Wild West Viking

Although Ouray is far from a “quick” drive from Denver, it’s been on my bucket list for quite some time. So, when my husband suggested an extended weekend getaway with my daughter, I eagerly seized the opportunity.

The journey to Ouray takes about 5 ½ hours from Denver and follows a relatively straightforward route: I-70 W, US Highway 285 S, and US-50 W. While there are alternative routes through the Gunnison National Forest or via Colorado Springs, I chose the first option, eager to make a stop in Palisade—a bucket-list destination of its own. It’s funny how many incredible places I’ve yet to explore in my home state!

With the Mini Cooper packed and the weather on our side, we set out on a sunny Thursday. Traffic on I-70 W was manageable, and we made a quick pit stop at El Rancho for coffee before continuing westward. Driving through the iconic Eisenhower Memorial Tunnel, past Dillon, Copper Mountain, Vail, and Eagle, we eventually arrived at the awe-inspiring Glenwood Canyon. No matter how many times I’ve driven through it, the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and winding roads never fail to leave me breathless.

Before I knew it, we reached Palisade, famous for peaches, lavender and wineries. We found the cutest little winery called Maison La Belle Vie, and decided to stop here for lunch. They have the most picturesque courtyard overlooking the vineyards and towering Palisade cliffs. While we would’ve loved to linger over a leisurely lunch and their refreshing rosé, we had a schedule to keep. A quick detour to the Palisade Peach Shack—a delightful stand overflowing with all things peach, from fresh fruit to peach ice cream and preserves—rounded out our visit before we resumed our journey.

Veering off I-70 W at Grand Junction, we took Highway 50 for the final leg to Ouray, a two-hour drive through strikingly diverse terrain. With the Mini’s top down, we passed through Olathe, flanked by the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area and Gunnison Gorge Wilderness. It’s hard to believe that such varied landscapes exist within the same state. As the sun began to set, the majestic San Juan Mountains came into view, and soon, the enchanting town of Ouray, aptly nicknamed “Little Switzerland of America,” revealed itself.

I had made arrangements to stay for one night at the historic Beaumont Hotel & Spa. From the moment I stepped inside, I was transported to a bygone era, enveloped by the hotel’s old-world charm. The stained glass doors and the elegant hallway leading to the check-in desk created a captivating first impression. The front desk staff greeted us warmly and efficiently, and before long, we were on our way to our evening retreat—the Roosevelt Suite. The suite was a masterpiece of timeless elegance. The four-poster bed, complemented by vintage curtains, ornate fixtures, and meticulous details, exuded classic sophistication. Modern touches blended seamlessly, with a well-appointed bathroom offering plush robes, a coffee station, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. A small desk provided an ideal space for catching up on work, while the room’s window revealed breathtaking views of majestic mountains and a cascading waterfall that felt almost magical. The bed was wonderfully comfortable, and despite the hotel’s storied age, the room was remarkably quiet. Even the slight tilt of the floor seemed to enhance its charm. Nestled just off Main Street, the hotel enjoys an enviable location, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas and within walking distance of delightful restaurants and bars.

After settling in, we explored the quiet town, starting with a rooftop beer and appetizers at Ouray Brewery. Though most restaurants were closing earlier than expected, we enjoyed the stunning views and struck up conversations with locals and fellow travelers. We ended the evening with ice cream from Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee, strolling along Main Street and peeking into the closed boutiques—a tranquil end to a perfect day.

The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast at Yankee Girl Café, a casual spot with unbeatable patio views of the mountains. Yankee Girl is a casual, down to earth brunch spot, lots of locals and potentially one of the most fantastic views you can get for brunches in Colorado. Highly recommend visiting in the summer and sitting in the sunshine on the patio. After breakfast, we took a stroll down main street to explore a couple of the shops that were now open, and found some amazing local jewelry from The Shaggy Coo, while enjoying a stronger cup of coffee from 1886 Coffee.

After checking out of our hotel, we embarked on our adventure starting on the Million Dollar Highway with a stop at the Box Canyon Falls Park & Nature Center. Parking the Mini Cooper along the highway, we hiked into the park, where the thundering waterfall plunges into a narrow quartzite canyon. Trails led us to awe-inspiring views, icy waters, and even a suspension bridge. The nominal entry fee was well worth it, and the experience left us refreshed and in awe of nature’s power.

The “Box Cañon” Falls is Ouray’s own wonder of the world. Canyon Creek converges dramatically, channeling thousands of gallons of water each minute into a thunderous cascade over an awe-inspiring 85-foot waterfall. Known as “Box Cañon,” this remarkable site has been recognized by the National Audubon Society as an important bird area, serving as a summer nesting haven for the elusive Black Swift—though, sadly, we did not catch a glimpse of any this time. The waterfall plunges into a narrow quartzite canyon, with its sheer walls towering nearly 100 feet above the roaring falls, creating a truly breathtaking natural spectacle. We hiked The Falls Trail, and used the stairs to walk down to the bottom, dipping our feet in the ice cold water. It was most refreshing, especially with the mist from the falls, dancing around us. We then hiked the Native Plant Loop to see all the native plants, and finally took The High Bridge Trail where you walk over a suspension bridge that leads you to a tunnel. This dark, damp tunnel was built for a water pipeline during the early 1900’s, but abandoned in the 1950’s. As the afternoon clouds started to look a little threatening, we decided to turn around and head back.

Before heading home, we ventured onto the famous Million Dollar Highway. Though we didn’t drive the whole highway, the winding road offered stunning mountain vistas, steep twists and turns, and the perfect backdrop for driving with the top down. Stopping to admire the “Little Switzerland of America” sign, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this unforgettable trip.

I wish we’d had more time to explore Telluride and spend an extra day soaking in Ouray’s charm. But this journey, shared with my amazing daughter and travel companion, is one I’ll treasure forever—and it’s given me even more adventures to look forward to in the future.