Visit
Visit Ouray, Colorado
The Switzerland of America.
Soak in hot springs ringed by 13,000-foot peaks, walk behind a waterfall in Box Canyon, drive the Million Dollar Highway, ice climb the world's first climbing park and discover the Victorian mining town carved into a natural amphitheater of rock.
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A Perfect Day
One Day in Ouray
Morning
Walk behind the waterfall at Box Canyon Falls — a short trail into a narrow canyon where the water thunders 285 feet into a slot. Then truffles and coffee at Mouse's Chocolates.
Afternoon
Jeep to Yankee Boy Basin for wildflower meadows under 14,000-foot peaks, or hike the Perimeter Trail for a full loop around town with views from every angle.
Evening
Soak at Ouray Hot Springs Pool as the sun drops behind the amphitheater walls, then dinner at Brickhouse 737 and a craft beer at Ouray Brewery.
Things To Do
Hot springs, ice climbing and the Million Dollar Highway
A million-gallon hot springs pool, a waterfall inside a box canyon, the world's first ice climbing park, Jeep roads to wildflower basins at 12,000 feet and the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton — all inside a natural amphitheater of rock that earned the name Switzerland of America.
Ouray Hot Springs Pool
Nearly a million gallons of natural sulfur-free hot springs water — five pools ranging from 80° to 106°, open year-round with mountain views from every angle.
Box Canyon Falls
A 285-foot waterfall inside a narrow slot canyon — walk behind the falls on a short, dramatic trail with a suspension bridge.
Million Dollar Highway
The most dramatic stretch of highway in Colorado — hairpin turns, no guardrails and jaw-dropping views from Ouray to Silverton on US 550.
Ouray Ice Park
The world's first public ice climbing park — a man-made ice canyon with 200+ routes, free admission in winter. Clinics and guides available.
Yankee Boy Basin
A 4WD road to wildflower meadows at 12,000 feet beneath Mount Sneffels — one of Colorado's most stunning alpine basins.
Perimeter Trail
A 6-mile loop circling the entire town — canyon views, waterfalls and the amphitheater of peaks from every direction.
Where To Stay
Sleep inside the amphitheater
A luxury Victorian hotel, a lodge with private hot springs tubs, a cave hot springs spa and classic mountain motels — Ouray's lodging is ringed by 13,000-foot walls on three sides.
Rates shown include Booking.com Genius and partner discounts where available.
Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs
Check today's lowest price →Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings
Check today's lowest price →Hot Springs Inn
Check today's lowest price →Not sure where to stay?
Ask Abbi →Cabins & Camps
Sleep in the San Juans
Riverside campgrounds, mountain cabins and vacation rentals inside the amphitheater.
Amphitheater Campground
Directions →Vacation rentals on Vrbo
Browse rentals →Dispersed & forest camping
Ask Abbi →Browse Every Stay
The full Ouray map
Every bookable hotel, cabin and rental around Ouray — live prices, one map.
Map not loading? Browse all Ouray stays →
Where To Eat
Victorian Main Street dining
A three-level brewpub, a steakhouse with a live pianist, handmade truffles, comfort food in a Western saloon and craft cocktails — Ouray's Main Street eats as well as it soaks.
Brickhouse 737
Directions →Ouray Brewery
Directions →The Outlaw Restaurant
Directions →Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee
Directions →Goldbelt Bar & Grill
Directions →Can't decide?
Ask Abbi →Explore Colorado
More Colorado Adventures
Explore scenic drives, historic places, protected landscapes and iconic peaks throughout Colorado.
Shop Local
Take Ouray home
Victorian Main Street storefronts — handmade chocolates, outdoor gear, mining memorabilia and galleries housed in 1880s buildings.
Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee
Directions →Ouray Alchemist Museum & Gift Shop
Directions →Find something specific
Ask Abbi →Move Here
Could Ouray become home?
Learn about housing, winter, work and daily life, then connect with a local broker through the Ouray relocation page.
Make the move
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Nearby Towns
The San Juan corridor
Ouray sits inside a rock amphitheater — Ridgway ten minutes north, Silverton over the Million Dollar Highway, Telluride over Dallas Divide.