Touch the Mountains! Adventure, relaxation, inspiration, or just plain fun, it's all waiting for you in Ouray, the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado.
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Ouray has been a special destination of world travelers for more than 100 years. This small intimate community is nestled in some of the most rugged and towering peaks of the Rockies. Set at the narrow head of a valley at 7,792 feet and surrounded on three sides with 13,000 foot snowcapped peaks - Ouray is home to hundres of miles of historic Jeep roads, sulfur-free hot springs with stunning views and the world-famous Ouray Ice Park.
08/26/2025
The threat of heavy rainfall from thunderstorms continues for another day. Recent wildfire burn scars will be especially vulnerable to excess runoff from storms today, as well as many areas and roadways in steep terrain or where soils favor debris slides. Be prepared to move to a safe zone or higher ground if these storms approach your area. Plenty of cloudiness and precipitation will keep temperatures on the cool side today and the next several days.
08/25/2025
🚧 Travel Advisory: US 550 between Durango & Silverton will have full closures Aug. 25–28 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. daily for culvert installation near Coal Bank Pass. Expect delays or use Hwy 145 through Telluride as an alternate. Plan ahead for your trip! Learn more: https://www.codot.gov/news/2025/august/road-closures-aug25-us550-coalbankpass
08/14/2025
📣 Free Entry at Box Cañon Falls Park! 🌊✨
Today, Wednesday, August 13th, enjoy free admission to Box Cañon Falls Park from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM!
Please note — the Visitor Center will be closed during this time, but you’re welcome to explore the park and take in the stunning scenery at no cost.
Come soak in the beauty of one of Ouray’s most iconic spots! 🏞️
07/28/2025
🌄 Before You Drive the Million Dollar Highway…
Make time to explore Ouray! From thrilling via ferratas and waterfall views at Box Cañon Falls to unforgettable hikes right from town, Ouray is more than just a scenic stop—it’s an adventure all its own.
🎥 Watch the video to discover why this mountain town is the perfect base before heading out on one of the most breathtaking drives in Colorado.
At 25 miles long, the Million Dollar Highway stretches from the quaint town of Ouray to Silverton, Colorado. It is considered one of the most dangerous roads...
07/25/2025
❤️ UPDATE 7/25/25
The owner has come and brought his furry friend home.
🚨 Lost Dog Located 🚨
This sweet pup was found near Twin Peaks and is on the way to Second Chance Humane Society in Ridgway.
If you recognize this dog or know the owner, please contact them and then call Second Chance Humane Society (970) 626-2273.
Let’s help get this fluffy friend home! 🐾
07/11/2025
Please stay safe ❤️
07/08/2025
If you are visiting Ouray, know the local fire restrictions ⬇️
07/01/2025
Alert: Ouray County Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Beginning in Ouray County
Ouray County, Colo. (July 1, 2025) The unincorporated area of Ouray County will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Wednesday, July 2. Extreme fire danger, high temperatures and worsening dry conditions were the deciding factors in this decision. Restrictions will go into effect at 12:01am on Wednesday, July 2.
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:
• Campfires are only allowed within an agency provided fire grate at developed recreation sites. Devices using gas, petroleum jelly, or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted. Fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable.
• No fires of any type, including charcoal, outside of developed areas.
• No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in a barren area free of vegetation
• No use of explosive materials, including explosive targets.
• No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except an area that has been cleared of vegetation.
• No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed and in working order.
• Leaving a fire unattended or unextinguished.
• Possession, discharge or use of any fireworks.
• Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
• Burning, igniting or causing to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.
• Operating any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1 (c).
Please be advised that penalties for violating the fire ban include: Class-2 petty offense with fines ranging from $100 to $500 depending on the number of offenses. If a fire causes damage to another individual’s property, additional criminal charges may apply. These fire restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
Violations of these restrictions can be reported to the Ouray County Sheriff's Office at 970-325-7272 or by calling WestCo Dispatch at 970-249-9110.
Condado de Ouray, Colorado (1 de julio de 2025) El área no incorporada del Condado de Ouray implementará la Etapa 1 de Restricciones de Incendios el martes 2 de julio. El peligro extremo de incendios, las altas temperaturas y el empeoramiento de las condiciones secas fueron los factores decisivos en esta decisión. Las restricciones entrarán en vigor a las 00:01 del martes 2 de julio.
BLM - Southwest Colorado Fire and Aviation Management Unit
GMUG Fire Information
07/01/2025
06/30/2025
🎆 Planning to celebrate the 4th of July in Ouray? 🎇
Make the most of your day and with these 8 simple tips to stay safe, smart, and ready for fun 🇺🇸👇
1️⃣ Understand the Altitude – You're at 7,800 ft. Take it slow and hydrate!
2️⃣ Understand the Heat – Wear sunscreen, take breaks, and don’t overdo it.
3️⃣ Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! – Don’t wait ‘til you're thirsty. 💧
4️⃣ Relocation/Emergency Center – Located in Fellin Park near the playground.
5️⃣ Traffic – It’ll be busy. Be patient, kind, and drive smart.
6️⃣ Parking – It’s limited. Carpool, walk in, or plan ahead.
7️⃣ No Personal Fireworks – Fire danger is real. Let’s keep Ouray safe.
8️⃣ Sign Up for Emergency SMS Alerts – Stay informed about weather, fire, and safety info.
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit [city website] for more info.
Let’s make this a fun, safe, and unforgettable celebration! 🎉
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Ouray has been a special destination for world travelers for more than 100 years. Located in southwest Colorado, Ouray sits at 7,700 feet at the base of the San Juan Mountains. Surrounded on three sides by 13,000 foot snowcapped peaks, Ouray has been known since the 1940s as “The Switzerland of America.”
Ouray was first discovered by the Northern Utes, who considered this hot springs filled valley sacred. The city was incorporated in 1876 during Colorado's silver and gold mining boom and the historic Victorian downtown is now a National Historic District. Two-thirds of Ouray’s original structures survive and are still occupied today, keeping the town’s historic charm intact.
Ouray is home to sulfur-free hot springs, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, historic OHV trails, ghost towns and the world-famous Ouray Ice Park. It sits at the intersection of the San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway and the Alpine Loop Scenic and Historic Backcountry Byway and is known for the famous "Million Dollar Highway" section of US Highway 550. Ouray is located 75 miles north of Durango, 35 miles south of Montrose and 90 miles south of Grand Junction.
We can’t wait to welcome you to town and help you create your perfect mountain moment!