This Main Street In The Rockies Feels Like A Movie Set
Imagine walking down a bustling street lined with historic Victorian-era buildings and cute shops. In the background, you can see jagged mountain peaks and lush greenery. This is what walking down the main street in Ouray, Colorado, is like. Walking down Main Street, also called 3rd Street, feels like walking onto a movie set. The combination of charming Victorian architecture, historic buildings, and a stunning mountain backdrop makes Main Street a timeless setting perfect for a movie set. Here, we explore these attributes and more of what makes Ouray's Main Street so theatrical. After reading about the beautiful scenery, you will want to start packing for a trip to this quaint mountain town.
Historic Buildings
Walking down Ouray's Main Street, it is clear that Ouray has a rich history. The historic architecture lining the street will transport you back to the 1880s mining era. Ouray was established in the 1870s with the gold and silver strikes. Explore some of the buildings reminiscent of this lost era, such as the Ouray County Courthouse. Built in 1888, this historical government building showcases Queen Anne-style architecture. The courthouse has a backdrop of mountain peaks and is surrounded by lush greenery, making it look like a building from a movie.
The Beaumont Hotel, also on Main Street, is an iconic hotel and a prime example of Victorian-style architecture with French, Italianate, and Romanesque Revival elements. The hotel dates back to 1887, and over the years, it has hosted presidents, royalty, and legends. Today, the hotel has updated its amenities with flat-panel televisions and a spa on-site, but has also retained its historic charm, with many of the rooms featuring antique furniture, making the Beaumont Hotel the perfect blend of history and luxury.
Main Street is also home to a beautiful historic venue, the Wright Opera House. Built in 1888 and known for its elaborate facade, the Opera House is a vibrant arts and culture venue, hosting performances, films, and community events. If you are visiting Ouray and looking for some local entertainment, this is the place to go. The historic venue looks just like something you might see on a timeless and elegant movie set.
Charming Shops
No small town movie set is complete without charming shops and cute eateries that capture the character of the town, and on Ouray's Main Street, you will find just that. Walking down Main Street, you will find a unique array of shops to browse, with something for everyone. Check out Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee for gourmet coffee and artisanal chocolates. Columbine Mineral Shop is the shop for rock lovers. You can grab a souvenir from Bloom Modern Mercantile, a small boutique that sells home goods.
If you are looking to pick up supplies for an outdoor hiking or in-town ice climbing adventure, stop into Ouray Mountain Sports, which specializes in outdoor equipment and rentals. There are also plenty of galleries and local artist shops that showcase the work of local artists. The Blue Pear is a unique artist shop that sells handmade goods and local treasures, especially around Christmas time.
Scenic Backdrop
Beyond the area's rich history and charming shops, part of what makes Ouray's Main Street special is the natural scenery. Ouray is nestled in a box canyon in the rugged San Juan Mountains. The narrow canyon surrounding the city has steep walls on three sides, featuring unique geological formations that create a dramatic scenery. From Ouray's Main Street, you can admire the towering peaks that encircle the town, creating a cinematic backdrop. There are numerous opportunities around town to explore the beautiful scenery of the area. With just a short (but steep) walk from Main Street, you can enjoy a waterfall view at Box Cañon Falls.
From there, hop on the 5.6-mile Perimeter Trail that circles the town to hike to other beautiful views. Marked paths off the main trail will take you to see sites including Cascade Falls, Baby Bathtubs, and the famous Ouray Ice Park. The climbing park nestled in the Uncompahgre Gorge opens from mid-December to late March for ice climbing, allowing climbers of all experience levels to brave the conditions with ice picks, crampons, and sturdy mountaineering boots. In the summer, the same area is open as a Via Ferrata park, complete with iron rungs, ladders, and bridges.
Ouray Hot Springs
After meandering through Ouray and its Main Street, you can unwind in a hot springs pool with perfect views of the jagged mountain peaks. Right in the center of town, unmissable, is the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. Kick up your heels after a long day of walking and enjoying Ouray, and take a dip in the warm spring water. The Ouray Hot Springs Pool features several geothermal pools with varying temperatures. The pools are the perfect spot to unwind at and are particularly popular since they are free of the sulfur smell common in many other hot springs.
Beyond Main Street
From the historic buildings to the charming local shops and beautiful natural scenery, it is easy to see why Ouray's Main Street is comparable to a movie set. If you visit Main Street, be sure to have your camera ready, as there are numerous opportunities for stunning photos. The jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains give the town a magical backdrop, encouraging nature lovers to plan to spend a few extra days in Ouray. With over 300 miles of trails to explore in the area, the town welcomes visitors throughout the year. From the charming Main Street downtown to the vast wilderness to explore, a trip to this town makes for a memorable vacation.
