Ouray County, Administrative division in Colorado, US
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Location: Colorado
Inception: January 18, 1877
Capital city: Ouray
Shares border with: Montrose County, San Juan County, San Miguel County, Gunnison County, Hinsdale County
Website: http://ouraycountyco.gov
GPS coordinates: 38.16000,-107.77000
Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:02
Red Mountain Pass
29.5 km
Mount Sneffels
17.5 km
Bridal Veil Falls
26.8 km
Ridgway State Park
6.6 km
Box Canyon
17.7 km
Dallas Divide
12.7 km
Wetterhorn Peak
25.2 km
Uncompahgre Wilderness
26.3 km
St. Elmo Hotel
17.7 km
Mount Sneffels Wilderness
18.5 km
Telluride Historic District
25 km
Ridgway Reservoir
8 km
Matterhorn Peak (Colorado)
26.2 km
Dallas Peak
19.7 km
Fort Peabody
25.7 km
Little Cone
38.2 km
Gilpin Peak
19.4 km
Teakettle Mountain
17.7 km
Western Hotel
17.4 km
Jones 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 km
Bear Creek Falls
20.3 km
Telluride Historical Museum
24.8 km
Million Dollar Highway
27.9 km
Blue Lake Trail
15.9 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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