Located along the San Juan Skyway, Ouray has been a special destination for world travelers for more than 125 years. Escape to Ouray and enjoy: the Victorian architecture, our incredible Native American and mining history, the friendly people, the town's peaceful atmosphere, the naturally heated hot mineral springs and the many recreational opportunities.

Ouray is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Whether you set out to conquer the mountains with rope and carbineer, on foot, bike, or 4-wheel drive: There is a route for everyone.

Autumn is truly an outstanding time of year, with aspen stands and mixed conifer forests exhibiting glorious displays of golden colors.

The winter months are enchanting. At night when the moon light meets the formations of ice and snow they shimmer in a magical dance. It's no wonder that this area has been described as the "Switzerland of America." The Ouray Ice Park, the world's first ice climbing park, displays dramatic frozen waterfalls dotted with climbers in their bright colored gear. Winter fun the San Juan Mountains brings powder snow, deep and untouched -- ripe for back-country adventures on skis, snowboards, snowshoes and snowmobiles. Ouray has its own ski hill with a free towrope -- popular with locals and visitors alike. Stay in Ouray and ski the world class slopes of Telluride at significantly discounted rates!

Summer recreation is unlimited. Ouray is an enthusiast's dream!! The panoramic vistas, mountain basins with waterfalls and wildflowers, are waiting to be captured -- so don't forget your camera!

Ouray is the perfect retreat for rest and relaxation. Besides the area's outdoor opportunities, we have unique shops and galleries, summer and winter events and entertainment, the Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center, and a variety of dining and lodging options.

San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway Map: Travel the "road to the sky" that offers views of the towering San Juan Mountains to rolling hillsides speckled with ancient Indian pueblo ruins. The portion of Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton (24 miles) is named "The Million Dollar Highway" and is part of the San Juan Skyway. This part of the byway is one of the most scenic and spectacular mountain drives in North America.

Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway: Leaves the pavement and people behind and allows you to explore the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. Created by the forces of nature, these mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes now offer visitors the chance to explore the back country of Colorado. The Alpine Loop has hiking trails that access 5 of Colorado's "fourteeners" (peaks of 14,000 feet or more) and Cinnamon and Engineer pass both demand a high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle.

CONFERENCES AND GROUPS: Ouray has hosted conferences for companies with as few as 10 people to larger organizations with over 400 convention participants. We also host a festival to which over 1,000 ice-climbers come from all over the world to participate. Ouray's Conference Center is the perfect place to have your group meeting, company party, family reunion, birthday celebration or wedding. The Conference Center offers 2 separate meeting rooms ranging in capacity from 50 to 400 and provides state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, full commercial kitchen, elevator and ADA accessibility in a relaxed atmosphere and spectacular surroundings.

WEDDINGS: Congratulations on your engagement! If an outdoor event is what you're planning there is nothing like sharing your vows, privately or with family and friends, under an incredible sky in the midst of nature. Ouray is the ideal backdrop for your wedding event if you are searching for picture-post-card views and a beautiful mountain setting. The summer climate is pleasant, with low humidity and warm temperatures. Cool crisp air and warm days are typical of the fall season and the winters are spectacular with clear blue skies and glistening powder snow. Ouray offers a change of pace, stunning scenery, fresh air, and the opportunity for fabulous wedding photos.

Distance in miles and hours. Ouray is a great base camp for the entire Southwest part of Colorado!

• Durango: 80 miles (2 hours)
• Telluride: 47 miles (1 hour)
• Montrose: 34 miles (40 minutes)
• Silverton: 23 miles (40 minutes)
• Cortez: 125 miles (3 hours via Telluride)
• Grand Junction: 96 miles (2 hours)
• Mesa Verde: 110 miles (3 hours)
• Moab: 133 miles (3 hours)
• Colorado Springs: 267 miles (5-6 hours)
• Denver: 300 miles (6-7 hours)
• Albuquerque: 300 miles (6 hours)

1230 Main Street, PO Box 145, Ouray Colorado 81427; 970-325-4746; 800-228-1876.