SUMMER ADVENTURES

Head for the mountains-your choice of summer recreation is unlimited. Ouray is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Conquer the mountains with rope and carbineer, on foot, bike, or four-wheel drive-there's a route for everyone. In addition, Ouray's unique shops and galleries, summer events and entertainment, and variety of dining and lodging options make Ouray the perfect retreat for rest and relaxation. The panoramic vistas, mountain basins with waterfalls and wildflowers, are waiting to be captured on film-so don't forget your camera.


Biking - This beautiful area offers a well-rounded off-road experience for cyclists. Cyclists of all levels can spend several days in Ouray pedaling through the mountains of Colorado, accessing numerous back roads and trails that wind above and around Ouray, as well as access unlimited riding throughout the San Juan Mountains.

Golfing - Ouray is fortunate to have a world class golf course only 20 minutes north of town. A championship course, rated 4 stars by Golf Digest in 2003, Fairway Pines Golf & Country Club is one of the best courses to play in the U.S. It has also been recognized as one of the top courses for female golfers by Golf for Women. There are a number of other golf courses within a one to two hour drive of Ouray.

Prospecting - Young and old alike will enjoy looking for that nugget of gold or silver that got away from the old prospector and was left behind waiting to be plucked from the side of the river. Learn how earlier miners worked the tunnels and panned the waters for precious metals.

Camping - Pack your tent and sleeping bag and head outdoors for an exhilarating adventure. Whether you are seeking the serenity of the high country in the Uncompahgre National Forest or the convenience of our friendly well-appointed campgrounds or State Parks, there is something for everyone. For you star gazers, the night sky is remarkable with the Milky Way standing out like a great bridge to the heavens.

Hiking - Conquer the mountains! The forest service and a local trail group maintain over 65 spectacular hiking trails in the area. The region has trails for all experience levels. Cascade and Box Canyon Falls are both close to town and easy hikes on well-maintained trails. Some of the most popular but more difficult trails are the Amphitheatre trails, Blue Lakes, Campbird Road trails, Dallas Twin Peaks trail, Horsethief, the Nordic and Ironton trails, and Courthouse. The opportunities for you to find remote high backcountry trails are limitless. Remember to protect these trails, "Take only pictures, and leave only footprints".

Four Wheeling - Enjoy over 500 miles of four-wheel drive adventures on old pack-mule trails established over 100 years ago. We have it all - from easy to technical. Explore the high country, old mining claims and mountain basins carpeted in wildflowers. Ouray has earned the much-deserved reputation of the "Jeeping Capital of the World". Four-wheeling enthusiasts travel here all summer long for the breathtaking scenery and then again during the fall months for the spectacular amber colors.

Ouray Hot Springs Pool - Revitalizing in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, or other privately owned springs, is popular with visitors year-round. You can soak and play in the pool for the entire day or use the therapeutic springs for welcome relief after a long day's adventure in the high-country. It is truly a serene and memorable experience staring into the night sky while soaking in the hot springs of Ouray.

Shopping - Explore our galleries and shops for one-of-a-kind treasures. From original art to sporting equipment, you are sure to find a unique item for that someone special, or for yourself!

Rock Climbing - Discover our best kept secret - our pristine climbing conditions. You won't find overused and crowded routes here. Ouray offers a wide selection of crags, from traditional climbs to bolted sport climbs that will test your limits.

Fishing - Are you an angler dying to wet your line in the streams, rivers and lakes of southern Colorado? If you are, there are many excellent fishing areas located within a short distance of Ouray, from popular catch-and-release areas to more serene small alpine lakes. If you're looking for trout then you're in the right place. The Colorado Division of Wildlife describes fishing in southern Colorado as "where the rivers run wilder and the trout grow larger".

Ouray's Heritage - For guests who appreciate the elegance of the Victorian era, Ouray is "paradise found". This intimate town has over 31 historic commercial buildings and churches and over 25 lovingly-restored Victorian homes. Start at the Historical Museum for a look back at Ouray's colorful past and then enjoy Ouray to the fullest by following along the historical walking tour.

Photography - Whether a novice or pro, the mountains surrounding Ouray offer vistas and wildlife opportunities that are sure to create a "shot of a lifetime". Enjoy the scenic overlooks along the San Juan Skyway, the high country basins, wildflowers, and ghost towns, or in the fall, the mountainsides covered in golden aspens. Whatever the view, you're sure to find something to "snap".

Excursions

• Discover the spectacular Box Cañon Falls
• Bike the ultimate ride in the San Juans
• Raft the Uncompahgre River from the town of Ridgway to the Ridgway Reservoir and beyond
• Hike the spectacular scenic trails around Ouray
• Jeep up to Yankee Boy Basin and enjoy the Alpine flowers, Twin Falls, abundant wildlife, and mountain terrain
• Explore the Ouray Historical Museum and take the self guided Historic Walking Tour
• View the breathtaking Mount Sneffels range while crossing the spectacular Dallas Divide on your way to Telluride
• Learn more about the history of hard-rock mining, visit and then pan for gold at one of the local mine tours
• Explore all the old ghost towns and trails to the "top of the world"
• Drive to Silverton over the famous Million Dollar
  Highway and through one of the most prosperous mining areas in the county
• Pack your gear bag and head out for spectacular alpine cragging