Many travelers are already familiar with the popular town of Telluride in Colorado, sometimes affectionately (or perhaps sarcastically, I can never tell which) as South Aspen. A popular destination for skiers and celebrities alike too, but you may not know about the other site of Telluride that's just as worthy of a visit: Ouray.
Ouray is literally only 10 miles in distance from Telluride, but because of the jagged nature of the San Juan mountains separating the two towns, the actual driving distance is about 50 miles. Ouray also sits in a box canyon, though in such a unique manner that the city is sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of America. While not renowned for skiing the way Telluride is, Ouray is however famous for being the ice climbing and jeep touring capital of the world. Its proximity to many of the ancient ghost towns in the area have made it ideal for jeep trekking and exploration. Hiking trails also meander through and around the town, while well maintained campgrounds offer an excellent respite for RVers and campers alike.
Ouray is also known for its hot springs as well, mineral rich waters that also help feed Ouray's hot springs park, a modern facility that harnesses the springs into a public pool that can be enjoyed by all. Ouray's hot springs are also sulfur-less, emanating fresh, pleasant aromas in stark contrast to the springs of say, Yellowstone. The springs are so popular in fact that several establishments (such as Box Canyon Lodge) are licensed to use them to fuel their hot tubs, offering a unique amenity for tired guests just coming back from a day of skiing at nearby Telluride.
It's not uncommon then to find Telluride skiers lodging at Ouray rather than Telluride itself, partly as a cost-saving method, and partly because they feel Ouray is able to offer a quiet respite that Telluride simply cannot match. Unlike the busyness of Telluride, Ouray may be the destination where you come not to do it all, but to get away from it all.
<em>Lincoln is a single, thirtysomething travel blogger from New York. When he's not busy obsessing over his precious iPhone or trying to find that elusive geocache, he spends his days researching the latest in mobile technology and journeying the world in an epic search for truth, justice... and great pizza.
Read his blog, the Habitation of Justice to learn more about his personal adventures on the road.
