It took the determination of the hardy prospectors to tame this sparsely inhabited countryside. As unforgiving as the winter season may have been, the early residents were welcomed by the beauty of spring, with the free-flowing streams, wildflowers and wildlife. The Ute Indian Chief Ouray signed a treaty in 1873, which awarded this precious area to these early settlers. The town was incorporated in 1876 and named in his honor.

By 1880, the town began to boom, its population inflated to over 2,500. There were several silver and gold mines which helped to fuel the economy. Numerous saloons, churches, a school, a hospital, hotels and a brothel lined the streets. The Denver Rio Grande Railroad came to town in the late 1880s. This prosperity was not enough to counter the severe decline in silver prices that took place just a few years later. As with many other mining towns in the old west, Ouray’s economy went into decline.

Today, at least two-thirds of the early Victorian structures are still in use. Ouray was declared a National Historic District in 1983. It is obvious that modern day residents honor this achievement, as preservation work appears to be ongoing. There are dozens of quaint shops, restaurants, hotels and pubs in downtown Ouray. With the backdrop of the towering Rockies surrounding you, the views are spectacular to say the least.

Visitors can also enjoy numerous outdoor activities such as four-wheeling, hiking, golfing, biking, fishing or just relaxing in one of the many therapeutic hot springs. Sightseeing adventures abound. Traveling beyond the historic Victorian architecture, you can visit nearby Ouray Ice Park, see numerous waterfalls or take a scenic drive along “The Million Dollar Highway”. Some say the highway was named for its “million dollar views”, others claim it was for the millions of dollars that it must have cost to construct!

Ouray is easily accessible from Montrose, Colorado, which is 37 miles to the north. Having traveled the 70 miles between Ouray and Durango, Colorado, I would hesitate to recommend this for larger rigs or any RV in general. Much of the road is extremely tight, twisty and very steep. Heading southbound from Ouray, one is faced with sharp drop-offs with no guardrails for security, certainly not for the faint of heart!

Both Ouray and nearby Montrose have a wide range of sites available to suit any RV enthusiast’s taste. From the serenity of rolling pastures to the densely forested mountains, the traveler has much to choose from.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Ouray Chamber at
800-228-1876.

Subscription information