Ouray is a charming small town surrounded by the beauty of the San Juan mountains. At an elevation of 7,792 feet, Ouray has the perfect setting for active outdoor enthusiasts whether hiking, mountain biking, skiing, ice, or rock climbing. You can find activities all year round in Ouray. (Skip down to more info on Things to do in Ouray.)
Ouray is pronounced like “YOUR-RAY.” However, you’ll likely hear all sorts of pronunciations for it. Ouray was settled as a mining town and named after a Native American leader from the Ute tribe.
Ouray is famed for being the “Switzerland of America.” After tourism grew in the the1900s, Europeans found its charming architecture and alpine landscape a reminder of home.
Ouray is an ideal place to stay because it offers a wide variety of activities while maintaining small-town charm. Ouray is about an hour from Telluride, a popular ski destination. In terms of affordability, you will get more value for your money by staying in Ouray.
We’ve narrowed down the best places for couples to stay in Ouray and the surrounding area. This list is best for couples and duo travelers or even small families.
If you celebrate a special occasion like an anniversary or romantic getaway for your trip, you may want to treat yourself to a unique experience like this one-of-a-kind penthouse suite:
Ouray Penthouse Suite Airbnb with Private 360-Degree Views
Ouray Penthouse Suite is a perfect getaway for couples to enjoy unbeatable 360-degree mountain views of Ouray. Indulge in a 1000-square-foot penthouse suite located on top of the Ouray Alchemist Museum building off the main street.
This luxury suite includes two outdoor spaces including a private front balcony and a 400 square foot back deck perfect for star-gazing. Enjoy exclusive views of the Chief Ouray Mine, Cascade Falls, the Amphitheater, and Twin Peaks.
You don’t have to worry about parking because the suite comes with a garage. The penthouse location is within walking distance of many activities on the main street.
History lovers will appreciate the Ouray Alchemist Pharmacy Museum below which preserved the Wild West history of medicine in the area. Reservations are required/strongly encouraged for a two-hour tour.
If you like to stay in the heart of all the action, with easy access to things to do check out the next two options located in the Story Block building:
Rustic Chic Condo on Main Street Ouray
The location on the front side of Main Street makes it a perfect home base for everything you could want to do in Ouray. You can easily walk to restaurants and activities or enjoy time relaxing.
This condo is perfect for a couple or small family who wants to cook in a fully stocked kitchen with amazing views. The condo has been updated with a beautiful breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, and a wine cooler. The interior holds its charm and natural lighting with views.
Story Block Luxury Loft Condo Ouray
A great value for a great location in this modern loft in the Story Block building just off the back of Main Street. Close to everything you want. The property also includes an elevator.
Enjoy a cozy gas fireplace in the colder months.
If you like to be centrally located but want a little more of nature and quiet, this cabin is the best of both worlds.
1879 Historic Charm Cabin Ouray
This quaint cabin is tucked away a few blocks away from downtown Ouray. A great location for some peace and quiet for your home base while giving you access to activities nearby. This cabin is also pet-friendly for your furry friends.
A newly remodeled and fully stocked kitchen and a gas grill on the deck so you can make yourself at home if you prefer cooking a few meals. Enjoy views from the deck of the Amphitheater.
While the cabin is old, it has been remodeled with just the right modern touches to complement your stay and give you a rustic mountain feel. This is a unique gem and will make your stay in Ouray extra special.
The Uncompahgre River flows by the town of Ouray and is a focal point for many activities creating a relaxing atmosphere. You can stay close to the River and experience it yourself.
Another great location just across the street from the River Trail is this property.
Ouray Pet-Friendly Condo Airbnb
A mile north of Ouray, this two-story condo has spectacular views from the living room and porch area, with lots of natural lighting throughout the living space. It’s a short walk away from the Ouray Hot Springs.
Cook in a fully stocked kitchen, cozy up to the gas fireplace, and enjoy the spacious layout with your furry friend. The condo also has AC for summertime for those not used to mountain living.
Couples looking to get out of the city, whether for outdoor activities like off-roading, jeep tours, and fishing or just for the peace and quiet, may want to stay on property outside Ouray. Going up the road towards Ridgeway puts you in proximity to outdoor activities and you are still within an easy distance to go into town.
Red Rock Overlook Vacation Rental between Ouray and Ridgeway
Red Rock Overlook, is a private mountain hideaway on 5 acres that is positioned 150 feet above the river providing amazing views of the Uncompahgre River Valley. This is an ideal quiet place for stargazing and privacy.
Unwind and relax in the hot tub at night and enjoy a glass of wine on the spacious deck.
Located between Ouray and Ridgway, it is just a short drive to enjoy activities either way.
All-wheel drive vehicle needed in snow season (October-March).
Camp Happy Ranch Airbnb on 56 Acres by the River near Ridgeway
Camp Happy Ranch is also midway between Ouray and Ridgway, about a 7-minute drive either way. Ridgeway Reservoir is about 10 minutes away.
Here you are likely to encounter a variety of wildlife other than the horses and cattle on the property including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, birds, and other small critters. Black bears are also found in the San Juan Mountain range.
The interior of the two-story home has a cottage-like feel with vaulted ceilings to let in the natural lighting. A full kitchen to cook with and welcoming hosts who are happy to help you have a great experience.
If you stay in good weather, you can enjoy a special spot down by the river with a hammock, and rocking chairs perfect for grilling and relaxing.
Things to Do in Ouray
Ouray Perimeter hike is a beautiful hike that runs along the circumference of the small town. There are four waterfalls along the hike including a small trail to view the bottom of Box Canyon Falls, another great scenic attraction in the area along with many other trails for hiking, biking, and exploring.
Follow up your active days by soaking in hot springs or enjoy a craft beer at one of the local breweries: Ouray Brewing or Red Mountain Brewing Co. You’ll enjoy beautiful mountain views from the main street.
Ouray Hot Springs is a family-friendly facility located off the main highway in Ouray. The hot springs are odorless and sulfur-free. Water flows through to the springs from Box Canyon into 5 pools of different temperature ranges from 74 to 106 degrees.
In nearby Ridgeway, Orvis Hot Springs is a clothing-optional resort and spa with ten hot spring options: 3 indoor and 7 outdoor including a Lobster Pot at 108-114 degrees and a cold plunge at 64 degrees. Bathing suits are required in the indoor pool from 9am-7pm.
You can purchase a day pass if you don’t plan to spend the night but want to soak in Orvis Hot Springs. Guests lodging overnight at the resort have all-day access to the hot springs and amenities including cozy hooded robes and access to their towels and beverages.
In the winter, Ouray Ice Park is a world-renowned destination worth visiting. In January, the park hosts the Annual Ouray Ice Festival Competition. The park itself is free and maintained by donations and members. You can rent gear and book guided services in the area.
Although it is a distance from Denver and the Rocky Mountains, the San Juan Mountains area is breathtaking and worth the drive to the western side of Colorado.
Ouray County is the gateway to the San Juan Skyway or the Million Dollar Highway, one of the most scenic drives in Colorado.
This drive is perfect in the fall when leaves are changing color, or in the spring and summer when the weather is nice. Million Dollar Highway is not for the faint of heart if you are afraid of steep inclines and hairpin turns and is not recommended in snow conditions. The road is subject to closure.
