WHAT’S IN A NAME?

The Utes relinquished all mining rights in the San Juan Mountains and moved to reservation lands when the Brunot Treaty of 1873 was signed.

T

he Utes native to this region called their small settlement in the valley Uncompahgre, meaning hot water spring.

As Spaniards and European settlers pushed into the Ute territory in the 1800s, Chief Ouray (pronounced youray) sought to bring peace between his tribe and the foreign entities. Though he achieved his goal at the cost of his land, in 1876 the town was named after him.

Today, Ouray is still a small settlement, but it is a place for remarkable experiences. With many claims to fame, Ouray is also known by many nicknames, including Switzerland of America and Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado.

Towering peaks on three sides of the valley and self-sustaining agricultural operations earned Ouray the title of Switzerland of America. The Victorian architecture and alpine lifestyle also lend guests to draw similarities to Swiss communities.

As the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado, Ouray is known for its amazing accessibility to outstanding outdoor activities year-round. Hundreds of square miles in the county are dedicated open spaces on federal and state lands. Some popular areas of interest include Bear Creek National Recreation Trail, Ouray Ice Park, Box Canyon Falls Park, Uncompahgre National Forest and Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area.

The expansive natural playground creates opportunities for adventure year-round. Ouray is a basecamp for almost every activity, including biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, jeeping, rafting and rock climbing, and snow sports like ice climbing, skiing and skijoring.

Whether visitors are here to soak in serene alpine scenery like those in the Alps or conquer and climb that mountain, Ouray is open for business.