Alpine Loop
Ouray, CO

Maintaining the feel of a historic mining town, Ouray is known as the "Switzerland" of the Americas. Nestled in the grand San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, this town has a variety of activities to enjoy. From shopping to jeeping, this town has something for everyone. For those with four-wheel drive vehicles, the Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway takes visitors back to many old ghost towns and over high passes. For those who wish to stay on the pavement, the Million Dollar Highway is a stretch of the San Juan Skyway that goes between Ouray and Silverton. This has been deemed as one of the most scenic tours in the country.

Valuable silver, copper, and gold have shaped much of the history of Ouray. Established as a mining town, Ouray was named after the Ute Chief Ouray. He was known to be a peacemaker and kept many Utes from attacking the miners. Ouray had been a sacred spot for the Ute Indians because of the nearby hot springs, but because of a treaty in 1874, this land, laden with minerals, was allocated to the United States and soon miners descended on the San Juan mountains.