Ouray County - 31 Attractions You Must Visit

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About Ouray County

Ouray County is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, offering something for everyone regardless of their preferred activity. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the county's slopes, while in the summer months hikers and climbers take to the mountains. There are also ample opportunities for jeeping, fishing, horseback riding, and more.

Types of Attractions in Ouray County

Activities Around

List of Attractions in Ouray County

Red Mountain Pass

Red Mountain Pass

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Passes

Red Mountain Pass is one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. The pass lies between two mountain ranges, the San Juans to the west and the Cimarron range to the east. It is popular with tourists for its spectacular views and for its some 11,000 acres of alpine meadows, which are home to a variety of wildlife including bighorn sheep, elk, and deer. The pass is also popular with hikers and campers due to its close proximity to several fourteeners, or peaks that rise over 14,000 feet.

Ridgway Railroad Museum

Ridgway Railroad Museum

Museums

Old Ruins

The Ridgway Railroad Museum is located in the small town of Ridgway, Colorado. The museum is housed in an old train depot, and it features a variety of exhibits on the history of the railroad in the region. Visitors can learn about the construction of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway, which ran through the area in the late 19th century. The museum also has a model train display, as well as a collection of historic photographs and documents.

Ridgway Reservoir

Ridgway Reservoir

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Outdoors- Other

Ridgway Reservoir is a man-made reservoir located in Ouray County, Colorado. The reservoir was created in the early 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the San Juan Basin Project. The project was designed to increase water storage and irrigation in the area. Today, Ridgway Reservoir is a popular recreation spot, offering boating, fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities. The reservoir is also home to a variety of wildlife, including beavers, bald eagles, and ospreys.

Ridgway State Park

Ridgway State Park

Outdoors- Other

1 Day Treks

Forests

Ridgway State Park is a beautiful recreation area located in Ouray County, Colorado. The park covers over 1,000 acres and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can camp in one of the many campsites, hike or bike on the numerous trails, fish in the Reservoir, or paddle on the San Miguel River. In addition, the park also offers an amphitheater, Visitor Center, and group picnic areas. The park is open year-round and offers stunning views of the nearby San Juan Mountains.

Teakettle Mountain

Teakettle Mountain

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Teakettle Mountain is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Ouray County. The trailhead is located just outside the town of Ouray, and the hike to the summit is a moderate 4 miles. Along the way, hikers are treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains, as well as some of the area's unique wildlife. Teakettle Mountain is also home to a large number of wildflowers, and in early summer, the trail is lined with blooming cactus.

The Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway

Viewpoints

Outdoors- Other

The Million Dollar Highway is a name given to a section of U.S. Highway 550 that runs through Ouray County. The highway is considered to be one of the most scenic and dangerous roads in the country. The road was built in the early 1900s and is famous for its hairpin turns and steep grades. It is also known for being treacherous in the winter months, when ice and snow make the road extremely slick. Despite these efforts, the Million Dollar Highway remains an exciting and challenging drive.

Uncompahgre Gorge

Uncompahgre Gorge

Outdoors- Other

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

The Uncompahgre Gorge is a narrow, steep-walled canyon located in Ouray County, Colorado. The gorge is approximately six miles long and features a number of hiking trails and camping sites. The canyon is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including several species of fish that are found nowhere else in the world. The Uncompahgre Gorge is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and climbers, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Whitehouse Mountain

Whitehouse Mountain

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Whitehouse Mountain is a towering peak in Ouray County, Colorado. With an elevation of 14,346 feet, it is one of the tallest mountains in the state. The mountain is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and eagles. The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding area, which includes the San Juan Mountains and the Ouray Ice Park. Visitors can reach the summit via a strenuous hike or by taking a scenic drive on the Million Dollar Highway.

Wildhorse Peak

Wildhorse Peak

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Wildhorse Peak is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Ouray County. The peak is located in the San Juan National Forest, and it offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains. There are several different trails that lead to the summit, and the hike can be completed in a few hours. Wildhorse Peak is a great destination for a day hike, and it's also a popular spot for camping and backpacking. If you're looking for an adventure, Ouray County is the perfect place to explore.

Yankee Boy Basin

Yankee Boy Basin

Waterfalls

Outdoors- Other

1 Day Treks

Yankee Boy Basin is a true hidden gem. Surrounded by towering peaks, the basin is home to a number of alpine lakes, waterfalls, and trickling streams. In addition to its natural beauty, Yankee Boy Basin is also known for its vibrant wildflower displays. From late July through August, the basin comes alive with color as a variety of blooms come into bloom. Hiking and camping are popular activities in the basin, and there are a number of trails to explore.

Yankee Girl Mine

Yankee Girl Mine

Outdoors- Other

Old Ruins

This is a former silver, lead, and zinc mine in Ouray County. The mine operated from 1869 to 1991 and produced silver, lead, and zinc ore. During its operating years, the mine employed hundreds of workers and was an important source of income for the local community. The Yankee Girl Mine is now a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels and see first-hand the equipment used by miners during the heyday of silver mining in Colorado.

Map of attractions in Ouray County

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