Ouray ColoradoOuray Colorado

Photography

Sneffels at dusk

A Photographer's Note

Ouray has long been known as a photographer’s paradise, maybe one that most photographers want to keep a secret. Ouray and the rugged San Juan Mountain range are blessed with diverse landscapes; wide open spaces to snow covered mountain peaks to running water to alpine basins alive with colorful flowers to aspen meadows that turn green in spring and in the fall – the show is breathtaking.

Take in the high country, either by vehicle or by foot to explore old mining towns and claims; a surprising amount of buildings and structures are still available for some great historic shots. The Alpine Basins and Tundra come alive with wildflowers. With over 70 hiking trails in the county and Ouray’s very own Fourteen-er, Mt. Sneffels, slide on your hiking shoes and your photo bag for a hike to explore the tundra and the wide open spaces.

You won’t have to go far to enjoy the vast number of photo ops right from town, the peaks that surround town are a panoramic delight to the town’s two waterfalls; Box Cañon and Cascade Falls. These two very different waterfalls with their own personalities are just a short walk from Main Street. Stroll through town and enjoy our Victorian Architecture and historic buildings and the view along the way.

During the winter months the snow brings a beautiful contrast to the area. Check out the Ouray Ice Park to photograph climbers on walls of ice. Deer, Elk and Big Horn Sheep can be found if you look closely and don’t forget about the Sneffel’s Mountain Range just east of Ridgway. This mountain range is one of the most photographed ranges in the U.S. and one of the best spots to take your photo is at the scenic overlook.

When you return home and have gone through your photos, if you have one you’d like to share we would love to see it.

Tips:

The early morning light and last hours of daylight are the best times for pictures. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Pack out garbage and leave old buildings, flora and fauna undisturbed. Respect your surroundings by staying on marked trails. Take only pictures leave only footprints.