Celebrate Easter with a lovely Brunch and the Elks 45th Annual Easter Egg Hunt in the San Juans!
Since 1899, the Ouray Elks Lodge has operated in the community providing events and activities in addition to scholraships and financial assistance through it's charitable fundraising.
This year, the Ouray Elks Lodge celebrates its 45th annual Easter Egg Hunt, in Ridgways Hartwell Town Park. The Easter Egg Hunt begins promptly at 2:00 pm on Sunday, April 8, 2012 and is open to all children ages 12 and under. In the event of bad weather, the hunt will be held at the Ouray Elks Lodge. Children will hunt for plastic eggs filled with candy treats, and there will be a few "special" eggs for prizes which will be handed out at the end of the festivities.
Members of the lodge gather Friday, April 6, 2012 for an Egg Stuffing Party and potluck, at which these generous volunteers help the Easter Bunny by filling as many colorful plastic eggs as they can with small treasures of candy and prizes. This event is also open, so if you would like to participate in helping create a magical experience for the kids, bring a dish and your egg stuffing skills to the Ouray Elks Lodge at 6:00 pm.
Of course, before heading off to the Great Egg Hunt in Ridgway, don't forget to enjoy a phenomenal Easter Brunch in Ouray!
Beaumont Hotel:
Historic Grand Ballroom for an elegant Easter Brunch. Prime Rib and Leg of Lamb, Eggs Benedict, made to order omelets & eggs & other assorted breakfast & lunch items.
Sunday, April 8th from 10:30 am - 2 pm
$26.99 Adult $16.99 Children 12 & under
Reservations Strongly Recommended
Bon Ton St Elmo:
Plated Easter Champagne Brunch featuring a decadent variety of Bon Ton Brunch Specials and Classic dishes in this lovely turn of the century restaurant.
Sunday, April 8th 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
The Bon ton will reopen on Easter Sunday at 5:30 pm for dinner.
After the Easter Egg Hunt, what better way to relax and enjoy the holiday than a nice long soak in our all natural mineral hot springs?
We look forward to accomodating you and your family on this coming Easter weekend of fun!
Southwest Colorado Waterfalls
Waterfall viewing in the late Spring and early Summer is delightful. The thunderous roar of the water as it falls back to the ground amazes even the coolest teenager. Ouray is home to three great year round falls that should not be missed, but, the springtime runoff proves exceptionally awe inspiring.
Of course, just two blocks from our hotel is our namesake, the Box Canyon Falls. It drains melting snows from great wildflower basins like Yankee Boy Basin or Imogene Basin into Canyon Creek and then merges into the Uncompaghre River right in Ouray. Just before it enters town, it drops a couple of hundred feet in a tall and narrow gorge. This area is also home to numerous birds, including the Black Swift, which makes its home on the steep canyon walls. It is a wonderful place to stop for a picnic.
Cascade Falls, on the other side of Ouray, is a very dramatic and scenic feature of town. These falls are wide open and fall from the cliffs on the east side of town. This waterfall is visible from nearly every spot in town. It is a steep walk upward from the parking area to the bottom of the falls but there is a great hiking trail that heads up the hillside known as Lower Cascade Falls Trail that winds around the hillside.
Bear Creek Falls is just outside of town, 2-3 miles south of Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway. A brand new viewing stand has been finished and provides a wonderful location to stand above the falls and watch the water drop a couple hundred feet below. Look for beautiful rainbows in the mist.
Seasonal waterfalls abound in the area too. Just look around the cliff walls as you drive into Ouray and you will see numerous falls along Red Mountain Pass and even along the red cliffs on the way to Ridgway.
In July, venture into any high mountain basin in search of your favorite Jeep Trail or patch of wildflowers and you will find wonderful falls all summer long that cascade over granite through wonderful forests.
You can also find delicate trickles of water that appear after an afternoon thunderstorm.
And, don't forget your camera. Photography buffs and pros alike love Southwest Colorado for its incredible scenic beauty. You just can't take an ugly photograph in Southwest Colorado!
Ouray Colorado Calendar of Events: April 2012
While it is true that April is quiet in Ouray, we continue to serve visitors at our hotel in southwest Colorado all year long. And, although it can be nearly buttoned up, a closer look reveals many gems. The weather in the San Juan Mountains tends to be a little unpredictable, but it is a wonderful time of year for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The hot springs are just as warm, the daffodils grace the hillside and the first migratory birds start to arrive for the season.
There are also some interesting events in April too.
April 1 - May 15 - Tax Professional Special
To reward accountants, tax preparers and CPAs, the Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs has special rates for accountants to help them relax after the busy tax season finally ends.
Location: Ouray Colorado, Box Canyon Lodge
Sunday, April 8 - Easter Egg Hunt
45th annual free Easter Egg Hunt, presented by Ouray Elks Lodge 492 in Ridgway's Hartwell town park. Start promptly at 2 PM. More than 1000 candy-filled eggs, with stuffed animals for those children who collect special prize eggs. In case of REALLY bad weather the hunt will be held at the Elks Lodge in Ouray. Open to all children 12 years old and under.
Location: Ridgway Hartwell Park (Town Park), Sherman Street, Ridgway CO
April 16 - April 23 Ouray Hot Springs Pool Closure
Each April, the Ouray Hot Springs Pool closes for mid year cleaning. It is an indepth scrub down and time for maintenance. The pool will be open during all the other days of April. We will also have 1/2 price pool passes should you care to soak.
Location: Ouray Hot Springs Pool, 1230 Main Street, Ouray
Thursday, April 19 - Ouray Museum Opens for the 2012 Season
It has been dubbed "One of the Best Small Museums in the West" by the Smithsonian and should not be missed. It has 27 rooms of Ouray County History on display as well as old photographs and other exhibits of early mining history in the Uncompagre River Valley and the surrounding mountains. The Ouray Museum will be open each Thurs, Fri and Sat from 10:00 - 4:30 PM for the remainder of April.
Location: 420 6th Avenue, Ouray, CO
Thursday April 19 - June 30 - Bridal Exhibit at the Ouray Museum
Bridal Exhibit, "A sampling of Bridal Gowns 1883-1966," opens and runs through June 30th.
Location: 420 6th Avenue, Ouray, CO
Thursday April 19 - July 5 - Otto Mears Exhibit at the Ouray Museum
Otto Mears Exhibit opens. Most Ouray County residents are familiar with the name Otto Mears. He is most famous for building toll roads and railroads. However, Otto was involved in many other endeavors including founding newspapers, mining investing, military service, Colorado politics, and numerous others. Learn about the career of this famous Colorado entrepreneur. The exhibit closes July 5th and reopens August 17th thru November 19th.
Location: 420 6th Avenue, Ouray, CO
Friday, April 22 - Earth Day Special at the Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs
To demonstrate our commitment to Mother Earth and to reward those with electric or hybrid cars, we offer the best Earth Day getaway each year.
Location: Ouray Colorado, Box Canyon Lodge
Friday, April 27 - Colorado Children's Chorale
The Colorado Children's Chorale from Denver will sing in Southwest Colorado in April. As noted by Adrian Partington, BBC Music Director, Royal Albert Hall, London, "Their stage manner, discipline, enthusiasm, and vigorous singing were of the highest order. They gave a bravura performance, which those present will not forget." Tickets at $15 for adults, $5 for students, are available at Buckskin Booksellers located at the Beaumont Hotel in Ouray, and Cimarron Books and Coffee in Ridgway. The Box Canyon Lodge is also pleased to arrange tickets in advance to those interested in attending. The tickets online are also available.
Location: Wright Opera House, 470 Main Street, Ouray, CO
Saturday, April 28 - Ouray County Mud Fest
It’s time to celebrate OURay mud! If watching (or participating in) 4X4 vehicles navigating obstacle courses and racing in the mud, motorcycles doing crazy things in the mud, antique tractors pulling in the mud, and other muddy activities sound exciting, then this is your time to come have fun in Ouray County!
Location: Ouray County Fairgrounds, 22739 Highway 550, Ridgway CO
Saturday, April 28 - Glass Studio Tour
Free studio tour from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm featuring Sam Rushing, glassblower. Demonstration and light refreshments sponsored by Weehawken Creative Arts.
Location: Ouray Glassworks and Pottery, 619 Main Street, Ouray CO
Saturday, April 28 - Mud Fest Dance
Continue the revelry after the Mudfest in Ouray at the Dance at the Ouray Community Center. The dance will showcase live music and libations to help you dance the night away. Fun starts at 7:00 pm.
Location: Ouray Community Center, 2nd Floor, Ouray CO
Picturesque Ouray Colorado Provides Dramatic Photo Ops
Winter in Ouray is quiet, peaceful and offers hotel guests a wonderful respite away from their busy and hectic lives at home. It also offers photographers a wonderful backdrop for a night on the town!
Consider taking some nightshots of Ouray and the surrounding mountains. With a full moon and snow laden mountainsides, it is surprising just how much light is available for some fun pictures, especially in the winter. The warmer months of April and May can deliver snow covered streets and this added reflective power packs a punch. The area is very quiet during this time of year too!
Here are some fun shots of Ouray taken in March, just after a light blanket of snow with a big, bright, nearly full moon and some clouds racing overhead. The clouds are actually moving which is giving the photos that interesting look. A wide angle (or ultra wide angle) lens, a solid tripod, and some caffeine produced these results. These pictures were taken around midnight and the only "enhancement" included some cropping and image rotations (learned a bunch about my ultra wide angle lens). The colors came out directly from the camera!
Our hotel in Ouray would love to host your photography club or we would be happy to suggest some picture perfect locations for you to create your own beautiful images of Ouray - a National Historic District, a super cute Colorado Mountain Town, and a perfect place to spend Spring Break in Colorado.
The Sneffels Half Loop Backcountry Nordic Ski Race on the Northern flanks of the Sneffels Range.
San Juan Hut Systems is proud to present this 34.4 full course, or 23.8 mile short course race through the majestic San Juan Mountains. On March 10, 2012, backcountry skiers of all kinds will meet at the Last Dollar Trailhead above Telluride Regional Airport for a challenging race across the challenging terrain of Colorado.
All AT, Ransonee and classic Nordic skiers are invited to participate in this ultimate challenge which traverses the Alder Creek/Dallas Trail system, running hut to hut and aid station to aid station to benefit the Mt. Sneffels Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the educational experiences of youth in Ouray County.
Both courses will begin at the Last Dollar Trailhead. The Short Course will run approximately 24 miles, ending near Ridgway at the Blue Lakes Trailhead, with a total ascent of 3,990 feet, and a descent of 5,498 feet. The Long Course will run a little over 34 miles ascending 6,630 feet, with a descent of 9,057 feet ending at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, a perfect opportunity to soak your weary bones in the healing mineral hot spring waters in Ouray.
Dancing, fashion, food and fun for a great cause in Southwest Colorado!
Saturday, March 10, 2012, spend the evening Mardi Gras style with fantastic food, a live and silent auction filled with spectacular finds while dancing the night away all in support of our furry friends in Southwest Colorado!
The Second Chance Humane Society once again presents its annual fund raising event not to be missed. Party attendees will be spoiled from the moment they arrive at the Ouray County 4H Center in Ridgway as they enjoy complimentary beer and wine from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
After a day enjoying the scenic wonders of Southwest Colorado, join the Second Chance Humane Society in a fundraiser not soon forgotten! Sample from a decadent array of tasty treats prepared by local chefs from Ouray and San Miguel Counties, with the palate pleasing creations of Chef Alix Fremgen as he returns to provide a dining experience not soon forgotten.
Bid on over 300 items in the silent auction and marvel at the Fashion Cabaret Fashion Show. The evening heats up to the diverse high energy dance tunes of DJ Antone. A cash bar will be open for the evening as well, and this should be one of the most fun and exciting evenings of the year.
Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door and available at the Second Chance Thrift Shop, Telluride Veterinary Clinic, Buckskin Booksellers in Ouray or DaLee Spa in Montrose.
Don't miss this great function for an even greater cause!
Ouray, Colo. — Spring break doesn’t have to be all about sand in unmentionable places, girls gone wild and sweaty bars. This spring break do something really hot – book the Hot Springs Break Special at Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs in Ouray, Colo. (a.k.a. Switzerland of America).
Visitors who stay two nights in March and April get the third night for 50% off, plus two free passes to the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. That’s a great discount off the typical room rate, which starts at $99/night, and a great way to visit the second largest all natural hot springs facility in the state. Choose from any of the Box Canyon’s well-appointed rooms, which include standard rooms, small and large suites, the romantic honeymoon suite, or the spacious two-bedroom apartment suite.
There are a number of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Ouray – and nearly all of them are just steps from Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs. For instance, hire a guide and spend the day learning how to scale hanging walls of glistening ice at the world-famous Ouray Ice Park. You can even “earn your turn” and venture into the backcountry for some boarding or skiing in some of the most challenging terrain in Colorado. San Juan Mountain Guides offers classes and instruction for all abilities in both disciplines. Group discounts are also available.
Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs’ four natural hot springs hot tubs are the perfect way to top off a fun-filled day in Ouray. The tubs offer spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. The hot tub temperatures range between 103 and 108 degrees, offering one of the best ways to revitalize after a full day of ice climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. (The tubs are also a great respite after a challenging day of reading, napping, and relaxing!)
The hot springs water in Ouray doesn’t contain any sulfur, so it is free of the unpleasant odor sometimes associated with hot springs. The hot springs water, which is rich in sodium, manganese, iron, and sulfates, is not only good for the body, it is also good for the environment. Box Canyon Lodge uses this natural resource to heat the motel during the winter months. Thanks to this green initiative, this green hotel has been able to reduce natural gas consumption by 70-percent in the past four years.
About Box Canyon Lodge (www.BoxCanyonOuray.com) The Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs is located in beautiful Ouray, Colo., nicknamed “Switzerland of America.” Box Canyon Lodge, a hot springs motel boasting four all natural hot springs tubs, offers a peaceful location, clean, comfortable and nicely decorated rooms, meticulously-maintained grounds and warm, personal service. The Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs has been recognized by a variety of publications, receiving the “Award of Excellence” by the Colorado Connoisseur and Travel Holiday magazine and listed as one of Sunset magazine’s “Best of the West.” Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs has also earned the four-key rating from Green Key, a well-known eco-rating program.
O'Brien's Pub & Grill in Ouray, Colorado serves up awesome entertainment to heat up the winter!
It's Saturday night. You have had a great day enjoying all of the winter activities the San Juans have to offer; ice climbing, skiing, sledding, soaking in the mineral hot springs, finished off with a fantastic dinner at one of our many great restaurants, but the night is young and there is still fun to be had!
At 10:00 every Saturday night through the end of March, the crew at O'Brien's clears the dinner tables and the real fun begins.
Local musical talents including Tony Rosario, the North Fork Flyers, and Funkdafari, featured at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, have played this little Ouray venue, in the traditional laid back Ouray atmosphere of dancing and entertainment.
Local singer and song writer, Til Willis often plays the Pub as a headliner, or with some of our many talented local artists. Either way, it is always a pleasure to hear him play.
Jen Greenholt, owner of O'Brien's, has made it her goal to offer consistently good food, service and fun at this Ouray hot spot. "Poor and Hungry" Mondays offers burger specials for those on a budget, All You Can Eat Fish every Friday and Happy Hour every day combined with a friendly staff makes your dining experience extremely enjoyable. 
The menu includes a wide variety of homemade food, including fresh spinach salads, homemade soups and irish egg rolls, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. And you always get a perfect pint!
Don't forget St. Pattys Day! This is an Irish pub, and they make it a point to celebrate in true Irish style!
So be sure to visit O'Brien's Pub & Grill during your time in Ouray for a truly original experience in a restaurant filled with friends!
The best restaurants in Ouray, Colorado make this a special Valentines Day for all!
There will be several dining options in town on Valentines Day, from simple and easy to decadent romantic feasts:
Bon Ton -
5:30 pm to close - Romance is the flavor of the day at the famous Bon Ton restaurant this Valentines Day! Enjoy a variety of fine Italian cuisine either off menu, or sample one of the culinary masterpieces of the chef off of the Specials menu!
Buen Tiempo -
5:30 pm to close - Take your sweetie out for one of the best Margaritas you'll ever enjoy, and dine on the spicy fare of this fun and festive spot!
Goldbelt -
11 am to close - For lunch or dinner, enjoy a marvelous sandwich or wrap and an icy beer, with couple specials all day long!
Mineshaft -
5 pm to 9 pm - Don't want to go out on Valentines Day, but want to make an impression on your sweetie? Not a problem! The Mineshaft will be delivering all night, and what better way to impress that special someone than with a heart shaped pizza (upon request only) delivered to your door?
Outlaw Steakhouse -
5:00 pm to close - Share a lavish evening of seafood and prime rib cooked to perfection, either off menu or choose one of the couples specials of the evening.
Ouray Brewery -
11 am to 9 pm - Come on in and celebrate "Love My Beer" night at the brewery! Beer specials will be running into the evening, a great way to enjoy together time!
If you are looking for a romantic, weekend getaway in Ouray Colorado, consider the Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs. The lodge has a beautiful honeymoon suite and we can add many romantic touches to create the ambiance for a delightful weekend of romance and relaxation. We are offering a spectacular Romance Package for $199.00, which runs through March, or create your own package! Our staff will gladly help you to create a magical evening of surprises from champagne and roses, to romantic adventures in the great outdoors.
Come and soak in our mineral hot springs tubs, relax and enjoy!
February is a great time to visit Ouray County.
The snow is soft and perfect for sledding, the ice is excellent for climbing, and the evenings are such a peaceful time for soaking in the mineral hot springs and enjoying a quiet relaxing getaway. The Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs continually strives to be not only your favorite choice for lodging in Ouray, but also your most cherished home away from home.
Bring your true love to see us this month for a wonderful Romantic night away, or bring the kids for a weekend of ice climbing, sledding and ice skating, followed by a soothing soak in our mineral hot springs tubs. Winter activities abound!
Saturday, February 4, 2012 – 10:00 pm to 1:00 am - Live Music at O’Brien’s Pub & Grill
After a fantastic meal of Fried Pickles and Shepherd’s Pie, dance the night away to the soulful sounds of Tony Rosario and the Blue Heelers!
Friday, February 10, 2012 – 1 pm to 7 pm – Winter Arts & Crafts Festival at the Ouray Community Center
Spend an afternoon or an entire weekend enjoying this three day event featuring the talents of local artists. Admission is free, with a Silent Auction at which to bid on your favorite pieces!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm - Winter Arts & Crafts Festival at the Ouray Community Center
Spend an afternoon or an entire weekend enjoying this three day event featuring the talents of local artists. Admission is free, with a Silent Auction at which to bid on your favorite pieces!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 – 10:00pm to 1:00 am – Live Music at O’Brien’s Pub & Grill
Saturday nights are definitely a great time at O’Brien’s! After dinner, get ready to dance away those calories to the musical mixes of DJ Sunday Smith!
Sunday, February 12, 2012 10:00 am to 3:00 pm - Winter Arts & Crafts Festival at the Ouray Community Center
Spend an afternoon or an entire weekend enjoying this three day event featuring the talents of local artists. Admission is free, with a Silent Auction at which to bid on your favorite pieces!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 – 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm – Valentine’s Day Rodeo & Juliet at the Wright Opera House
Take your sweetie out for an evening of music and fun at the Wright Opera House! Enjoy the sweet soul harmonies of Rodeo and Juliet at this Valentine’s Day concert sure to be a night to remember.
Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 10:00pm to 1:00 am – Live Music at O’Brien’s Pub & Grill
Join the O’Brien’s crew for another awesome Saturday night of frivolity, dancing away to the musical styling of local favorite Funkdafari!
Don’t forget! Valentine’s Day can be every day in Ouray! Celebrate the month of romance in one of the most picturesque places on earth! Let us help you create an adventure to last a lifetime!
