Ouray, Colorado is a mountain gem affectionately known as the “Switzerland of America.” At nearly 7,800 ft in the San Juan Mountains, this historic alpine town captivates with its dramatic box-canyon setting, cascading waterfalls, and outdoor excitement (which we left for the younger people!) Ouray’s history is deeply rooted in mining and Native American culture and this little town feels like it was plucked straight from a postcard—and then given a generous dusting of Old West charm.
Founded in 1875–76 during the San Juan mining boom, Ouray sprang to life as a hub for gold and silver hopefuls. After the 1893 silver crash, it might have faded, but C.L. Hall famously observed: “Ouray is Peerless. She will be famous as a mountain resort…”
Today, the entire town resides within a 114-acre Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places! It is delightfully walkable, with historic buildings that tell stories of mining booms and rough-and-tumble days gone by.
We strolled down Main Street, admiring the lovingly preserved architecture and popping into quirky shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. The smell of fresh mountain air mixed with coffee and pine needles—it’s intoxicating.
We stayed in Ouray for one week, renting a VRBO home that backed up to the Uncompahgre River, and centrally located enough to visit other area sites.
A few of our Ouray activities included:
Uncompahgre River Walking Trail
The main river in Ouray, Colorado, is the Uncompahgre River. It flows through the town and is a prominent feature in the area. We took multiple hikes along the river, which was right out the back door of our B&B.
San Juan Choral Festival
We were fortunate to catch the last night of this regional choral festival. This was a 32 voice choir lead by a core group of professional musicians and the performance was outstanding. The tag line was “Creating Exceptional Choral Music in an Exceptional Place….Our San Juans.”
The concert was in the Wright Opera House…..a beautifully preserved, historic gem—and supposedly one of Colorado’s most iconic opera houses. It was built in 1888 by mining entrepreneurs Ed and George Wright to bring high‐culture—plays, lectures, music—as an uplifting alternative to saloons and gambling halls. Today it hosts live theater, concerts, movie screenings, lectures, trivia nights, and more.
The theater seats 100+ and pairs historic ambience (wooden beams, vintage stage curtain) with modern projection and surround‑sound systems. In 2022, the venue received History Colorado’s Governor’s Award for its exceptional restoration.
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Box Canon Falls Park
Box Canyon Falls is where raw geological power meets jaw-dropping beauty. A steady roar echoes off the canyon walls, growing louder as we got closer as we followed the scenic trail into the narrow gorge. Then, suddenly, we were there: standing at the foot of a 285-foot waterfall, where snowmelt from the surrounding San Juan Mountains crashed into a tight, granite slot with awe-inspiring force.
The canyon itself is so narrow and deep that it feels like the earth split open just to let the water through. Mist swirled around us and the rock walls towered overhead; it’s both humbling and exhilarating
We took several hikes…but have to admit that the altitude caused some problems in our endurance! We both had problems keeping our blood oxygen up and our heartbeats down! So, our walks were slower and shorter…but enjoyable!
Digging Into the Past at the Ouray County Historical Museum
This is a true hidden gem—a lovingly curated treasure trove of local history, housed in what was once the St. Joseph’s Miners’ Hospital, built in 1887. The museum winds through room after room of fascinating exhibits that bring Ouray’s colorful past to life.
We explored everything from mining tools and medical equipment to Victorian-era clothing, historic photographs, and old-timey kitchen gadgets that made us grateful for modern appliances! As we wandered—something unexpected happened! I started spotting items from my own childhood (like the soda-fountain above!). Old rotary phones, kitchen tools, schoolroom desks, and even packaging I hadn’t seen in decades…. all behind glass with little placards marked “historic.” Yikes! What does that say about us?
One room is even preserved as a turn-of-the-century hospital ward, complete with original iron beds and medical artifacts—eerily fascinating and a little bit haunting.
The mining exhibits are especially compelling, showcasing the area’s rugged roots and the lives of the hardy souls who shaped this community. There’s even a recreated mine shaft, which gives you a real sense of the danger and grit of early miners’ lives.
This museum visit was equal parts nostalgic and humbling. It’s funny how history sneaks up on you; one day you’re using these things, the next, they’re in a museum. But honestly, it just made me appreciate how far we’ve come—and how lucky we are to remember and recognize these everyday relics of the past!
What makes this museum truly special is its personal touch—many of the artifacts were donated by local families, and each display is rich with stories that make the history feel intimate and alive.
This museum isn’t flashy or high-tech, but it’s deeply authentic—and that’s exactly what makes it shine. This was a quiet but powerful peek into Colorado’s wild past….as well as my own!
We had a couple of visitors while we were in Ouray. Jim and Pam Donnely visited for a couple of days. They are Tucson friends of Bonnie, Chris, Conrad and Jane.
We had not met them before, but, several years back, we had stayed in their Flagstaff home while they were away. …. one the many houses they own!
We hiked and dined together, as well as threw our own little “No Kings” gathering (since the 6/14/2025 day of national rallies was too long a drive for the time we had!)
It was coincedental that the other friends, whom the rest knew from their Tucson church, were in Ouray at the same time. The two gals and their children were camping in the area. We learned that one was just beginning to recover from a horrible condition called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS).
It is is a group of conditions that occur when nerves and/or blood vessels are compressed in the space between the collarbone and the first rib. She had unbearable pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand for so long and had to quit her job. After a series of surgeries (after being put off by multiple physicians with incorrect diagnoses), she is finally in recovery, although with residual nerve damage. I am recording that disease here so I remember the name of it! Her story was very painful to listen to.
What We did not do but should have in Ouray!!!
The Ouray area is famous for its natural hot springs—steamy, mineral-rich pools tucked among Colorado’s rugged mountains. All of this is set against a backdrop of towering mountains! We just did not get our act together to do it…on the other hand, getting used to our new altitude, while sitting in 100 degree water, did not seem like the healthiest alternative at the time!
After our week in Ouray, there’s no denying there must be significant financial hurdles that come with calling Ouray home. First there is the staggering cost of housing (median home cost is over $1,000,000!) This figure, combined with a limited inventory, creates a prohibitive real estate market for the average buyer. We were told that most of the workforce (overwhelmingly tourism-related) live someplace else!
Ouray, because of tourism and remoteness, is a place where your wallet feels lighter!!! Our first grocery shopping trip found prices generally about one-third more expensive than what we are used to! Two members of our group volunteered to drive 35 miles to do our “big grocery shopping” after our initial shock! On the other hand, we were told it is cheaper here than in Aspen, where median housing prices are $3-4 million!!
June, 2025 traveling Colorado with the Bairds and Pauls