Ouray Colorado

Wildflower News

July 22nd, 2008

Wildflowers in Yankee Boy Basin are about a week to ten days out from peak ... there are a lot of buds up there and they should be "popping" soon!

Blog Headlines

• Yankee Boy Basin Wildflower Update
• Chamonix, Zermatt, and Grindelwald
• Rainbows of color in the alpine basins!!!
• fun in the summer snow
• Zermatt Climbing
• Gilpin Peak North Face Couloir
• Dallas Peak South Face Couloir
• Bicycle Tour of Colorado Comes to Ouray
• Teakettle South Couloir Climb

Ouray is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Whether you set out to conquer the mountains with rope and carbineer, on foot, bike, or four-wheel drive—there’s a route for everyone. Autumn is truly an outstanding time of year, with aspen stands and mixed conifer forests exhibiting glorious displays of golden colors. The winter months are enchanting. At night when the lights meet the formations of ice and snow they join in a shimmering dance of magical light. It's no wonder that this area has been described as the "Switzerland of America."

Ouray is the perfect retreat for rest and relaxation. In addition to the area's outdoor opportunities, we have unique shops and galleries, summer and winter events and entertainment, the Hot Springs Pool & Fitness Center, and a variety of dining and lodging options.

This is a vacation you will want to remember for the rest of your life. There are panoramic vistas, mountain basins with waterfalls and wildflowers and a inspiring winter wonderland waiting to be capture on film, so don’t forget your camera!

Location

Ouray is located in the southwestern part of Colorado along US Highway 550, approximately 80 miles north of Durango and 35 miles south of Montrose. The portion of Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton, 24 miles to the south, has been named The Million Dollar Highway and is part of the San Juan Skyway, one of the most scenic and spectacular mountain drives in North America.

Physical and Climate

Elevation: 7,760 feet
Topography: Surrounded by the San Juan mountain range, the youngest and steepest range of the Rockies.
Peaks surrounding the town rise 13,000 to 14,000 feet.
Population: 800+ year-round
Size of Town: 9 blocks long, 6 blocks wide
Climate: 285 sunny days per year.
Summer: A typical summer day is sunny, in the 70's and 80's with evening temperatures in the 50's. The humidity is very low with brief afternoon showers typical in July.
Winter: 140" average snowfall. A typical winter day is sunny and bright, with highs averaging in the 40's and lows in the high teens. Snowstorms are sometimes heavy. Although not necessary, it is advisable to have four-wheel drive, snow tires or chains.

Distances

Durango: 80 miles (2 hours)
Telluride: 47 miles (1 hour)
Montrose: 34 miles (40 minutes)
Silverton: 23 miles (40 minutes)
Cortez: 125 miles (3 hours via Telluride)
Grand Junction: 96 miles (2 hours)
Mesa Verde: 110 miles (3 hours)
Moab: 133 miles (3 hours)
Colorado Springs: 267 miles (5-6 hours)
Denver: 300 miles (6-7 hours)
Albuquerque: 300 miles (6 hours)

Transportation

Ouray can be reached by automobile or by flying into one of several nearby locations. Air service is available in Montrose, Telluride, Grand Junction, or Durango. Limo transportation services are available to and from Ouray and Montrose with car rentals available at all surrounding airports.