AMERICA’S BEST SMALL SPA AND WELLNESS TOWN HAS NATURAL HOT SPRINGS, A NEW DESTINATION HOTEL, AND BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS

The natural healing waters of Ouray have lured travelers to this historic mining town in southwest Colorado for centuries — and a new destination spa now offers additional pampering.

Southwest Colorado’s Uncompahgre Valley is riddled with pockets of mineral-rich natural hot springs, which soothe the weary muscles of the climbers, skiers, and hikers who come to play in this outdoor recreation capital.

The ideal base camp for enjoying the springs is Ouray, which sits in a picturesque box canyon surrounded by the snow-capped San Juan Mountains. Ouray has been popular with adventure enthusiasts and hot-spring seekers for decades — but with last year’s opening of the Grotto Spa, located in the recently revamped Western Hotel, there’s never been a better time to plan a trip to what many call the “Switzerland of America.”

“Here, you’re totally immersed in nature,” says DeLinda Austin, general manager of Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings. “People arrive stressed and you see the change immediately. The landscape lulls you into a more tranquil state.”

Why Ouray Is the Best Spa Town in the U.S. for 2024

Studies show that time in the wilderness is an antidote for stress and Ouray offers countless ways to nature bathe, from soaking in hot springs to tackling the two-year-old Golden Mountain Via Ferrata experience. The opening of the Grotto Spa in the Western Hotel cements the town’s reputation as the ultimate escape for R&R.

Where to Stay

The Western Hotel & Spa

Set within a 19th-century frontier-style, wood-frame boarding house located one block off of Main Street, the Western Hotel & Spa recently underwent a meticulous two-and-a-half year transformation that added a Nordic-inspired subterranean spa. “Our focus is healing,” says Michelle Van Alsburg, the hotel’s general manager and spa director. (She recommends a soak in the mineral waters followed by the botanical bliss facial.) Upper-level boarding units have been turned into 16 spacious suites with gas fireplaces, and the Western Grill serves farm-to-fire fare, like a house smoked pork shoulder with salsa verde.

The Imogene Hotel + Rooftop Bar

After an extensive restoration in 2020, this former brother and saloon on Main Street has been re-imagined as the Imogene Hotel + Rooftop Bar. Service at this six-room, boutique hotel is low touch (think check-in via text), but you can’t beat the peak-peppered views from the rooftop bar, which is open Friday through Sunday. Rooms feature original hardwood floors and red brick walls and have been decorated with local art; two have clawfoot tubs with spectacular views.

Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs

The Victorian-style Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs is tucked away on a quiet road on the edge of town. The seven red cedar tubs, which are on a terraced deck behind the hotel, are the big draw. Only guests staying in one of the lodge’s 39 rooms have access to the tubs, which are filled with mineral-rich waters that flow straight from the hillside behind the hotel. Rooms have cabin vibes (think tongue-in-groove wood paneling and stone fireplaces) and while there isn’t an onsite restaurant, the lodge does supply a complimentary continental breakfast.

Things to Do

Soak in the Hot Springs

Ouray is renowned for its healing waters and visitors have their choice of spots to soak. Chief Ouray, one of the most influential leaders of the Northern Ute people during the late 19th century, built his adobe home for hunting season near the waters of Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings (remnants of the home are still on site). “You can smell the history here,” says Austin, who began working at the property 27 years ago. Steamy water hovers between 102 and 108 degrees in both outdoor and indoor pools. The vapor cave, situated in and under the mountain, is like a natural sauna with waters of around 108 degrees as well as a cool waterfall. “It’s a very zen experience,” says Logan Tyler, founder of adventure company Basecamp Ouray. “During tourist season, it's a respite.”

Van Alsburg’s personal oasis is Orvis Hot Springs. The clothing-optional complex in neighboring Ridgway (a 12-minute drive) has seven outdoor and three indoor pools, including the 108-114 degree Lobster Pot. Family-friendly Ouray Hot Springs Pool first opened in the 1900s. Located in the heart of town, it features a lap pool, an activity pool with a floating obstacle course and 12-foot climbing wall, and four hot-spring-fed soaking pools ranging from 82 to 106 degrees. There are 16 minerals found in the water, including sulfate, calcium, potassium, manganese, and iron; no stinky sulfur. And Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs offers day passes to its newly renovated mineral pools and also has a gorgeous spa.

Go Climbing

Ouray is a climbing mecca. Every January, ice climbers from around the globe descend on the town to compete in the Ouray Ice Festival. Events take place in Ouray Ice Park, the world's first constructed ice climbing park, and one of the largest, spanning almost two miles of the Uncompahgre Gorge just outside of town. “It’s like a giant gym with routes for all abilities,” says pro climber Kitty Calhoun. “And the lead area is never crowded.” The park is typically open mid-December through mid-March and its 150-plus climbing routes are groomed by a mostly volunteer team. Entry is free and local outfitters Iris and Basecamp Ouray offer classes for newbies.

When the snow melts, you can get your adrenaline fix on Gold Mountain Via Ferrata. “It’s fun and intense,” says local ceramicist Meadow Coldon “You’re really exposed so you get a view over the entire town and can see how Ouray is nested in these beautiful rock formations.” Popular in Europe, via ferratas are fixed climbing routes of metal rungs that provide hand and footholds to help get you up mountain faces. Logan Tyler, founder of Basecamp Ouray, helped build this route, which passes through a mining tunnel that cuts through the mountain. “The cool part is, you don’t need climbing experience or even a lot of fitness to do this,” says Tyler, whose company runs guided climbs.

Hit the Trails

The non-profit Ouray Trail Group maintains more than 80 hiking trails of varying difficulty around town. “Some are really vertical,” says Austin. “But for people who aren’t acclimated to the altitude [the town’s elevation is 7,792 feet] or who just want a mellow trek, the Perimeter Trail is perfect and you still get gorgeous views.” The 5.6-mile route begins across from the Ouray Visitors' Center and passes four waterfalls as it climbs 1,600 feet.

Ouray has many monikers, including the Jeep Capital of the World. Off-road trails crisscross the San Juans, taking you to historic mining towns and old ghost towns. You can rent a Jeep or UTV (a cross between an ATV and a Jeep) from companies such as Altitude Adventures or Ouray Mountain Adventures, both of which also offer guided tours.

Where to Shop

Ouray’s Main Street is registered as part of the town's National Historic District, and its beautifully preserved buildings have been converted into art galleries and boutiques. You won’t find any big-box chain stores here. Locally-owned, mom-and-pop retail shops still rein in this small town. “As a business owner, you can see all of the businesses rooting for each other and working together to support each other,” says Coldon, who took over the San Juan Potter’s Guild in January 2024.

When Ouray Bookshop lost its lease in 2023, local Pat Light was able to purchase the beloved shop thanks in part to private financing from a bookshop regular. Locals even volunteered to help move shelves to the store’s new location on Sixth Ave, which debuted in May 2024. Expect the same carefully curated selection of books as well as regular author events.

Local institution Ouray Mountain Sports has been outfitting outdoor enthusiasts for more than 20 years. “They stock absolutely everything you need,” says Calhoun, noting that they also rent snowshoes as well as gear for summer and winter climbing. The town’s sporty side often eclipses its art community, which is just as robust. Stalwart Ouray Glassworks and Pottery has been in business more than three decades. Everything in the store is hand-crafted on site and visitors can observe artisans at work in the ceramics and glass blowing studios.

Chief Ouray Trading Post is a treasure trove of Native American jewelry and art. The inventory is constantly updated and might feature paintings from Navajo artist Jackie Black, Kingman Arizona turquoise squash-blossom necklaces made by Navajo artist Mary Ann Spencer, and colorful Zapotec rugs.

Where to Eat and Drink

Mouse’s Chocolates + Coffee

When Calhoun needs a caffeine fix or craves a sweet, she heads to this family-run spot on Main Street. The signature scrap cookies, made with leftover chocolate making ingredients such as toffee, dried cherries, and toasted pecans, are her favorite treat. Coffee beans are roasted onsite in an antique roaster and the extensive drink menu includes classics like cortados and Americanos as well as dessert-like concoctions such as the marzipan mocha, a blend of espresso, dark chocolate and almond syrups, and steamed milk.

Maggie’s Kitchen

“Hands down the best burger I’ve ever had,” says Tyler of this humble restaurant on Main Street. He likes the classic beef burger, but the massive chalkboard menu also features elk and buffalo burgers as well as elk brats, patty melts, and more. Insider tip: skip the fries and order the crispy onion rings.

Brickhouse 737

One of the town's fancier restaurants, locals head to this cozy spot for excellent craft cocktails and gussied up farm-to-table fare. Don’t miss the miso-dressed fried brussel sprouts with candied macadamia nuts and Portugese sausage, or the popular hangar steak topped with black garlic butter. Vegetarians will appreciate the eggplant and vadouvan-roasted cauliflower entrée, paired with spiced coconut yogurt and pickled Persian cucumbers.

Sauvage Spectrum Wine Lounge

Colorado wines are quietly making a name for themselves. Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery & Vineyard, one of the top producers from the Grand Valley wine area,opened a tasting room on Main Street in the historic Wright Building. The vineyard in Palisade grows 26 varietals, which are hand-harvested and bottled on site. Order a glass of the Lambrusco-inspired Sparklet or sip your way through a flight paired with snacks.

Colorado Boy Southwest Pub

This outpost of Colorado Boy Brewing in nearby Ridgway has a rotating selection of 12 craft beers on tap. Calhoun’s a fan of the pub’s artisan pizzas. For dinner, you can build your own or choose from creative combos like the Honey Pie with mozzarella, Capicola ham, and house-made hot honey.

The Best Times to Visit

Choosing a favorite season is like choosing a favorite child, says Austin. “I love that the seasons are so defined,” she says. “Each one is special in its own way.” Summer tends to be the busiest time of year, attracting hikers, bikers, and off-roaders. The wildflowers typically peak between July and early August. “The mountains are like a rainbow when the flowers are in bloom,” says Van Alsburg. She recommends renting UTV and driving to the Alpine Loop to take in the colors. Autumn is a bit quieter, but equally spectacular when the fall foliage lights up the landscape with crimson maples and golden Aspens.

Late April through May is aptly named mud season, as the winter snowpack melts and the frozen trails thaw into a sloppy mess. Prices tend to be cheaper, crowds are thinner and the temperature is just right for soaking in the hot springs. Tyler has a soft spot for winter. “Town looks like a snow globe,” he says. “And there is so much to do, from Nordic skiing through ghost towns to backcountry skiing near Red Mountain Pass, and of course ice climbing.”

How to Get There

Both Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and Telluride Regional Airport (KTEX) are about one hour away; from Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) it takes two hours. The most scenic option is to fly to Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO) and drive two hours north along the spectacularly beautiful Million Dollar Highway.

If you travel from Denver International Airport (DIA), the 355-mile drive southwest on I70-W, US 50-E, and US 550-S will take about six hours. Turn it into a road trip with stops to soak in the hot springs of Glenwood Springs and to explore the mountain bike trails and wineries in Palisade. If you plan to travel in the winter, check the weather and road conditions in advance on the Colorado Department of Transportation site, cdot.gov. Downtown Ouray is very walkable but you’ll want a car if you plan to explore beyond town. Ouray Visitor Center and the parking lot of the Hot Springs Pool have electric vehicle charging stations.

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