottom):
Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Park.
Ouray History Museum (former county hospital)
Ouray County Courthouse in fall.