Ouray, CO Attractions and San Juan Realty, Inc.
Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America”, Ouray sits at the mouth of a valley and is surrounded on three sides by the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountain range, part of the Rocky Mountains. It is a small, tight-knit community with a population of just 800. Ouray, Colorado boasts magnificent views, innumerable natural settings and outdoor adventure
A former mining town, there are few remnants left. The old Blue Bird Mine, which was operated from 1896 to 1990, is the second largest gold mine in Colorado, but also produced silver.
Remnants from the Idarado gold mine are visible from the Million Dollar Highway, between Ouray and Silverton, Colorado. This mine is significant because its mine tunnels extend five-miles under the 13,000-foot peaks of the San Juans to the Pandora Mill in Telluride (a 60-mile trip by road).
Real Estate in Ouray, CO is different from many places in the West. Victorian architecture is prominent in the town, and many of the original homes in the area have been restored. But, a variety of housing options exist. Real Estate prices in Ouray are generally lower than other areas of Colorado due to the fact that it is far from big cities and the amenities they offer.
Ouray has its own offerings though, including scenic Box Canon Falls Park, located on the edge of town, where you and your family can enjoy hiking, ice climbing or watching the renowned Ice Festival every January. Natural hot springs, jeeping, peak bagging, rock climbing, birding, mountain biking and numerous other mountain adventures await you in this peaceful community.
Ouray’s economy today is mostly tourism-based. In the summer tourists swarm the trendy shops on the main street and lounge in the Ouray Hot Springs pool. Many tourists bring their four-wheel drive vehicles, or rent them in Ouray, so they can tour the craggy mountain terrain. The most popular jeeping destinations include Black Bear Road and Yankee Boy Basin. Motorcycling the steep, winding Million Dollar Highway, which begins in Ouray, has also become popular.
In the winter, Ouray hosts the only ice climbing park in the U.S., located downtown. Waterfalls between 80 and 200-feet tall are available for the novice through expert. Each January the annual Ouray Ice Festival takes place here providing exhibitions and competitions.
Ouray is located 40 miles south of Montrose and 50 miles (by road) from Telluride, Colorado, giving one easy access to the airport in Montrose and world-class skiing in Telluride.
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