Ouray
Not silver but gold stabilized the community after the Panic of 1893. The wealth that poured from Tom Walsh's Camp Bird Mine amounted to $24 million 1896-1902. The fortune bought the family a place in Washington, D.C., society and daughter Evalyn the Hope Diamond. Mining has long since given way to year-round tourism as the leading factor in Ouray's economy.
The springs once enjoyed by the Native Americans now feed the outdoor Ouray Hot Springs Pool; for more information phone (970) 325-7073.
At the end of 8th Avenue is Cascade Falls Park, which features a nature trail and a lovely 300-foot waterfall; phone (970) 325-4746. Another noteworthy local feature is Ouray Ice Park, one of the only parks in the world dedicated to the sport of ice climbing; phone (970) 325-4288.
Ouray is the halfway point along the San Juan Skyway, Colorado's first scenic byway. The town also marks the northern terminus of the byway known as the Million Dollar Highway. The surrounding San Juan and Uncompahgre national forests are popular with four-wheel-drive enthusiasts and feature hundreds of hiking trails.
Visitor Centers
Ouray Chamber Resort Association 1230 Main St. Ouray, CO 81427. Phone:(970)325-4746 or (800)228-1876
Self-guiding Tours
Information about a self-guiding historic walking tour of Ouray is available from the visitor information center at the resort association.
Things to Do
Bachelor-Syracuse Mine
Recreational Activities