Ouray

Ouray is well known as the ice climbing capital of the world. The winters up here make it ideal for snow and ice along the steep mountain walls, a perfect combination for ice climbers. The Ouray Ice Park lies just outside of town and is home to more than 200 ice and mixed climbs. The amazing thing about this park is that it's free. There is a festival held yearly to raise funds to keep this expensive park going.

This small town of 1,000 residents enjoy a small amount of visitors to their little mountain town where most residents work in hospitality.

The main street of this little town has many older looking buildings that seem as if they have been here for years. Looking up main street you look right onto a gorgeous snow-capped mountain from the slope of the street. Many of the homes here are from the turn of the century and are Victorian and individual with no two looking alike. Ouray has a small, older town feel to it where the residents all know one another and are very warm to visitors.

For families living in Ouray, the school system is really good. Small class sizes and well over the state averages for testing scores make this little community ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with children.

There are several places to stay in town for people who are coming to climb or just visit. There are also restaurants in the town that offer a variety of foods to choose from.