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ExcusionsExcursions
Camp Bird Mine (This gravel road, which begins just at the south edge of town doesn't require a high-clearance vehicle. At times, though, it can become quite rutted. We'd prefer to do the trip in a rented Jeep or our own SUV.) Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour
The mine, two miles north of Ouray, is open from late May to the middle of September. A slightly more extended write-up on the tour. Telluride More tame now, but, for the most part, Telluride looks much as it did at the turn of the century. (Perhaps like us you may find the Victorianism a bit excessive or overly contrived.) Nonetheless, the shops and turn-of-the-century buildings are worth the trip, and there are many fine restaurants. |
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If you have time take a ride on the free gondola to the Mountain Village. You will see how the wealthy enjoy their mountain time. Telluride is less than 10 miles from Ouray ... for birds; by highway it's nearly 50 miles and 65 minutes, over the scenic Dallas Divide at 8,970 feet (2,734 meters). Any of the 4x4 'shortcuts' take up to three hours.
Ed and Julie, hardly kids (chronologically) thoroughly enjoyed their visit and plan to return. For youngsters, especially, this is an outstanding visit, delightfully enjoyable and educational as well. The fort is located just off US50 near the center of Delta in Confluence Park on Gunnison River Drive. (55 miles north of Ouray; just over an hour's drive.) Open from March through September, Tuesday through Saturday from 10am until 4pm. Run by the city, this is one of the most reasonably-priced visits you'll make on your vacation. Adults, $3.50, children $2.50. Durango-Silverton Narrow
Gauge Railroad Durango is 70 miles and 90 minutes from Ouray by road. If you'd prefer a shorter outing you can take a bus from Silverton to Durango and the train back to your car at Silverton. The Silverton depot (1-970-387-5416) will make reservations and has the Silverton-Durango bus schedule. (Or, 1888 872-4607.) The link above will provide you with the history of this route, train schedules and fares. Advance reservations (4-8 weeks) are suggested. If you're in Ouray and haven't made a reservation, though, it's worth a call to see if seats are available. Silverton Its setting, while decidedly scenic, is not as distinguished as Ouray's. There are many shops for those so inclined, and it's the northern terminus of the Durango-Silverton narrow-gauge railroad. The city seems 'lifeless' most of the time; it pulses to the arrival of the Durango train.
The mill is open daily from Memorial Day into (early) September. Cost of the tour is $8.50, kids $4.50. Youngsters and oldsters alike will enjoy the visit.
At the very least you'll enjoy the scenery along the drive to Howardsville, viewing fine mountains and remains of mines from one of the best mining territories in the country. You'll pass the Mayflower Mill, and you've not visitied the Bachelor-Syracuse mine in Ouray you could stop and visit the Old Hundred gold mine. Beyond Howardsville the road gets a bit (only a bit) rougher, though quite a bit narrower. Uphill vehicles 'have' the right of way, though common sense should always prevail. There are usually plenty of wide spots to permit vehicles to pass. Silverton is 23 miles south of Ouray over the Million Dollar Highway, a trip of 30-35 minutes. You'll cross over Red Mountain Pass at 11,075 feet (3,375 meters). Since the scenery along the highway is spectacular and there are many opportunities to stop and look along the way, plan on an hour or so. The highway is well-built and quite safe, but timid drivers may find the trip takes longer. Black Canyon of the Gunnison It's about an hour's drive, north to Montrose, then a short jog east on US 50.
Although it must be said the central area of the main street is one of the more attractive remaining reminders of what 'small town' America looked like 50 years ago. Some especially nice shops scattered about, several sporting goods stores among them, including one so large it occupies two large stores on opposite sides of the street. Several good restaurants according to reputation. We had a very enjoyable meal at Oriano's, one block off the main street.
This is the first, and only, national park established to preserve works of man. Dating from 1906, the park has been expanded throughout the years, and now encompasses more than 50,000 acres. The park was designated a World Heritage Site nearly 25 years ago.
We spent a busy half day at the park after driving from a bit north of Durango (Purgatory) and returning the same day. A half day provides a good overview of the park, but it merits a full day if your schedule permits. We do have a full-day return visit on our to-do list. There is lodging on-site. The park entrance is located halfway between Mancos and Cortez on US160. It's about 30 miles from Durango, perhaps 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. Note that it about 15 miles (20-30 minutes) from the park entrance to the visitor center.
Our Favorites Trip Tips and Tools Copyright © 1997-2001 E.J.
Gehrlein Traveling |
ou can (usually) use
your car to get to the remains of Camp Bird Mine, that fabulous source of wealth for Tom
Walsh and family. It's a scenic drive on a county road and you'll pass many remains of old
mines and mills. 
ake advantage of the
nearby opportunity to tour one of the more successful mines in the area. After donning a
slicker and hard-hat, which they provide, you'll quickly travel 3,350 feet into the heart
of the mountain on a mine tram. You'll find yourself 1,000 feet below the surface
fascinated by all you'll learn about mining and miners ... most likely from someone who's
made their living at this or a similar mine. 
trip into the
Wild West, and at the same time a journey into the land of 'beautiful people' (rich,
beautiful people) ... as well as old hippies, new hippies, and other of society's
iconoclasts. The city began as a mining town and rapidly gained a reputation as one of the
wild spots of the Wild West era. Butch Cassidy staged his first bank robbery here.
e enjoyed
Eagles Bar and Grill (watch out for the garlic), the Floradora for lunch and Rustico's
food and outdoor patio -- both on Colorado Ave. in the area of and across from the
courthouse. 
attire. Much of their time has been and is committed to living the
life of the traders who first used this fort. You'll find them experienced in such things
as trapping beaver, making buckskin the Native American way and blacksmithing. By the end
of your visit you'll feel you've stepped back in time.
irtually the last
surviving operational narrow gauge in the US makes the 45 mile trip between Durango and
Silverton several times a day in the summer season. The round trip takes eight or nine
hours, including time out for lunch and shopping in Silverton.
uray and
its equal-sized neighbor to the south were locked in mortal economic battle for most of
the last quarter of the 18th-century. In the end, with the decline of mining, it was all
for naught. The first city in the US with cement sidewalks, Silverton looks much as it
must have in its prime, if somewhat time-worn. 
e
sure and plan a visit to the 
f you're in Silverton
at lunch time try Romero's. An area friend opines, "great Mexican food and
atmosphere; several generations of Romeros work there and they're all very nice."
Jeep drivers should avoid the "killer" Margaritas. The Gold King also serves a
decent lunch and you may enjoy the period interior.
uch of the park is
open to visitors without guides or reservations. The three most important sites may only
be visited on guided tours which you can (only) reserve in person at the visitor center.
Some portions of the park are open year 'round (weather permitting), though some of the
important sites are open only from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or for the Cliff Palace and
Balcony House from mid-May through mid-October.
The Bircher Fire was declared contained as
we write this page at the end of July, 2000. Some of the fire intruded into the park and
you should check with the park's website for up-to-date information about how the fire may
affect visitors. 