Ouray

Ouray was founded in the late 1870s during the gold and silver strikes because it is such a wonderful place to unwind. The Ouray Hot Springs, where locals and tourists alike go to soak in the healing waters, are fed by natural hot springs. The Ute Indian Chief Ouray, after whom the town is named, is said to have frequented the pool and held ceremonies in the nearby vapor cave. A short hike down to Box Canyon Falls, where the water thunders 285 feet from top to basin into a tight canyon, is a popular activity for tourists and makes for some amazing photo opportunities. In fact, the town's canyons serve as the setting for ice climbing, one of the most well-liked winter activities.

Ouray, Colorado, proudly hosts the Ouray Ice Festival every January at the Ouray Ice Park, which offers the straightforward access climbers love. The town, which is surrounded by deciduous trees like quaking aspens and evergreen scrub oaks, transforms into a stunningly colored canvas each fall, attracting tourists who want to get a closer look at the vibrant foliage. Off-roaders, Jeep tours, and other backcountry lovers frequent the town because of the scenery, the towering San Juan Mountain peaks, and a network of abandoned mining routes. Another well-liked route to travel through the region is the San Juan Skyway Scenic & Historic Byway.

A look at what it was like to be a miner can be obtained from tours of the Bachelor-Syracuse Mine and exhibits at the neighborhood museum. Another option is to take a ghostly tour guide on a carriage or foot through history. Visitors are drawn in by the city's historical structures, a wide variety of inexpensive and comfortable lodging options (some with hot spring pools on-site), special artisan shops and galleries, delicious, diverse restaurants (and the renowned Mouse's Chocolates), and unique shops and galleries.