Ever get the feeling you want to disappear to Europe for a few weeks - sip tea, stare at the cathedrals, and walk amongst the ski towns? Then, life slaps ya in the face with the price or airfare and hostels? I know that feeling all too well. Well, allow me to introduce you to a little slice of heaven located just six-ish hours from Denver. & the drive will have you drooling in beauty. Wave hello to Ouray.
Ouray, located in the Southwestern quadrant of Colorado, is known as the Switzerland of America & let me tell you, it has that feel. We went last November for my 30th birthday and I felt like I walked right into the Swiss Alps. Dramatic sky-scraping mountains take over the sky as your eyes are taken over by the quintessential Switzerland mountaintop backdrop that mimics the charming Grimentz village.
Ouray is a small little slice of heaven. It was so peaceful and quaint. We woke up to being the main characters of what felt like a Hallmark Christmas movie. The snow fell so peacefully and landed adrift the Victorian homes that lined the town, cars were parked for the day, and its members sat in their bay windows watching the snowfall with their morning coffee.
What to do in Ouray?
The town itself is situation about an hour from Telluride and right next to the Million Dollar Highway. The Million Dollar Highway is the Queen of white-knuckle driving. Huge cliffside drop offs line this extensive drive down to Durango. When I saw this was here, I said absolutely not, no way, hell no, nope. After some deep convincing, bribing, and one living will signed, I found myself on the drive. It was SO COOL yet SO TERRIFYING. It is definitely a must-do, but make sure you have some coping skills on deck to help you through the panic attack if you are anything like me.
Ouray offers several restaurants, wine bars, breweries and shops however, there are only a couple of each category - which I loved. It really gave that hometown vibe that housed only a couple of visitors and tourists every so often. & I was here for it. It added a whole element of quaintness and almost this sense of peaceful isolation, away from the hustle and bustle where you could just be at peace with where you were, who you were with and enjoy Ouray for exactly what it is.
Being so close to Telluride - about an eagles soar or an hour drive, we decided to make the trip. The best part of going to Telluride was the drive. Holy hell! The mountains right outside of Ouray were on another level compared to what we see close to us at home in Denver. Jagged, ridgy, edgy, and cool, we were in pure awe. We stopped on the side of the road every 10 feet just because the views were insane. If I can build a house anywhere, it would be right on this field in this picture below so I can soak in the glory of the San Juan mountains at any and all moments. I was sick.
Once (unfortunately) you are out of view of this mountain range you will be graced with more beauty. Windy roads go through the canyons and hilltops until you eventually reach Telluride. Telluride is also gorgeous, but this is a blog article on Ouray, so...
Back to Ouray we go after a nice pitstop for lunch and scenic views. There are hot springs available in Ouray, which we did not get to experience, bummer, but I forgot my bathing suit (whoops). There are several to choose from and look really fun, so I'd suggest taking a peak.
Last thing worth mentioning in Ouray, is the hike we did.
The Ouray Perimeter Trail: 6 miles /1500 ft elev gain / moderate / loop
We did this hike in the middle of the snow storm, with the ground COVERED in snow, and it was mesmerizing. The whole trail you have a magical, enchanted forest vibe, elevated views of the town, and you feel like you'll be finding the door to Narnia at any moment. Sadly, we did not finish the trail. It was very difficult to keep track of where we were going and if we were on or off, so after a little over a mile, we decided to make our way back.
But then... we stumbled upon Box Canyon Falls Park and boiiii, was this impressive. We walked across a bridge and down a ladder to the bottom of this waterfall. The water was rapid, half was ice/snow, and it was mystical. It was such a treat to stumble upon this on our little forest wandering.
And that is Ouray. If you have a long weekend or just a nagging desperation to change up the view, I highly suggest make the trip down to this part of the state. Nightly accommodations were very reasonable (about $150ish per night), food and drink were also kind to the wallet, and there is so much to do and see while you're there and to and fro.
The last thing we did on the way home was hit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Ouray is quaint, it was enjoyable, relaxing, and full of delicious views every step of the way.
Enjoy!
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