Photography Lora Slawitschka ©

Written By Nichole Zangara

Located on the San Juan Skyway and majestically nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is crowned with natural beauty and grace. The historic Victorian buildings and 14ers looming above have prompted this historic town to be dubbed the "Switzerland of America." Glittering with small-town charm, eclectic shopping, great dining, fantastic hot springing opportunities and a vast gamut of outdoor activities, Ouray's ambiance and energy are matched by few Western settlements.

In summer Ouray shoulders three of the most incandescent, awe-inspiring waterfalls in Colorado as well as natural hot springs-Ouray Hot Springs Pool. A required activity requiring clothing. Beyond soaking muscles and soaking up views, Ouray offers tons of other activities. Tread on some rock as you four-wheel around on one of the areas many passes: Yankee Boy Basin (famous for wildflower viewing), Last Dollar Road and Red Mountain Pass. Four-wheeling also makes for a historical tour on old mining roads through ghost towns with artifacts dating back 120 years. Other seasonal "must dos" include the 90-minute Broadway to Branson Show, first-class Iron Dog Sled Race and Ouray's Ice Festival held at the first ice park in America. For the more active, Ouray features the Ridgway Reservoir at Ridgway State Park and the Uncompahgre River with large rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Conversely, when Mother Nature beckons you back to land, strap on some snowshoes or hiking boots for a tantalizing walk through first-class trails-the Silver Shield and Lower Cascade Falls are a few mentionables. Although there's so much to do and see, it's the pristine beauty of Ouray that will resonate in your mind's eye for years to come.

LOCAL STATISTICS:

Location: 97 miles south of Grand Junction on Hwys 50 & 550

Population: 896

Median Home Price: $599,000

Average Rental: $500

Median Age: 42.6

Average Wage: $30,018

Elevation: 7,811 Ft.

Median Temperatures: Summer: 80/50F Winter: 40/15 F

Founded: 1876

Industry: Tourism/Ranching

www.ouraycolorado.com

Attractions/Services
--Box Canyon and Cascade Falls
--Camp Bird Mine
--Ghost Towns via Four-Wheel Tours
--Ice Climbing
--Million Dollar Highway
--National Historic District
--Ouray Hot Springs and Pool

Dubbed Switzerland of America and Four-Wheel-Drive Capital of Colorado!

Voted #1 Town to Live in by Men's Journal!