About Ouray 
Originally established by miners chasing silver and gold in the surrounding mountains, the town at one time boasted more horses and mules than people. Prospectors arrived in the area in 1875. At the height of the mining, Ouray had more than 30 active mines. The town was incorporated on October 2, 1876, named after Chief Ouray of the Utes, a Native American tribe. By 1877 Ouray had grown to over 1,000 in population.
The entirety of Main St. is registered as a National Historic District with most of the buildings dating back to the late nineteenth century. The Ouray City Hall and Walsh Library are listed on the National Register of Historic Places individually, while the Ouray County Courthouse, St. Joseph's Miners' Hospital (currently housing the Ouray County Historical Society and Museum), and Wright's Opera House are included in the historic district.
Ouray is now a tourist destination for people from all over the world. With the world famous Ouray Ice Park, Ouray Hot Springs Pool, Million Dollar Highway and all of the outdoor activities that Ouray offers the “Little Switzerland of America” continues to grow in popularity with vacationers.
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.
Physical and Climate Elevation
7,760 feet is Ouray's elevation. 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. Evening temperatures are usually in the 50's. The humidity is very low and you can expect afternoon showers, but they never last too long. Winter: 140" average snowfall. A typical winter day can vary from 20-40 degrees for the highs and 10-30 for the lows.. Snowstorms are sometimes heavy and 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. Nearby airports include Montrose, Telluride, Grand Junction, and Durango.
