Is this Switzerland? No, it's Ouray!

Switzerland of America right here in Colorado!

Like so many of the small communities in Colorado, Ouray (rhymes with hurray) can be traced back to the 1800's when prospectors were seeking their fortunes along Colorado's rivers and streams.  The community, which sits at 7,800 feet in elevation, actually had its beginnings in 1875 as prospectors worked their way northward along the Uncompahgre River.  In its heyday Ouray had more than 30 active mines.  While there is still mining in the area, the economy has shifted to one based on year-round outdoor tourism, taking full advantage of the four distinct seasons the area experiences.

Along the Uncompahgre River Trail, so far, we haven't found any silver or gold!

Ouray is small, which is something we like more and more these days.  It's less than a mile long and at it's widest point it's less than a half mile wide.  What it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty.  Ouray's location is something straight from a postcard.  It's located in a narrow valley, almost entirely surrounded by the steep San Juan Mountains.  Ouray has proclaimed itself as the "Switzerland of America".  This may be a bold proclamation, but just a few days into our month long stay we woke up to a fresh snowfall at the higher elevations surrounding Ouray.  Having spent a little time in Switzerland, we could see the resemblance.

Ouray from the "Million Dollar Highway" Overlook.  It was so named because of the expense related to building the highway over the passes and through the valleys.  The cost was estimated to be over a million dollars a mile.  It has also been named one of the most beautiful roads in America with "Million Dollar Views"

Cascade Falls is just a few blocks away........but it's a steep uphill walk to get there!

Full Moon Rising over Ouray

Ouray's population is around 1,000 people and at least four deer!  They tend to frequently hang around this corner just a couple of hundred feet from our Airbnb.  

October is an amazing time of year to visit the Ouray area.  The summer crowds are gone, the temperatures are moderate (our highs have been mostly in the low 60's with low's in the low 40's) and the golden color of the Aspens as their leaves begin to change is stunning.  When we arrived, the trees were mostly still green.  They are now in full color.  By the time we leave near the end of the month, the leaves will mostly have fallen and will quite likely be covered with a blanket of snow.  At least that's what we're hoping for!

Fresh snow at the higher elevations and golden leaves below.  This picture was taken just a few miles outside Ouray.

We're enjoying watching this transition take place from the cozy confines of our Airbnb which overlooks Main Street, as well as from numerous hiking trails.  We've seen more golden leaves from the Silver Bullet as we've explored nearby towns such as Silverton, Ridgway, Telluride and Montrose.  But our favorite spot to enjoy the scenery just might be from the Ouray Hot Springs.  The natural hot springs have been enjoyed for hundreds of years, dating back to the time when the Ute Indians considered the hot mineral water from the springs to be sacred and healing.  If the waters from the Ouray Hot Springs turn out to be the fountain of youth, Beth and I will be mere children by the time we pack it up and head out of town!  

The Ouray Hot Springs....................

If you don't find us soaking in the water............

you might find us soaking up the scenery from a nearby bench.