Ouray, CO
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Ouray, Colorado is one of our favorite towns in the United States. It sits in a bowl, surrounded by mountains and feels as though you are cut off from the rest of the world, which in our opinion, helps to create that small town, friendly vibe.
Although Ouray is a small place with fewer than 1,100 residence (2019 census estimate), it has so much to offer in terms of outdoor adventure. So much so, thousands of people flock here every year to experience this area. |
In the late 1800's people, more specifically, miners traveled to Ouray for their chance to find wealth in the form of gold and silver. Although that rush is now gone does not mean the history is too. Littered in the mountains and hills of the surrounding landscape you can still find remnants of old mining settlements, including several routes miners forged through the mountains, that are still used today by new adventure seekers.
Every year off road clubs and groups from around the country travel to this area to take advantage of the rugged terrain. In 2016 we had the opportunity to attend FJ Cruiser Summit X as a featured guest of Metal Tech 4x4. The event itself was amazing, but getting out beyond the town limits and up into the mountains was an unforgettable experience. Some of the trails we explored were Poughkeepsie Gulch, Imogene Pass, and Black Bear Pass. We also found dirt roads that took us around the Ouray area and led us to some great places.
In 2017 we had the privilege of driving the Metal Tech Lexus GX470 across the country from Oregon to North Carolina for the Overland Expo East event. While on that 6,000 plus mile long road trip we stoped off here in Ouray and drove Imogene Pass into Telluride, which is a neighboring town on the other side of the mountains approximately 10 miles away from Ouray as the crow flies.
Depending on which pass you take and how many times you stop for pictures, driving over the mountains can sometimes be quicker and also less miles. The route from Ouray into Telluride by road is approximately 50 miles since you drive around the mountains. It should be noted, taking the road around is still a beautiful drive but in our opinion, no where near as impressive as taking the passes over. Also, it is highly recommended to use a four wheel drive vehicle while crossing the passes.
Ouray has a special place in our heart and we highly recommend visiting this area if you have the chance. There are hot springs and Jeep rental places to take advantage of, along with hiking trails and campsites. Ouray is a hidden gem and referred to as the "Switzerland of America" and once you get here, you will understand why people call it that. We look forward to our next adventure here and can not wait to Capture the Journey again!
Every year off road clubs and groups from around the country travel to this area to take advantage of the rugged terrain. In 2016 we had the opportunity to attend FJ Cruiser Summit X as a featured guest of Metal Tech 4x4. The event itself was amazing, but getting out beyond the town limits and up into the mountains was an unforgettable experience. Some of the trails we explored were Poughkeepsie Gulch, Imogene Pass, and Black Bear Pass. We also found dirt roads that took us around the Ouray area and led us to some great places.
In 2017 we had the privilege of driving the Metal Tech Lexus GX470 across the country from Oregon to North Carolina for the Overland Expo East event. While on that 6,000 plus mile long road trip we stoped off here in Ouray and drove Imogene Pass into Telluride, which is a neighboring town on the other side of the mountains approximately 10 miles away from Ouray as the crow flies.
Depending on which pass you take and how many times you stop for pictures, driving over the mountains can sometimes be quicker and also less miles. The route from Ouray into Telluride by road is approximately 50 miles since you drive around the mountains. It should be noted, taking the road around is still a beautiful drive but in our opinion, no where near as impressive as taking the passes over. Also, it is highly recommended to use a four wheel drive vehicle while crossing the passes.
Ouray has a special place in our heart and we highly recommend visiting this area if you have the chance. There are hot springs and Jeep rental places to take advantage of, along with hiking trails and campsites. Ouray is a hidden gem and referred to as the "Switzerland of America" and once you get here, you will understand why people call it that. We look forward to our next adventure here and can not wait to Capture the Journey again!
Gallery
*Summer Road Trip, 2016*
*BA/MT Coast-2-Coast Road Trip, 2017*
*BA/MT Coast-2-Coast Road Trip, 2017*
