H.H. Bancroft, 19th-century historian of the West, wrote of the area: "It is the wildest and most inaccessible region in Colorado, if not in North America. It is as if the great spinal column of the continent had bent upon itself in some spasm of earth, until the vertebrae overlapped each other, the effect being unparalleled ruggedness and sublimity, more awful [*] than beautiful." [*] Given 19th-century hyperbole, "awful" should be interpreted today in the sense of "filling with awe."

The town Ouray, was named after the great Uncompahgre Ute Chief, Ouray. (The Arrow) Ouray sold the area the town is in to the White Man in 1873. Ouray was instrumental in trying to keep the peace between the miners and the Ute's. He was successful in keeping his own band peaceful, but some of the other bands of Ute's were not so pleased with the sale of some of their most treasured land. For more information on the Uncompahgre Ute Tribe, click on the link.

Ouray was founded in 1876. During it's mining boom days, it had the usual assortment of bars, hotels, restaurants, brothels, and crime. The colorful history of a booming mining town. By 1886, Ouray had grown to 1,200 residents. By this time, the town had a school, a church, a hospital, a four star hotel, and a hardware, clothing, and mining supply store. Most of Ouray's more permanent buildings were built between 1880 and 1900, and almost all of them are still standing. Today Ouray looks like it did 100 years ago. That is Ouray's charm. Ouray has as much to boast about as Teluride, except that the "beautiful people" found and developed Teluride, and made it look like a story book town. Ouray has maintained it's historical and periodic values, while offering you the most modern conviencences.

Ouray has the most wonderful hot springs. There is a public pool. open year round for hot spring bathers. There are also several hotels that offer private hot tubs. My favorite time of year to visit Ouray is October. The Summer crowds are gone, the air is crisp, and the beauty is inspiring. Many of the shops have closed for the season by this time, so if you plan on doing Christmas Shopping, go to Durango. My favorite place to eat in town is St. Elmo's. Very good food, turn of the century atmosphere, and great service. Ladies, your menus have no prices, but don't let this scare you. The prices are reasonable. (dinner about $30.00) The fare is Italian, and their Ravioli's are excellent!

Physical and Climate Information
Elevation: 7,760 feet
Topography:
Surrounded by the San Juan Range, the youngest and steepest range of the Rocky Mountains, peaks surrounding the town rise to 13,000' - 14,000'.
Population: 700 year-round
Size of Town: 9 blocks long, 6 blocks wide
Climate: 285 sunny days per year.
Summer: A typical summer day is sunny, in the 70's and 80's with evening temperatures in the 50's. The humidity is very low with brief afternoon showers typical in July.
Winter: 140" average snowfall. A typical winter day is sunny and bright, with highs averaging in the 40's and lows in the high teens. Snowstorms are sometimes heavy. Although not necessary, it is advisable to have four-wheel drive, snow tires or chains.

I have added a picture of the Forest around Ouray take a look!

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