Ouray Today

08/19/2025

August 25 - 28, 2025 - Hwy 550 Full Closure
Coal Bank Pass closed for culvert repair/installation.

08/14/2025

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in place. Let's be smart and take care of this special place.

⚠ ! GMUG ENTERS STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
All lands managed by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests will be under stage 2 fire restrictions/prohibitions beginning August 14 at 12:01 a.m. through December 31, unless rescinded.

‼ Under stage 2 fire restrictions, the following are PROHIBITED:

🚫 Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, except if using a device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device. 36 CFR § 261.52(a)
🚫 Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building. 36 CFR § 261.52(d)
🚫 Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR § 261.52(h)
🚫 Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b)
🚫 Possessing or using a motor vehicle off established roads, motorized trails or established parking areas, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle. 36 CFR § 261.56.

Fire managers base decisions about fire restrictions/prohibitions on specific fuel moisture measurements in vegetation and other risk factors such as predicted weather and current fire activity. Fire danger is increasing, and these restrictions/prohibitions will be implemented to protect public health and safety due to the current and anticipated elevated risk of wildfire.

Fire managers will continue to monitor conditions and assess the need for further action, including additional restrictions/prohibitions if the weather remains hot and dry or lessening if a wetter weather pattern develops.

Violation of these regulations is punishable as a class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both. Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for the costs of that fire.

💻 See full restrictions/prohibitions order and map here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/alerts/stage-2-fire-restrictions-prohibitions-effect

08/11/2025

If you're in town on Wednesday!

08/11/2025

Smokey Conditions in the area.

Hey community! 🚒

Stoner Mesa Fire Update, Monday, August 11, 2025 - From Stoner Mesa Fire Information:

SUMMARY: Winds out of the northwest on Sunday and overnight drove the western heel of the fire south across Spring creek into heavy fuels, including standing dead and downed trees. While fire activity was extreme along the southwest edge there was minimal growth on the eastern edge of the fire. The change in wind direction allowed firefighters to work off the eastern edge of the fire as they scouted opportunities to establish fireline. In Rico, more crews arrived to implement proactive structure protection plans in the community.

OPERATIONS YESTERDAY:

• Firefighters working on the Stoner Mesa Trail were able to hold the fire south of the trail.

• Dozer operators and hand crews worked to create fire control line north of the fire off the 686 road with the goal of connecting the line to County Road 38.

• Additional Structure Protection firefighters began work in Rico along the County Road 38 Corridor. The crews are reducing fuels near structures and installing sprinkler systems, out of an abundance of caution.

• A helicopter mission to install a critical communications repeater on Black Mesa was successfully completed. The repeater will improve radio communications for firefighting operations.

OPERATIONS TODAY:

• Firefighters with the San Juan and Union Hotshot crews will continue creating handline to connect control line south of the fire with the South Calico Trail east of the fire.

• Firefighters and dozer crews will be working both north and south of the fire to extend and improve fire control line, using handline, existing roads, trails and natural features such as rock outcroppings and creeks.

• Structure protection crews in the Rico area and along the County 38 corridor will assess structures, proactively take measures to help mitigate fire risk and install sprinklers outside of structures.

• Two new “Spike Camps” will be opened, providing firefighters camping location closer to the fire area.

FIRE BEHAVIOR, SMOKE, AND WEATHER: Winds will be out of the north and northwest, with low humidity levels. There may be more growth near Spring Creek. Smoke will be visible throughout Southwest Colorado and will impact local communities at night as it settles into river corridors and valley bottoms including Highway 145, County Road 38, Dolores, Rico, Telluride, Silverton and the San Luis Valley.

EVACUATIONS: The town of Rico remains in “Ready” status.

08/05/2025

07/22/2025

Bear Creek Trail work happening and trail is partially closed

07/14/2025

For updates on the South Rim Fire (Black Canyon National Park)

ATTENTION: The South Rim Fire has created a dedicated page for future information sharing. Please follow the South Rim Fire Information page for future information: https://www.facebook.com/SouthRimFire

07/11/2025

Smoke/Health advisory due to several lightning caused fires to the north of Ouray

07/09/2025

Always grateful for your service and damn proud to say you're from Ouray!

07/03/2025

Head out and support our VOLUNTEER Fire Department. They make the 4th of July in Ouray that much more special.

🎶🇺🇸 TOMORROW NIGHT! 🇺🇸🎶
Join us for live music from Courthouse Blues Band & Smokin’ Js | 6–10 PM | Fellin Park

🍻 Full bar + food from The Smokehouse
🎟 $10 at the gate (12 & under FREE)
🔥 All proceeds support Ouray Volunteer Fire Department

Come kick off the holiday weekend with good music for a great cause! 🎆



photo cred:

07/02/2025

Black Bear Pass is open for the season.

BLACK BEAR PASS IS OPEN FOR THE SEASON!

Few little tidbits for you:
🚗 If you are not an experienced 4x4 driver, you should not be driving this road.
🚗 If you have to ask us if your car will make it down this trail, you should not be driving this road.
🚗 Yes, it is dangerous.
🚗 UTVs and SxS are not permitted in the Town of Telluride... Yes, that includes yours.
🚗 It is one-way traffic down to Bridal Veil Falls from Black Bear Pass.
🚗 Have fun and enjoy the views!