New
in Oh-Two
Look for something old, something new
when you visit Ouray in 2002
New
in Oh-Two
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Visitor's
Perspective | Where? | Area History Continued from Page One Activities
The 'Jeep' is the open sesame to the area's history. But you don't have to own (or rent) a 4-WD to enjoy the mountains. There are several enjoyable routes the family sedan will handle nicely. A few suggestions:
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You'll find other ideas on our activities page, and be sure and take a look at Driving the Mountains without the Bumps!
Hiking and Excursions
Jeeping
Ouray Shopping
When To Go
The weather was still warm, and the aspens were just beginning to change. The aspens should have been about perfect the following week, and Indian Summer often runs into early October. We've since also visited in mid-July and found the time equally enjoyable, if a bit warmish in '98. We currently visit in late June and late September. The timing of the aspens' color change varies from year to year, but we've had pretty good luck at hitting the peak in the last week of September. The change of color usually begins earlier, and the gold and yellow often lasts into October. Weather in late June seems more variable. We've been warm, and seen little more snow than in July. On the contrary in 2001, following a fairly wet and snowy winter, the rivers are running quite high, Black Bear Pass and Poughkeepsie are still closed, and Imogene just opened, albeit with a bit of ice crust in places. We've just returned (June 25, '01) from a run over California and Hurricane Passes and the snow at trail side ran up to 12 feet in height ... several spots quite wet and with poor adhesion. Sounds like a troublesome run? Actually one of our more enjoyable outings. Rain, sun, lots of snow on north slopes ... a great time to be up here! The nearest full weather reporting station available is Telluride, only 8 miles away as the crow flies. That's the station reported above. Telluride is at considerably higher altitude and positioned differently in the mountains. Montrose, 36 miles to the north of Ouray, and several thousand feet lower in elevation. Montrose is usually warmer than the mountain towns, and often drier, with much less snow. The USGS does provide limited weather reporting at an automatic station in Ouray. Select the "Real-time" data for the site. There are a number of other automatic stations in the county. You're interested in the "MET." (meteorological) stations at the bottom of the list.
Mountain wildflowers peak in July, though you'll still find snow (plowed) at the high passes. (The high four-wheeling routes are usually plowed-through by July 4th, sometimes earlier or later depending on late-season snowfalls.) Summer weather is normally excellent, though you should expect afternoon summer showers and occasional thunderstorms. Mushroom hunting is usually excellent in August and September, and Telluride celebrates an August mushroom festival. Winter months, December through March, offer a unique respite compared to the typical glitzy ski resort. Ouray experiences more sunny days than Southern California. In winter you'll find many bright sunshiny days in Ouray, great for outdoor activities. While there's only a kiddie 'school slope' at Ouray, Telluride is just an hour away and Telluride lift tickets are half price if you stay in Ouray. And if you're an ice climber (or would like to learn) Ouray and the Telluride area have some excellent spots and guides. The annual "Imogene Pass Run" (mountain footrace) is usually the first Saturday following Labor Day (the 8th in 2001), and the Jeep Jamboree is the third or fourth weekend of September (20-22, 2001.) Book far in advance if these are your preferred times to visit. A Quick History
Today's civilization and recreational opportunity directly result from the geological history and the mining that eventually occurred. (Take a detour to find more of this background.)
With the decline in silver prices at the turn of the century the area gradually declined. The need for certain minerals during WW II revived mining for a short period. A better and longer-lasting boost has come from a more subtle aspect of the World War ... the Jeep.
A majority of the turn-of-the-century buildings are still intact and in use. If you wish you can stay in one of the original hotels, lovingly refurbished. Few of the shops will remind you of anything you have at home, most with unaccustomed character. And you'll find the merchants and residents on the streets helpful and downright friendly.
Planning Resources
Farther From Home
Marmot
Acknowledgements
Our Favorites Trip Tips and Tools Copyright © 1997-2001 E.J.
Gehrlein Traveling
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here are many other pleasurable
amusements as well: 
uray's hot springs are unique in the
area. They would have been a major attraction to the Utes and definitely are today to
visitors and area residents. Ouray operates a fitness center and large municipal pool fed
by the local springs, year 'round. If a hot soak out of doors in summer or winter is your
idea of bliss, Ouray's the spot. Several of the hotels have private hot springs feeding
hot tubs or hot pools. The city complex boasts a 250 by 150 foot pool including several
soaking sections at a variety of temperatures, a lap-swimming section and a diving area.
The facilities include a fitness center and bathhouse.
ou'll find many reasons to visit,
indeed, fall in love with, the area. For us, and perhaps for you, the mountains are the
treasure and our 
ith the experience of only eight visits
in under four years we're certainly no experts. We first went in
mid-latish-September which seemed a perfect time. The snow was mainly gone. Mountain snow
rarely entirely leaves, and snow in any month, even July and August, is always a
possibility. If you're new to visiting mountain areas our notes on 
f you are a history buff you'll want to know
that the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2000 named the Red Mountain Mining
District one of the 
