Ouray's mountain scenery, hot springs, and historic buildings make it a base for exploring Colorado's San Juan Mountains. This guide preserves the places featured in the March 2025 article, originally credited to Travel + Leisure writer Alex Schechter and the Town of Ouray, while distinguishing Ouray from nearby Ridgway, Silverton, Red Mountain Pass, and Telluride.
Ouray sits on US 550. The Million Dollar Highway connects it with Silverton over mountain terrain. Visit Ouray's travel information gives approximately 47 miles and an hour between Ouray and Telluride; treat that as an approximate drive between towns, not a guaranteed trip time to every ski base or property. Weather, closures, road conditions, and your destination can change the journey.
Backcountry skiing, guided tours, and hut-to-hut trips are regional activities that require a specific operator, itinerary, and suitable experience. They are not interchangeable with a lift-served day at a resort. Silverton Mountain, near Silverton, describes advanced and expert terrain, guided and unguided options, and helicopter skiing; it has no groomed beginner slopes. Confirm the actual program and requirements before booking.
The OPUS Hut's guided-trip information describes regional itineraries involving Red Mountain Alpine Lodge and other backcountry lodging. Availability and route suitability depend on the operator and conditions. Consult current guidance and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center when planning backcountry travel. Telluride is a separate ski destination, not a ski area within Ouray.
Ouray Hot Springs is in Ouray. Wiesbaden Hot Springs Hotel & Spa is also in Ouray and offers lodging, hot-spring facilities, and a vapor cave; access and private-pool or massage reservations have their own terms. Orvis Hot Springs is near Ridgway, rather than in Ouray itself. Check each facility's admission, age, attire, and reservation policies directly.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ouray-hot-springs-LESSKNOWNCO1221-8a0c2014b54c48e9b2049bde7dc086f2.jpg)
Photograph courtesy of the City of Ouray.
The original guide described Red Mountain Alpine Lodge as a backcountry retreat with a live-in chef. It belongs to the Red Mountain Pass area, so confirm current meal arrangements, access, and the activity package before treating it as a town-hotel stay.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/red-mountain-alpine-lodge-LESSKNOWNCO1221-52f54b050e2c480b95db4c2e0a5ae1bb.jpg)
Photograph: Xander Bianchi, courtesy of Red Mountain Alpine Lodge.
The Western is in Ouray. Its operator dates the building to 1891 and describes its restoration from 2020 to 2023, with suites, a saloon, and a spa. The Wyman is in nearby Silverton, in a historic Main Street building. Choose between them with your daily destinations and mountain-road travel in mind.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/new-wyman-hotel-silverton-co-SILVERTON0322-40417c717ccb4a0aaf38c0ea3eb43e30.jpg)
Photograph courtesy of Bridget Burnett Photography.
Wiesbaden combines Ouray lodging with on-site hot-spring facilities. Confirm which facilities are included in a room booking and which require a separate reservation.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/wiesbaden-hot-springs-spa-LESSKNOWNCO1221-106f9c4f14fe45f7afc5c3e313a5368d.jpg)
Photograph courtesy of Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa.
The March 2025 article included Bon Ton Restaurant for Italian-inspired food and handmade pasta. That is a historical reference, not confirmation of its current name, menu, or operation. For a meal today, verify the establishment directly before making plans.
The Outlaw offers a Western-style restaurant setting on Ouray's Main Street. Ouray Brewery describes its downtown brewery, pub food, and rooftop seating. Menus, hours, seasonal closures, and seating availability can change; the original descriptions of particular dishes and awards are not a current menu or reservation guarantee.
A visit can help you compare town settings, access routes, and the activities you expect to use. Keep Ouray, Silverton, Ridgway, and Telluride distinct when comparing a second home: a regional attraction does not establish a property's rental permissions, investment return, or travel time. Contact Anne-Britt Ostlund at Mountain Rose Realty to discuss your location preferences and the property information needed for a search.