If you are interested in Colorado Mining and Wildflowers one of our favorite destinations is Ouray.
This quaint little town is located on US 550 in the San Juan Mountains approximately 100 miles south of Grand Junction (easy run down) and 70 miles north of Durango (2 tough pulls & some switchbacks). The town is nestled in a box canyon about ½ mile long and ¼ mile wide at 7,700 feet. There a number of RV campgrounds in the area, 4J+1+1 right in town and a KOA about 4 miles north of town. In addition there is the US Forest Service Amphitheater campground just south of town to name a few.
Ouray is often referred to as the “Little Switzerland of America”
plus it has a large public hot springs pool
. Numerous mine sites and wildflower fields can be reached with your personal 4wheel drive or via local tour/rental companies. Jeep rentals run $160/day and tours $60 ½ day for adults $35 for kids 4-12 yrs. Trails range from an
easy Class 2 (Yankee boy Basin) –
difficult Class 5 (Black Bear Pass). The following website will provide a good overview of available trails and sites.
http://www.narrowgauge.org/4x4/html/4X4.html
Yankee Boy Basin - Wildflowers
White & Lavender Columbine – Colorado State Flower
Governor Basin – Mine Site
This dormitory was constructed behind the large triangular rock to protect it from avalanches.