As the colors begin to change, a trip over one of the many four wheel drive roads around Ouray is a definite must!
In the more than twenty years I have lived in the area, I had never actually experienced one of the most famous and difficult trails in the area: Black Bear Pass. That is why, when Greg from San Juan Jeep Tours came by the other day and invited me along, I jumped at the chance.
Tags: fall foliage, scenic drives, ouray, fall colors, 4WD, jeeping, scenic jeep tour, colorado scenery
Perhaps one of my favorite hikes, the Portland Trail is a nice easy trail that explores the area around the Ampitheater above Ouray.
Tags: ouray, hiking trails, san juan mountains
As the weather begins to change, and the chill of Fall begins to fill the air, the days get shorter and the leaves show the beginnings of change. Nothing quite compares to a soothing soak in all natural hot spring waterafter a day of exploring Ouray.
Tags: geothermal energy, green hotel, ouray, fall colors, natural hot springs, ouray colorado
Ouray Hotel has long provided a soothing relaxing atmosphere!
Long before the area was discovered by two miners in search of gold, the tiny canyon now known as Ouray served as a sacred spot for the Ute Indians. Some people speculate that perhaps the name "Uncompahgre", or dirty water, was given to the area to protect the secret of the hot springs.
Tags: ouray, box canyon lodge & hot springs colorado, history of ouray colorado, box canyon lodge & hot springs
The Annual Sneffels Fiber Festival promises to be an eclectic mixture of art, music, food and fun.
Focusing on all aspects of fiber and fiber arts, the festival will be a three day event held at the Ouray County 4H Events Center, featuring over 20 Fiber Artists with booths including clothing, scarves, jewelry, buttons, fiber art supplies, yarn, and more! Classes to sign up in advanced and FREE demonstrations including basic knitting.
Tags: ouray event, ridgway event
Ouray Hot Springs Pool has existed, in some form, since the early 1800s. Even before the discovery of gold and silver in the San Juan Mountains, Southern Utes extoled the virtues of Ouray’s geothermal waters. Since 1927, the facility has been instantly recognizable for its distinct oval shape surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains. Despite the Ouray Hot Springs Pool’s popularity, the facility has not been upgraded in quite some time and is showing signs of nearly a century of use. In the fall of 2012, the City of Ouray organized a committee of community members to begin investigating the feasibility of repairs and renovations to the beloved Hot Springs. In August of 2015, the Ouray City Council weighed the various plans and options and approved a master plan for the Pool. Renovations will begin on September 6, 2016, with a complete closure of the Hot Springs facility (gym facilities are anticipated to remain open). The Hot Springs facility is anticipated to reopen in May 2017.
Tags: ouray, natural hot springs
Take the back roads in Ouray County and see more in just a short drive!
Often referred to as the Jeeping Capital of the World, Ouray and the surrounding area boast over 500 miles of four wheel drive roads. Each trail is filled with spectacular scenery; a journey into the colorful past that is the Western Slope of Colorado. Abandoned mines, wildflowers, mountain lakes and waterfalls are just a few of the sights awaiting you on any given trail.
Tags: fall foliage, scenic drives, colorado, box canyon lodge & hot springs colorado, day trips from Ouray, san juan mountains, fishing
Exploring the high country around Ouray is always a great experience.
Whether you are going on a jeep tour, horseback riding, hiking or enjoying a scenic drive, it seems there is always something new around the next bend.
Tags: safety tips, southwest colorado, 4WD, hiking trails, jeeping, fishing
Perhaps it is just nostalgia, but there is something about a County Fair and rodeo that puts a smile on my face.
Wandering from building to building at the fairgrounds, checking out livestock lovingly raised by kids in the county, the smell of hay and horses, candied apples and cowboys......The competitions are fun to watch. Everything from disciplined equine work, to the loud and rowdy tractor pull. Of course, you can't forget the amazing food or the arts and crafts show!
