Major city · United States
Ouray
Spend 1–2 days in Ouray: one night, soak the hot springs, hike Box Canyon Falls, then drive the Million Dollar Highway.
Ouray is a small mountain town in the San Juan range, best reached by car via US‑550. Its main draws are the hot springs, Box Canyon Falls and the dramatic Million Dollar Highway. One night lets you enjoy the baths, a short hike and a scenic drive, with time for a meal and a quick stroll through the historic downtown.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (snow can close roads)
- Airports
- MTJ · DRO
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Ouray911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ouray, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyOuray is safe for visitors; main risks are mountain driving and altitude – keep an eye on weather forecasts.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 911 fire · 911 ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMTJ Montrose Regional Airport (35 mi north, shuttle or rental car to Ouray (≈1 h).).
- Getting aroundCar is essential; US‑550 (Million Dollar Highway) connects Ouray to Silverton, Durango and Montrose.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealMeal at Backstreet Bistro$10–20
- BeerBeer at local bar$5–7
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within town (5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi within town (3.1 mi (5 km))$15–20
- Museum or sight ticketBox Canyon Falls entry$3 adults, $1.50 children (5‑12), $2.50 seniors
- Budget bedChristmas House B&B suite, a night, per roomUS$115
- Mid-range bedChristmas House B&B suite, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedChristmas House B&B suite, a night, per roomUS$180
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$130 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MTJ Montrose Regional Airport (35 mi north, shuttle or rental car to Ouray (≈1 h).) · DRO Durango‑La Plata County Airport (72 mi south, rental car (≈1.5 h).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
not flagged
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C) low), wettest Nov (10 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ouray: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
8 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
7 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
9 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is essential; US‑550 (Million Dollar Highway) connects Ouray to Silverton, Durango and Montrose. No public bus service within town.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Silverton
goDoor to door: ≈2 h round‑trip
Drive US‑550 north, about 1 h on the Million Dollar Highway
Scenic mining town, historic downtown.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
goDoor to door: ≈2 h round‑trip
Drive US‑550 north to the park entrance, about 1 h
Canyon views, short pull‑outs for photography.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs
Mountain‑side rooms, private hot‑spring tubs, 1 h drive west of town.
Christmas House Bed & Breakfast
$115–180, main‑street location, suites with private jacuzzis.
Spangler House B&B
$85–180, quiet street, historic décor, breakfast included.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $80–$120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $130–$180 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Box Canyon Lodge room2 × 1 night × US$180 | US$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$130 | US$260 |
| Box Canyon Falls entry2 × US$3 · check | US$6 |
| Ouray Hot Springs entry2 × US$10 · check | US$20 |
| Car rental (1 day, compact)2 × US$55 · check | US$110 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$76 |
| Trip total≈ US$416 per person per day, bed included | US$832 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights, car rental and park fees excluded.
Prices of common things
| Box Canyon Falls entry | $3 adults, $1.50 children (5‑12), $2.50 seniors |
| Ouray Hot Springs entry | $10 |
| Meal at Backstreet Bistro | $10–20 |
| Beer at local bar | $5–7 |
| Taxi within town (5 km) | $15–20 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Hairpin turns and steep grades on US‑550 – drive cautiously.
- Altitude (≈2 800 m) can cause shortness of breath; stay hydrated.
- Winter storms may close the highway – check road conditions.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire
- 911
- Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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OurayOuray
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulate in Denver (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Montrose → Ouray (rental car, 1 day): ≈ $55, compact, includes unlimited mileage (check)
- Box Canyon Falls entry: $3 adults (check)
- Ouray Hot Springs entry: $10 (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑KUL‑pe)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra‑SEE‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAHN‑to KWEHS‑ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the restroom? (DON‑de es‑TA el BAH‑nyo)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (pwe‑DOO‑eh pah‑GAR con tar‑HE‑ta)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ouray. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (snow can close roads) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a rental‑car day for flexible highway travel.
- Include guided hot‑spring or waterfall hikes for deeper insight.
Sources
- officialOuray official website
- fieldWikidata – Ouray
- secondaryWikivoyage: Ouray, revision 5240840 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Ouray
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