Ouray- "Switzerland of America" (Grand Junction, CO)

We arrived at famous Ouray. 

Ouray

The town of Ouray was originally a mining town, like most towns in the mountains of Colorado. However, Ouray doesn't feel like a mining town. Present-day Ouray focuses on tourism and markets itself as the "Switzerland of America." Because of its setting at the head of a narrow valley, enclosed on three and a half sides by steep mountains, it gives the feel of a town in the Swiss Alps.

Much of the Ouray's tourism is focused on ice climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and off-roading in four-wheel drive (4WD) expeditions into the nearby mountains. 4WD vehicles can be rented from a number of outfitters downtown and are very popular.

With its location as the beginning of the "Million Dollar Highway," the town has also become extremely popular with motorcyclists. This stretch of highway connects Ouray with the neighboring towns of Silverton and Durango and is considered one of Colorado's most beautiful roads. However, its sharp turns, steep ledges, and lack of guardrails also make it one of the state's most dangerous roads.

It was early in the morning (7:50), and the Visitor Center hadn’t opened yet. 

For centuries, the town's numerous hot springs have attracted weary travelers. The hot springs range between 80 and 150 degrees F (27 to 65.5 degrees C) and have been bubbling up along the Uncompahgre River and from underground fissures for thousands of. Located along a large geological lift at the head of the Uncompahgre Valley, pressure and heat from the area's geological activity has resulted in a series of clean, odorless hot springs. These same geologic forces also made the area rich in minerals and ore.

This is Radium Springs Swimming Pool.

Without the strong sulfuric smell associated with many hot springs, Ouray’s public pool contains almost 1 million gallons of crystal clear, natural hot spring water without any four odors. In addition to several soaking sections of varying temperatures, the pool has a lap swimming section, diving area, large slide, shallow section for younger children, and a game area for water volleyball. Note- the slide and diving boards are closed during the winter season.

All of the town's Main Street is registered as a National Historic District, and most of the buildings dating back to the late 1800s. The Beaumont Hotel, Ouray City Hall, and Walsh Library are listed on the National Register of Historic Places individually. Ouray County Courthouse, St. Elmo Hotel, St. Joseph's Miners' Hospital (the current location of the Ouray County Historical Society and Museum), Western Hotel, and Wright's Opera House are included collectively in the historic district.

*This posting was translated. Click here to read the original version.