Day Trips
Ouray Has It All
“Switzerland of America”
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. Known as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray has a little bit of everything for everyone, for every season. From the splendor of spring and summer to the vivid colors of fall and the serene wonderland of winter, the awe-inspiring beauty and boundless activities of Ouray await. Whether you simply wish to rejuvenate yourself by relaxing and basking in nature’s glory or prefer to tackle one or all of the adventures this nature’s playground has to offer, how active you are while vacationing in Ouray is based solely on your mood and your imagination.
Your Base Camp: The Ouray Chalet Inn
Make the Ouray Chalet Inn your base camp for your mild or wild adventures in and around Ouray. The Chalet is centrally located on Main Street right in the heart of Ouray. This is the perfect “base camp” because not only are you in walking distance to Ouray Hot Springs, Cascade or Box Cańon Falls, and the Ouray Ice Park, but also all the amazing restaurants, galleries, and gift shops that Ouray has to offer. So no matter where the day’s adventure takes you, once you arrive back at the Chalet, small-town charm and civilization await.
San Juan Skyway
Craving recreation at high elevation? Travel to the top of the world and back in time on the San Juan Skyway. Discover history and high times in the streets, gold mines, and railway stations of towns like Durango, Silverton, and Telluride. Enjoy rafting and water sports on the Animas River, or fish and boat on McPhee? Lake, the second largest lake in Colorado. Join the many visitors who converge on the byway each year for bluegrass, jazz, folk, and film festivals. The byway is your open invitation to five million acres of the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests. Experience the ancestral homes of the Puebloan Indians at Mesa Verde, once voted the number one historic monument in the world. Enjoy it all on this 236-mile sampler of the best the southwest has to offer.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Train
Many of Ouray's guests take advantage of a one-way option now available. Operating only from mid-June through early August, the railroad provides a bus which leaves Silverton at 7:30 a.m. and takes you on a magnificent drive to Durango in time to catch the 9:45 a.m. train, departing Durango back to Silverton. The train arrives back in Silverton at 1:15 p.m.
Call the Durango Depot (970.247.2733 or 888.872.4607) for more information or to make reservations. Be sure to check, also, for possible changes in departure or arrival times.
Black Canyon National Park
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the newest National Parks in the U.S. The entrance to this spectacular National Park is only eight miles east of Montroe off Hwy 50. The canyon, one mile deep at its deepest point, and 1,150 feet across at its narrowest, was carved out over millions of years by the Gunnison River. This is a great half-day adventure.
Begin your visit in the park at the visitor center, where you can get information on current activities and accessible facilites. Exhibits explain the history,flora,fauna, and geology of the park.
The best way to see into the canyon is on foot. A variety of short trails lead to overlooks on the canyon rim. Although most are rated easy, remember that you are hiking at an elevation of 8,000 feet.