Ice climbers from all around the world come to our sleepy town of Ouray every year to brave the extreme temperatures, heights, and vertical climbs of the Ouray Ice Park. Anticipation builds as ice farmers dangle by ropes to prepare every crevasse of the park to ensure safe and desirable ice climbing conditions. Ice farmers…
Ouray is a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Here are some tips on how to best enjoy your visit. Altitude Adjustment You are more than one mile above sea level. There is less oxygen at this altitude which causes shortness of breath, even with mild exertion. Altitude sickness can develop at…
As if the opportunities for a variety of winter sports in the area were not enough, Ouray is ranked as one of the most popular locations in the world for ice climbing. Not only do the surrounding mountains provide numerous spectacular ice-climbing routes, Ouray has the first ice-climbing park in the U.S. where a mile…
After all these years, Vinegar Hill Reminds us of the strength of community! Years ago, at the birth of a flourishing hard rock mining community, the settlers of Ouray, CO retired for the winter with no idea of what a harsh mistress Mother Nature could be in the Uncompahgre River Valley. Early snows cut the…
Governor Jared Polis has proclaimed December 7–13, 2020, “Colorado Backcountry Winter Safety Awareness Week.” Despite the many uncertainties of 2020, an outdoor adventure is a fun and healthy way to take a break from the daily. With limited access to traditional winter activities, the back country has become so much more enticing! Whether planning a…
Looking back through our Facebook memories, I found pictures of some of our local deer enjoying a snack in the planter housing the Box Canyon Lodge sign. Initially amused at how cute they were and how much snow we had already gotten that year, I could not help but to reflect on all the changes…