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 scorching springs, which soothe the weary muscular tissues of the climbers, skiers, and hikers who come to play on this out of doors 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 in style with journey fans and hot-spring seekers for many years — however with final yr’s opening of the Grotto Spa, situated within the just lately revamped Western Lodge, 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 Sizzling Springs Spa & Lodgings. “Individuals arrive harassed 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 gives numerous methods to nature bathe, from soaking in scorching springs to tackling the two-year-old Golden Mountain By way of Ferrata expertise. The opening of the Grotto Spa within the Western Lodge cements the city’s status as the final word escape for R&R.

The place to Keep  

The Western Lodge & Spa

Set inside a Nineteenth-century frontier-style, wood-frame boarding home situated one block off of Major Road, the Western Lodge & Spa just lately underwent a meticulous two-and-a-half yr transformation that added a Nordic-inspired subterranean spa. “Our focus is therapeutic,” says Michelle Van Alsburg, the resort’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 was 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 Lodge + Rooftop Bar

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

Field Canyon Lodge & Sizzling Springs

The Victorian-style Field Canyon Lodge & Sizzling Springs is tucked away on a quiet street on the sting of city. The seven pink cedar tubs, that are on a terraced deck behind the resort, are the massive draw. Solely visitors staying in one of many lodge’s 39 rooms have entry to the tubs, that are crammed with mineral-rich waters that movement straight from the hillside behind the resort. Rooms have cabin vibes (assume 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 Sizzling Springs

Ouray is famend for its therapeutic waters and guests have their selection of spots to soak. Chief Ouray, one of the crucial influential leaders of the Northern Ute folks through the late Nineteenth century, constructed his adobe house for looking season close to the waters of Wiesbaden Sizzling Springs Spa and Lodgings (remnants of the house are nonetheless on website). “You may odor 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 out of doors and indoor swimming pools. The vapor cave, located in and underneath 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 Sizzling Springs. The clothing-optional complicated in neighboring Ridgway (a 12-minute drive) has seven out of doors and three indoor swimming pools, together with the 108-114 diploma Lobster Pot. Household-friendly Ouray Sizzling Springs Pool first opened within the 1900s. Positioned 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 & Sizzling Springs gives day passes to its newly renovated mineral swimming pools and likewise has a stunning 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 Competition. Occasions happen in Ouray Ice Park, the world’s first constructed mountain climbing park, and one of many largest, spanning virtually two miles of the Uncompahgre Gorge simply exterior of city. “It’s like an enormous fitness center with routes for all skills,” says professional climber Kitty Calhoun. “And the lead space isn’t crowded.” The park is usually open mid-December by mid-March and its 150-plus climbing routes are groomed by a principally volunteer group. Entry is free and native outfitters Iris and Basecamp Ouray supply lessons for newbies.

When the snow melts, you may get your adrenaline repair on Gold Mountain By way of 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 might see how Ouray is nested in these lovely rock formations.”  Widespread in Europe, by way of 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 a mining tunnel that cuts by the mountain. “The cool half is, you don’t want climbing expertise and even loads 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 mountaineering trails of various problem 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 need 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 previous ghost cities. You may lease a Jeep or UTV (a cross between an ATV and a Jeep) from firms reminiscent of Altitude Adventures or Ouray Mountain Adventures, each of which additionally supply guided excursions.

The place to Store

Ouray’s Major Road is registered as a part of the city’s Nationwide Historic District, and its fantastically preserved buildings have been transformed into artwork galleries and boutiques. You received’t discover any big-box chain shops right here. Regionally-owned, mom-and-pop retail outlets 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 Mild was capable of buy the beloved store thanks partly to personal financing from a bookshop common. Locals even volunteered to assist transfer cabinets to the shop’s new location on Sixth Ave, which debuted in Could 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 out of doors fans for greater than 20 years. “They inventory completely the whole lot you want,” says Calhoun, noting that additionally they lease snowshoes in addition to gear for summer season and winter climbing. The city’s sporty facet usually eclipses its artwork group, which is simply as strong. Stalwart Ouray Glassworks and Pottery has been in enterprise greater than three many years. All the things within the retailer is hand-crafted on website and guests can observe artisans at work within the ceramics and glass blowing studios.

Chief Ouray Buying and selling Submit is a treasure trove of Native American jewellery and artwork. The stock is consistently up to date and may function 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 Major Road. The signature scrap cookies, made with leftover chocolate making components reminiscent of 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

“Arms down the perfect burger I’ve ever had,” says Tyler of this humble restaurant on Major 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 prime producers from the Grand Valley wine space,opened a tasting room on Major Road within the historic Wright Constructing. The winery in Palisade grows 26 varietals, that are hand-harvested and bottled on website. Order a glass of the Lambrusco-inspired Sparklet or sip your means by 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 scorching honey.

The Greatest Occasions to Go to 

Selecting a favourite season is like selecting a favourite youngster, says Austin. “I like that the seasons are so outlined,” she says. “Each is particular in its personal means.” Summer time tends to be the busiest time of yr, attracting hikers, bikers, and off-roaders. The wildflowers sometimes 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 soak up 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 Could is aptly named mud season, because the winter snowpack melts and the frozen trails thaw right into a sloppy mess. Costs are usually cheaper, crowds are thinner and the temperature is excellent for soaking within the scorching springs. Tyler has a comfortable spot for winter. “City seems like a snow globe,” he says. “And there may be a lot to do, from Nordic snowboarding by ghost cities to backcountry snowboarding close to Crimson Mountain Move, and naturally mountain climbing.”

How one 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. Essentially 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.

Should 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 street journey with stops to soak within the scorching springs of Glenwood Springs and to discover the mountain bike trails and wineries in Palisade. Should you plan to journey within the winter, verify the climate and street circumstances upfront on the Colorado Division of Transportation website, cdot.gov. Downtown Ouray could be very walkable however you’ll need a automotive when you plan to discover past city. Ouray Customer Middle and the parking zone of the Sizzling Springs Pool have electrical automobile charging stations.