Ouray

• What is Animas Forks Ghost Town?
  • Animas Forks Ghost Town is an abandoned mining town located about 12 miles from Silverton, Colorado. Once a bustling mining community from 1873 to the early 1920s, it is now a collection of old, abandoned buildings.
• What structures remain in Animas Forks?
  • At its peak, Animas Forks had nearly 50 unique buildings, including:
    • A saloon
    • A post office
    • A general store
    Today, visitors can still see remnants of these historic structures.
• Why did Animas Forks become a ghost town?
  • The town began to decline when the Gold Prince Mill was dismantled in 1917. Without the mill to support the economy, the town was abandoned soon after.
• How can visitors access Animas Forks?
  • Animas Forks is accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles during the summer months. However, vehicles with low clearance may struggle with the rough terrain.

• What is the Bachelor Syracuse Mine?
  • The Bachelor Syracuse Mine was one of the most prolific gold producers during the late 19th century. Today, it serves as a historic site where visitors can explore parts of the old mine.
• What can visitors do at the Bachelor Syracuse Mine?
  • Visitors can enjoy several activities, including:
    • Guided mine tours – Learn about the mine’s history and hear stories of the miners who once worked there.
    • Gold panning – Try your luck in the mine’s stream and take home a shiny piece of precious metal if you're lucky.
• Is food available at the mine?
  • Yes! The on-site café serves a delicious breakfast, ensuring visitors have plenty of energy for their adventure.
• Where is the Bachelor Syracuse Mine located?
  • 95 Gold Mountain Trail, Ouray, CO 81427
• How can visitors contact the mine?
  • You can reach the mine by calling 970-325-0220.

• What is Bear Creek Basin?
  • The Bear Creek Basin is home to stunning hiking trails that pass through breathtaking mountain landscapes and lead to historical buildings and old mining sites.
• What hiking trails are available in Bear Creek Basin?
  • Hikers can choose from different trail lengths, including:
    • Grizzly Bear Mine Trail – A 4.5-mile round trip that leads to an abandoned mine.
    • Yellow Jacket Mine Trail – A more strenuous 8-mile round trip featuring additional historical sites.
• What historical sites can hikers see?
  • Both trails lead to old metal and wooden structures from the region’s gold mining days. Hikers can also spot:
    • Abandoned mine carts
    • Rusting wheels
    • Various tools left behind by miners
• Why is Bear Creek Basin a great hiking destination?
  • The combination of rich mining history and breathtaking mountain scenery makes for a truly unique and memorable hiking experience.

If you are a photographer

• What is Box Canyon Falls Park?
  • Box Canyon Falls Park is a stunning natural attraction where visitors can explore a massive sheer canyon and witness a beautiful cascade waterfall formed by the narrowing of Canyon Creek.
• How tall is the waterfall?
  • The waterfall at Box Canyon Falls Park has a drop of over 85 feet, with towering canyon walls rising on either side, offering breathtaking views.
• Where can visitors view the falls?
  • Visitors can enjoy stunning views from both above and below the falls, providing multiple perspectives of the breathtaking cascade.
• Are there hiking trails in the park?
  • Yes! Box Canyon Falls Park offers several hiking trails that vary in difficulty, making it accessible for all skill levels.
• What can visitors find at the visitor center?
  • The visitor center features several interactive exhibits and displays about the park’s flora, fauna, and geology, providing a deeper understanding of the area's natural wonders.
• Where is Box Canyon Falls Park located?
  • Box Canyon Rd., Ouray, CO 81427
• How can visitors contact the park?
  • You can reach the park by calling 970-325-7080.

• What is Cascade Falls Park?
  • Cascade Falls Park is a scenic natural area where snowmelt from the Rockies gathers in a creek and forms a series of seven stunning cascades and waterfalls.
• How can visitors see the waterfalls?
  • The Lower Cascade Falls Trail provides access to the waterfalls, offering breathtaking views of the cascades along the way.
• Where does the trail begin?
  • The trailhead is located at the end of 8th Ave, close to town, making it easy for visitors to find and access.
• Is the trail difficult?
  • The trail is short and beginner-friendly, but it is quite steep. It is suitable for amateur hikers looking for a scenic and rewarding climb.
• What can hikers expect along the trail?
  • Hikers will pass through the gorgeous red stone canyons and mountains, offering incredible natural scenery on the way to the waterfalls.
• Where is Cascade Falls Park located?
  • 598 8th Ave., Ouray, CO, 81427
• How can visitors contact the park?
  • You can reach the park by calling 970-325-4746.

Romantic Ideas

• What is the Ouray Historical Walking Tour?
  • The Ouray Historical Walking Tour allows visitors to explore the city's rich history by walking its streets and learning about its storied past.
• Where can visitors get information for the tour?
  • A free pamphlet detailing 24 points of historical interest can be picked up at the Ouray County Museum.
• What historical sites are included in the tour?
  • The tour highlights a variety of locations, including:
    • Old houses with historic architecture
    • Shops and businesses from Ouray’s early days
    • Churches with historic significance
    • Hotels that have stood for generations
• Is the tour only available on foot?
  • No! While the tour is designed as a self-guided walking tour, those who are unable to walk the route can also drive to the sites.
• Where does the tour begin and end?
  • The tour starts and ends at the Ouray County Museum, where visitors can also find more detailed historical information about the sites.
• Where is the Ouray County Museum located?
  • 420 6th Ave, Ouray, CO 81427

• What is Switzerland of America Jeep Adventures?
  • Switzerland of America Jeep Adventures offers guided Jeep tours and vehicle rentals for exploring the breathtaking San Juan Mountain Range in Ouray, CO.
• Where is Switzerland of America Jeep Adventures located?
  • The adventure company is based right in the center of Ouray, making it easy for visitors to find and start their mountain exploration.
• What types of Jeep tours are available?
  • Guests can choose between:
    • Half-day tours – A shorter but exciting journey into the mountains.
    • Full-day tours – A more immersive adventure covering multiple scenic locations.
• What locations are covered on the tours?
  • The tours travel through some of the most stunning areas in the San Juan Mountains, including:
    • Imogene Pass
    • The Corkscrew
    • Black Bear Pass
    • And more breathtaking mountain passes and trails.
• What can guests expect from the guides?
  • Expert guides will share insights about:
    • The history of mining in the region.
    • Notable landmarks along the way.
    • Fascinating stories about Ouray’s past.
• Can guests rent their own Jeeps?
  • Yes! Visitors can rent their own vehicles and explore 500 miles of off-roading trails at their own pace.
• Where is Switzerland of America Jeep Adventures located?
  • 226 7th Ave, Ouray, CO 81427
• How can visitors contact Switzerland of America Jeep Adventures?
  • You can reach them by calling 970-325-4484.

• What is Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee?
  • Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee is a specialty shop in Ouray, CO, offering handcrafted Belgian chocolates and freshly roasted coffee, made with the finest ingredients.
• What makes Mouse's Chocolates special?
  • The shop takes serious pride in its work, using only the finest ingredients to create high-quality chocolates and coffee.
• What types of chocolates are available?
  • Mouse's offers a variety of decadent Belgian truffles filled with:
    • Nuts
    • Ganache
    • Other delicious fillings
• How is the coffee roasted?
  • The shop uses an antique roaster to create perfectly roasted coffee beans, ensuring a rich and flavorful experience.
• What can visitors find at Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee?
  • Guests can enjoy:
    • Handmade chocolates and truffles
    • Freshly roasted coffee
    • Specialty treats for chocolate and coffee lovers
• Where is Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee located?
  • 520 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427
• How can visitors contact Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee?
  • You can reach them by calling 970-325-7285.

• What is the Ouray Alchemist Museum?
  • The Ouray Alchemist Museum is a fascinating museum showcasing a collection of historic medical and pharmaceutical artifacts, with a focus on Colorado's Wild West history.
• What kinds of artifacts are on display?
  • The museum features a breathtaking collection of items, including:
    • Historic medical instruments
    • Pharmaceutical artifacts
    • Items dating back to 350 BC
    • Artifacts from Colorado and the Wild West
    • Pieces from other regions and historical eras
• Do visitors need to book a tour?
  • Yes, guests should call ahead to book a tour, as the stories behind the artifacts are best experienced with a knowledgeable guide.
• What can visitors find in the museum shop?
  • The shop in front of the museum offers:
    • Antique artifacts and collectibles
    • Jewelry
    • Old-fashioned candy
    • Various items reminiscent of a Wild West general store
• Where is the Ouray Alchemist Museum located?
  • 533 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427
• How can visitors contact the Ouray Alchemist Museum?
  • You can reach them by calling 970-325-4003.