The Best Small Town In The Rockies For A 3-Day Weekend
Tucked deep in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Ouray is a small town with a larger-than-life past. Once a booming gold-rush hub with hundreds of mines, it has since transformed into a haven for adventurers, history lovers, and anyone seeking mountain serenity. Here, rugged peaks surround Victorian streets, waterfalls thunder through narrow canyons, and remnants of old boomtowns linger in the high country. Thus, it is no surprise that this “Switzerland of America,” which blends natural wonder with a rich frontier heritage, remains one of Colorado’s most captivating escapes. for a three-day weekend.
Historical Sites
It’s quite accurate to call Ouray a golden town. When gold was discovered in the surrounding mountains in the 1870s, prospectors poured in and mining camps quickly grew into thriving towns, including Ouray itself. At its peak, the region boasted more than 300 mines, turning the area into one of Colorado’s busiest hubs of frontier ambition. Though the gold eventually dwindled, it left behind a landscape filled with intriguing ghost towns, silent mine shafts, and stories etched into the rugged San Juan Mountains. These stories continue to shape the charm and character of Ouray today.
Mining in Ouray continued well into the mid-1900s, and today, visitors can still step into that underground world on the Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour. Operating from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century, the mine preserves much of its original equipment and shafts, offering an authentic glimpse into the conditions miners once faced.
For those willing to drive into the high country, several ghost towns reveal even more of the region’s past. Animas Forks, founded in 1875 at nearly 11,180 feet, remains one of Colorado’s most scenic abandoned settlements. Red Mountain Town, once home to 10,000 residents and more than 100 businesses, offers another haunting reminder of how quickly mining fortunes rose and fell in the San Juan Mountains.
Visitors can learn all about Ouray's history of mining, railroading, and ranching at the Ouray County Historical Museum, which is contained within the St. Joseph's Miner's Hospital, built in 1887. This museum takes some time to explore fully, as there are three floors with 38 exhibits in 27 rooms. Speaking of hospitals, one can discover the strange history of alchemy at the Ouray Alchemist Museum, which contains everything from ancient alchemic artifacts to historic pharmaceutical tools dating back as far as 350 BC.
Lastly, visitors can attend a performance or community event at the 1888 Wright Opera House. The Wright Brothers created this house to combat the influence of what they considered to be immoral establishments, such as saloons, dance halls, gambling dens, and brothels.
Nature Destinations In And Around Ouray
As a former mining town surrounded by the rugged San Juan Mountains, Ouray offers a wealth of outdoor adventures ranging from challenging hikes and climbs to peaceful soaks in naturally heated pools. Its famous thermal waters provide a soothing retreat at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, where temperatures span from 80 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing visitors to unwind in a truly alpine setting.
One of the easiest walks in Ouray is at the Box Canyon Falls & Nature Center. These falls dump hundreds of gallons of water through a narrow gorge from Canyon Creek into the Uncompahgre River.
The trails surrounding Ouray offer a wide range of difficulty levels and scenery. Hikers can wander through wildflower-filled meadows and a scenic basin along the Blaine Basin Trail, or opt for a gentler loop on the Uncompahgre River Walk Trail. There are also opportunities to see more ghost towns along these hikes, such as the Ironton Townsite Trail, which is a one-mile route through the Colorado Boy Mine Ghost Town. For a difficult yet rewarding hike, go for 6 miles on the Blue Lakes Trail, which goes up 2,506 feet to alpine lakes.
Climbers also have a lot to see in Ouray, especially at the Ouray Ice Park. This climbing park features over 200 ice and mixed climbs within the Uncompahgre Gorge. Due to this attraction, Ouray has been called the ice climbing capital of the world.
Shopping And Dining
Ouray is a quintessential mountain town, complete with alpine-themed shops. For souvenirs and memorabilia, Mountain Fever Shirts & Gifts provides an extensive and varied collection. Visitors craving Swiss chocolates and cheeses will find the Swiss Store an essential stop.
When it comes to dining, Ouray is known for its laid-back, comfortable restaurants. Western Saloon & Grill offers a classic saloon atmosphere while still remaining kid-friendly. The Full Tilt Saloon is another favorite, featuring a fully stocked bar and hearty classics like Mountain Mac & Cheese and Beer-Battered Fish & Chips. A beloved staple for quick, satisfying bites is Kami’s Samis, a sandwich shop that also caters to vegan and dairy-free diets. The town is home to several Mexican eateries as well, including Mi Mexico Family Restaurant, which serves tamales, tortillas, and other traditional dishes. Craft beer enthusiasts will enjoy Ouray House Brewery, known for its wide selection of beer styles and welcoming atmosphere.
Places To Stay
As far as lodging options go, Ouray offers everything from simple and affordable stays to historic and luxurious retreats. Travelers arriving by RV can settle in at one of 50 sites at the 4J+1+1 RV Park & Campground, while those seeking a cozy, budget-friendly hotel will find comfort at Abram Inn & Suites.
For visitors who prefer a more intimate experience, the Black Bear Manor, located in the heart of town, provides a warm and inviting bed-and-breakfast stay. Meanwhile, those in search of true indulgence can look to the iconic Beaumont Hotel & Spa, considered Ouray’s premier luxury property. Built in 1886, it has welcomed notable guests including President Theodore Roosevelt, King Leopold of Belgium, and Oprah Winfrey.
As of 2025, just over 900 people call Ouray, Colorado, home, giving the town a charming village atmosphere. Yet it is far from an ordinary village. Ouray is a golden one, shaped by rich landscapes and a heritage that spans from historic gold mines to pristine alpine lakes. With countless trails, shops, and historical sites to explore, visitors will find it nearly impossible to fit everything into a three-day weekend. Then again, the best trips are often those where one must choose between many unforgettable experiences.
