Ouray County, Administrative division in Colorado, US
Description
Ouray County is a mountainous administrative division in southwestern Colorado with two main communities. The territory features steep valleys and tall peaks, centered around the towns of Ouray and Ridgway set within rugged mountain formations.
History
The county was established in 1877 and named after Ute Chief Ouray. Its creation coincided with the silver and gold rush that brought prospectors to the mountainous region.
Culture
The region was home to Ute people before miners arrived and transformed the landscape. Today, abandoned mining settlements and mountain towns shape how visitors experience the area.
Practical
The towns of Ouray and Ridgway serve as bases for exploring the mountainous terrain with services and lodging available in both communities. Visitors should prepare for mountain roads and changing weather conditions when traveling through the area.
Did you know?
Two prominent mountain peaks dominate the landscape and once served as landmarks for travelers and miners navigating the terrain. Their distinctive shapes make them natural markers for the region.
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Mount Sneffels
17.5 km
Bridal Veil Falls
26.8 km
Animas Forks
31.1 km
Ridgway State Park
6.6 km
Box Canyon
17.7 km
Smuggler-Union Hydroelectric Power Plant
26.8 km
Dallas Divide
12.7 km
Wetterhorn Peak
25.2 km
St. Elmo Hotel
17.7 km
Mount Sneffels Wilderness
18.5 km
Telluride Historic District
25 km
Beaumont Hotel
17.7 km
Ridgway Reservoir
8 kmDallas Peak
19.7 km
Fort Peabody
25.7 kmHorsefly Peak
14.6 km
Little Cone
38.2 km
Gilpin Peak
19.4 kmTeakettle Mountain
17.7 km
Western Hotel
17.4 kmJones Mountain
36.3 km
Ouray City Hall and Walsh Library
17.6 km
Wright's Opera House
17.7 km
Ouray County Courthouse
17.6 km
Ouray Historic District
17.5 kmSt. Joseph's Miners' Hospital
17.6 km
Bear Creek Falls
20.3 kmOuray County Ranch History Museum
1.6 km
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