Ouray bills itself as the "Switzerland of America" because of its setting at the narrow head of a valley, enclosed on three and a half sides by steep mountains. A visitor can float on the Ouray Hot Springs swimming pool (open all year) and gaze at the slopes above. The main street is lined with trendy shops.
Originally established by miners in 1875 chasing silver and gold in the surrounding mountains, the town at one time boasted more horses and mules than people. At the height of the mining, Ouray had more than 30 active mines. The town is named after Chief Ouray of the Utes.