Nestled within the magnificent San Juan Range, just below Red Mountain Pass and 16 minutes or 10.7 miles from Hotel Palomino, lies the picturesque town of Ouray, Colorado. With an elevation of approximately 8,200 feet, this small town has gained global recognition as a top destination for Alpine climbers. What sets Ouray apart is its unique offering: the renowned Ouray Ice Park, a winter wonderland for ice climbing enthusiasts.

The story of Ouray's transformation into the ice climbing capital of the United States begins in the early 1990s. A group of intrepid mountaineers stumbled upon a breathtaking sight: thick blue ice hanging from the cliffs of the Uncompahgre Gorge. This natural marvel caught their attention and soon word spread among the climbing community. Ouray, a former mining town, was on the brink of a remarkable reinvention.

Ridgway and has been blessed with extraordinary public and private efforts over the years to salvage, repair, restore, preserve, and enhance the region’s incredible environment in order to provide visitors and residents with the best possible choices for outdoor experiences.

Ask any nature lover, hiker, fly fisher or other outdoor enthusiast to name their favorite destination in Colorado, the Ridgway area and its Uncompahgre River in the San Juans are likely to be named.