Ouray

[Scandianels]

We're plannng on heading to Ouray, CO area for the first time at the end of August.

Any recommendations for lodging, things to do or see?

Off-roading looks popular, hot springs, hiking, etc.

Any input would be great.

Steve / Minnesota

 

[MtnDoo]

Make reservations early. Very early.
Stay at the Best Western Plus - Twin Peaks hotel. They have the best beds in town IMO. Duane (manager) is always really helpful.

The SanJuans are a off-roader's dream. Tons of trails, 4x4 roads, etc.. between Ouray and Silverton. Stop by the Buckskin Booksellers on the south east side of town and pickup a 4x4 trail guide.

Huge fire restrictions out here now, very dry this year, so leave the grill, etc.. at home and be sure to have spark arrestors on all vehicles. Smoky the Bear is checking....

Eat one dinner at BonTon - killer steaks!
...and visit Silverton! (23mi. South)

Hope this helps.

MD.

 

[AndrettiDog]

Keep a close eye on fire restrictions. If it goes to level III, then your off road excursions could be cancelled.

 

[SNOMAN1174]

Go over the alpine loop just south of town. You can 4x4 over to silverton and check out town. In silverton hit up the handle bar saloon for some rocky mtn oysters, take a picture with that loud as Hell train and get a funnel cake before you leave town.....that was my Saturday with the family last week. In ouray the hot springs are a must do. The bier garten is good if its still open. Not much in the way of nightlife up there but durango is 1.5 hours south and telluride is about the same or shorter to the west. Black bear pass between hwy 550 just north of silverton and telluride would be another killer ride. That one gets thin on the decent into town so a full size crawler is probably not an option. Likely we will be in monsoon season then so hopefully the fire danger will go down....hopefully. enjoy!

 

[MtnDoo]

If you head up towards Camp Bird, Immogene Pass doesn't disappoint either.

There's not a bad direction to go out of Ouray!

Bier Garden is F/S.

MD.

 

[M1000Mod162]

The hot springs are a fun expirence! Orvis is a little more rated "R" beins you can be naked or clothed but is more of a natrual feel of what you would think of as hot springs! Orvis is north of ouray just before you get to ridgway. The other hot springs (not sure of the name) that is in ouray is just like a big hot swimming pool! But check one or the other out while your in town!