Ouray, Colorado Is the Greatest Small U.S. City for a Spa Trip

Southwest Colorado’s Uncompahgre Valley is riddled with pockets of mineral-rich pure sizzling springs, which soothe the weary muscular tissues of the climbers, skiers, and hikers who come to play on this outside recreation capital.

The best base camp for having fun with the springs is Ouray, which sits in a picturesque field canyon surrounded by the snow-capped San Juan Mountains. Ouray has been widespread with journey fans and hot-spring seekers for many years — however with final 12 months’s opening of the Grotto Spa, positioned within the not too long ago revamped Western Resort, there’s by no means been a greater time to plan a visit to what many name the “Switzerland of America.”

“Right here, you’re completely immersed in nature,” says DeLinda Austin, basic supervisor of Wiesbaden Scorching Springs Spa & Lodgings. “Folks arrive careworn and also you see the change instantly. The panorama lulls you right into a extra tranquil state.”

Why Ouray Is the Greatest Spa City within the U.S. for 2024

Research present that point within the wilderness is an antidote for stress and Ouray provides numerous methods to nature bathe, from soaking in sizzling springs to tackling the two-year-old Golden Mountain Through Ferrata expertise. The opening of the Grotto Spa within the Western Resort cements the city’s popularity as the final word escape for R&R.

The place to Keep  

The Western Resort & Spa

Set inside a Nineteenth-century frontier-style, wood-frame boarding home positioned one block off of Principal Road, the Western Resort & Spa not too long ago underwent a meticulous two-and-a-half 12 months transformation that added a Nordic-inspired subterranean spa. “Our focus is therapeutic,” says Michelle Van Alsburg, the lodge’s basic supervisor and spa director. (She recommends a soak within the mineral waters adopted by the botanical bliss facial.) Higher-level boarding models have been became 16 spacious suites with fuel fireplaces, and the Western Grill serves farm-to-fire fare, like a home smoked pork shoulder with salsa verde.

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The Imogene Resort + Rooftop Bar

After an in depth restoration in 2020, this former brother and saloon on Principal Road has been re-imagined because the Imogene Resort + Rooftop Bar. Service at this six-room, boutique lodge is low contact (suppose check-in through textual content), however you possibly can’t beat the peak-peppered views from the rooftop bar, which is open Friday by way of Sunday. Rooms characteristic authentic hardwood flooring and pink brick partitions and have been embellished with native artwork; two have clawfoot tubs with spectacular views.

Field Canyon Lodge & Scorching Springs

The Victorian-style Field Canyon Lodge & Scorching Springs is tucked away on a quiet highway on the sting of city. The seven pink cedar tubs, that are on a terraced deck behind the lodge, are the large draw. Solely friends staying in one of many lodge’s 39 rooms have entry to the tubs, that are full of mineral-rich waters that stream straight from the hillside behind the lodge. Rooms have cabin vibes (suppose tongue-in-groove wooden paneling and stone fireplaces) and whereas there isn’t an onsite restaurant, the lodge does provide a complimentary continental breakfast.

Issues to Do

Soak within the Scorching Springs

Ouray is famend for its therapeutic waters and guests have their alternative of spots to soak. Chief Ouray, one of the vital influential leaders of the Northern Ute individuals throughout the late Nineteenth century, constructed his adobe dwelling for searching season close to the waters of Wiesbaden Scorching Springs Spa and Lodgings (remnants of the house are nonetheless on web site). “You possibly can scent the historical past right here,” says Austin, who started working on the property 27 years in the past. Steamy water hovers between 102 and 108 levels in each outside and indoor swimming pools. The vapor cave, located in and below the mountain, is sort of a pure sauna with waters of round 108 levels in addition to a cool waterfall. “It’s a really zen expertise,” says Logan Tyler, founding father of journey firm Basecamp Ouray. “Throughout vacationer season, it is a respite.”

Van Alsburg’s private oasis is Orvis Scorching Springs. The clothing-optional advanced in neighboring Ridgway (a 12-minute drive) has seven outside and three indoor swimming pools, together with the 108-114 diploma Lobster Pot. Household-friendly Ouray Scorching Springs Pool first opened within the 1900s. Situated within the coronary heart of city, it includes a lap pool, an exercise pool with a floating impediment course and 12-foot climbing wall, and 4 hot-spring-fed soaking swimming pools starting from 82 to 106 levels. There are 16 minerals discovered within the water, together with sulfate, calcium, potassium, manganese, and iron; no pungent sulfur. And Twin Peaks Lodge & Scorching Springs provides day passes to its newly renovated mineral swimming pools and likewise has a beautiful spa.

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Go Climbing

Ouray is a climbing mecca. Each January, ice climbers from across the globe descend in town to compete within the Ouray Ice Pageant. Occasions happen in Ouray Ice Park, the world’s first constructed mountaineering park, and one of many largest, spanning nearly two miles of the Uncompahgre Gorge simply outdoors of city. “It’s like a large fitness center with routes for all talents,” says professional climber Kitty Calhoun. “And the lead space isn’t crowded.” The park is often open mid-December by way of mid-March and its 150-plus climbing routes are groomed by a largely volunteer crew. Entry is free and native outfitters Iris and Basecamp Ouray supply lessons for newbies.

When the snow melts, you will get your adrenaline repair on Gold Mountain Through Ferrata. “It’s enjoyable and intense,” says native ceramicist Meadow Coldon “You’re actually uncovered so that you get a view over your entire city and may see how Ouray is nested in these lovely rock formations.”  Widespread in Europe, through ferratas are fastened climbing routes of steel rungs that present hand and footholds to assist get you up mountain faces. Logan Tyler, founding father of Basecamp Ouray, helped construct this route, which passes by way of a mining tunnel that cuts by way of the mountain. “The cool half is, you don’t want climbing expertise and even a variety of health to do that,” says Tyler, whose firm runs guided climbs.

Hit the Trails

The non-profit Ouray Path Group maintains greater than 80 climbing trails of various issue round city. “Some are actually vertical,” says Austin. “However for individuals who aren’t acclimated to the altitude [the town’s elevation is 7,792 feet] or who simply desire a mellow trek, the Perimeter Path is ideal and you continue to get attractive views.” The 5.6-mile route begins throughout from the Ouray Guests’ Middle and passes 4 waterfalls because it climbs 1,600 ft.

Ouray has many monikers, together with the Jeep Capital of the World. Off-road trails crisscross the San Juans, taking you to historic mining cities and outdated ghost cities. You possibly can hire a Jeep or UTV (a cross between an ATV and a Jeep) from firms equivalent to Altitude Adventures or Ouray Mountain Adventures, each of which additionally supply guided excursions.

The place to Store

Ouray’s Principal Road is registered as a part of the city’s Nationwide Historic District, and its superbly preserved buildings have been transformed into artwork galleries and boutiques. You gained’t discover any big-box chain shops right here. Regionally-owned, mom-and-pop retail retailers nonetheless rein on this small city. “As a enterprise proprietor, you possibly can see the entire companies rooting for one another and dealing collectively to assist one another,” says Coldon, who took over the San Juan Potter’s Guild in January 2024.

When Ouray Bookshop misplaced its lease in 2023, native Pat Gentle was in a position to buy the beloved store thanks partly to non-public financing from a bookshop common. Locals even volunteered to assist transfer cabinets to the shop’s new location on Sixth Ave, which debuted in Might 2024. Anticipate the identical fastidiously curated number of books in addition to common creator occasions.

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Native establishment Ouray Mountain Sports activities has been outfitting outside fans for greater than 20 years. “They inventory completely every thing you want,” says Calhoun, noting that in addition they hire snowshoes in addition to gear for summer season and winter climbing. The city’s sporty aspect usually eclipses its artwork neighborhood, which is simply as strong. Stalwart Ouray Glassworks and Pottery has been in enterprise greater than three a long time. Every part within the retailer is hand-crafted on web site and guests can observe artisans at work within the ceramics and glass blowing studios.

Chief Ouray Buying and selling Publish is a treasure trove of Native American jewellery and artwork. The stock is consistently up to date and may characteristic work from Navajo artist Jackie Black, Kingman Arizona turquoise squash-blossom necklaces made by Navajo artist Mary Ann Spencer, and colourful Zapotec rugs.

The place to Eat and Drink

Mouse’s Candies + Espresso

When Calhoun wants a caffeine repair or craves a candy, she heads to this family-run spot on Principal Road. The signature scrap cookies, made with leftover chocolate making elements equivalent to toffee, dried cherries, and toasted pecans, are her favourite deal with. Espresso beans are roasted onsite in an vintage roaster and the in depth drink menu contains classics like cortados and Americanos in addition to dessert-like concoctions such because the marzipan mocha, a mix of espresso, darkish chocolate and almond syrups, and steamed milk.

Maggie’s Kitchen

“Palms down the very best burger I’ve ever had,” says Tyler of this humble restaurant on Principal Road. He likes the traditional beef burger, however the huge chalkboard menu additionally options elk and buffalo burgers in addition to elk brats, patty melts, and extra. Insider tip: skip the fries and order the crispy onion rings.

Brickhouse 737

One of many city’s fancier eating places, locals head to this cozy spot for wonderful craft cocktails and gussied up farm-to-table fare. Don’t miss the miso-dressed fried brussel sprouts with candied macadamia nuts and Portugese sausage, or the favored hangar steak topped with black garlic butter. Vegetarians will recognize the eggplant and vadouvan-roasted cauliflower entrée, paired with spiced coconut yogurt and pickled Persian cucumbers.

Sauvage Spectrum Wine Lounge

Colorado wines are quietly making a reputation for themselves. Sauvage Spectrum Property Vineyard & Winery, one of many high producers from the Grand Valley wine space,opened a tasting room on Principal Road within the historic Wright Constructing. The winery in Palisade grows 26 varietals, that are hand-harvested and bottled on web site. Order a glass of the Lambrusco-inspired Sparklet or sip your manner by way of a flight paired with snacks.

Colorado Boy Southwest Pub

This outpost of Colorado Boy Brewing in close by Ridgway has a rotating number of 12 craft beers on faucet. Calhoun’s a fan of the pub’s artisan pizzas. For dinner, you possibly can construct your individual or select from inventive combos just like the Honey Pie with mozzarella, Capicola ham, and house-made sizzling honey.

The Greatest Instances to Go to 

Selecting a favourite season is like selecting a favourite baby, says Austin. “I really like that the seasons are so outlined,” she says. “Each is particular in its personal manner.” Summer time tends to be the busiest time of 12 months, attracting hikers, bikers, and off-roaders. The wildflowers usually peak between July and early August. “The mountains are like a rainbow when the flowers are in bloom,” says Van Alsburg. She recommends renting UTV and driving to the Alpine Loop to absorb the colours. Autumn is a bit quieter, however equally spectacular when the autumn foliage lights up the panorama with crimson maples and golden Aspens.

Late April by way of Might is aptly named mud season, because the winter snowpack melts and the frozen trails thaw right into a sloppy mess. Costs are typically cheaper, crowds are thinner and the temperature is excellent for soaking within the sizzling springs. Tyler has a gentle spot for winter. “City appears to be like like a snow globe,” he says. “And there’s a lot to do, from Nordic snowboarding by way of ghost cities to backcountry snowboarding close to Purple Mountain Move, and naturally mountaineering.”

How you can Get There

Each Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and Telluride Regional Airport (KTEX) are about one hour away; from Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) it takes two hours. Probably the most scenic possibility is to fly to Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO) and drive two hours north alongside the spectacularly lovely Million Greenback Freeway.

In case you journey from Denver Worldwide Airport (DIA), the 355-mile drive southwest on I70-W, US 50-E, and US 550-S will take about six hours. Flip it right into a highway journey with stops to soak within the sizzling springs of Glenwood Springs and to discover the mountain bike trails and wineries in Palisade. In case you plan to journey within the winter, examine the climate and highway circumstances upfront on the Colorado Division of Transportation web site, cdot.gov. Downtown Ouray could be very walkable however you’ll desire a automotive if you happen to plan to discover past city. Ouray Customer Middle and the parking zone of the Scorching Springs Pool have electrical car charging stations.