Photo courtesy of Jason Bork

Hiking in Ouray. It’s one of the six best things to do while you are here*. We got out for the first time this spring to check some of the trails and break in a pair of new boots. We took off toward Box Canon to visit the waterfall. Then we climbed to the top and picked up the Perimeter Trail towards the Ice Park Trail. At least that was our intent. But as it happened, we got sidetracked, by a bird. We caught a glimpse of a bird with yellow and red markings that we just had to follow. So up Camp Bird Road we went. Of course it stayed just far enough away in the trees to make it impossible to get a picture and difficult to identify. Could it have been a Western Tanager? Who knows but they do summer here. By the time we lost it, we were at the trailhead to Sutton Mine Trail, which seemed as good a place to go as any other. So up we went. The first part of this trail is really steep but it is worth it. At the top of the ridge, the views are spectacular and the trail leads to one of the best jokes in Ouray: the “Antiques’” cabin. As we understand it, local people have been maintaining this building since the early 1970’s. Periodically people will go up to the cabin and replace the clothes hanging on the clothesline and spruce up the building and the sign which is visible from US 550 (the Million Dollar Highway) at Bear Creek. The joke of course is that the only way to get there is by hiking and the only antique is the building itself. We get a lot of questions about it at the hotel.

But looking at it, we realized that we knew nothing about its origin or its age. So it was time to hit the books and find out more about this cabin.  According to recent request to designate this site as an historic landmark by Don Paulsen of the Ouray Historical Society, the building is part of the Neosho mine which was:

“first was opened by the Terry and Tench Development Co as the Neosho Mine in 1905, and was later worked by C. E. Weatherly as the Cumright and Cumbright Mine. Today it is one of the better preserved examples of early mining in the San Juans.  The site includes the mine portal, blacksmith shop and bunkhouse along with several other sheds.  The boarding house is a 3-room with a partial walk-out basement. The blacksmith shop is a 20′ x 15′ building with a cupola roof vent, forge and workbench. The adit (the horizontal entrance to the underground mine) is at least several hundred feet long”

The “Antiques’”  store originally was the blacksmith shop. Now we know.

It is worth the hike to see this for yourself. Make us your headquarters for your Ouray hiking experience. Call us at 970 325 7222 or reserve on line.

See you soon

*The other things in our humble opinion are off roading, the hot springs pool, the amazing views, the history, and ice climbing,

]]> http://victorianinnouray.com/hiking-in-ouray-and-discovering-the-story-of-antiques-900-to-530/feed/ 0 http://victorianinnouray.com/san-juan-skyway-colorado-scenic-byway-and-all-american-road/ http://victorianinnouray.com/san-juan-skyway-colorado-scenic-byway-and-all-american-road/#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 12:31:33 +0000 janlisk http://victorianinnouray.com/?p=1843

View from the San Juan Skyway

The San Juan Skyway is one of western Colorado’s thirteen Historic and Scenic byways and a designated All American Road. These byways link the ancient sites of the ancestral Pueblos, the red rock canyons and the spectacular vistas of the Rocky Mountains.

Recently we had a chance to go exploring the Skyway’s less well known attractions as well as the more famous ghost towns and Million Dollar Highway that lie along it.  We started in Ridgway where we checked out the Galloping Goose at the Ridgway Train museum, then got on the road.

The first stop was Placerville where we discovered an authentic one room school in the middle of the town park. Then on to Telluride, the home of world class skiing, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and a wonderful historical museum. There, we found the start of the Idarado Legacy Trail that leads to the Idarado mill and the story of the area’s mining history as well as  the Galloping Goose trail which follows the old route of that famous train.

We next stopped at the Ophir Loop overlook and took in the amazing views. After stops in Rico and Delores, where we had a great lunch, we ended the day in Durango. Alas, we did not have time to stop at Mesa Verde or the other sites of the Ancients.

The next day we returned to Ouray over the Million Dollar Highway. We also got a chance to visit the ghost towns of Ironton Park and Red Mountain Town.  All in all, a fabulous 2 day tour of our very own historic byway. The San Juan Byway is a 236 mile loop with a driving time of 6 hours and is open year around.

Another close to home trail is the Alpine Loop. This is one of the most popular back country four wheel drive roads linking Ouray, Lake City and Silverton. Along the way you can stop in the ghost towns of Eureka and Animas Forks or look for old mine works.

The San Juan Skyway and Alpine Loop are just two of the many scenic roads in western Colorado. Others include the Trail of the Ancients, Grand Mesa, and Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byways.

All of these are easily accessible from Ouray so make the Ouray Victorian Inn your base for exploring the sights of Western Colorado. Call us at 970 325 7222 or make a reservation here.

Spring is in the Ouray air. We have had snow followed by warm sunny days when we can eat our lunch outside, then more snow.  Typical spring weather. Even though the Ice Park will be open for a couple of more weeks, we are ready for spring and so is Ouray.

In the garden, the earliest plants are coming up:  poppies are emerging and the iris are returning to life. The sheep have come into town to look for food and pose for pictures (or maybe the other way around). Other signs of spring are all around as well. We are now being awakened by the “yak yak yak” of the resident Magpies as they build nests and begin to repopulate the species. Haven’t seen a robin yet but that is just a matter of time.

Mudfest is coming

The other great indicator of spring is mud and lots of it. After all, they do not call April mud season for nothing. So we have two choices, ignore it or embrace it. In Ouray we embrace it with Mud Fest, a celebration of all things mud. Ouray County Mud Fest is scheduled for the last weekend in April. It starts off on Friday April 26 at 4:00 PM with Mud Jam at the Ouray Community Center featuring the David Starr Band and guest pourers from the Mountain Air Music Committee. Mud Fest activities continue at the Ouray County Fairgrounds on Saturday, beginning at 9:00 AM. If watching (or participating in) 4X4 vehicles navigating obstacle courses and racing in the mud, motorcycles doing crazy things in the mud, antique tractors pulling in the mud, and other muddy activities sound exciting, then this is your time to come have fun in Ouray County! This is a great opportunity for participants and spectators, young and old, to get down and dirty all weekend long.

The Music Scene

For non-mud fans, exciting programs are also scheduled for the Wright Opera House this spring with the Wrighteous Jazz series. The first show is on Saturday, Mar 23 with Blues Indigo. Blues Indigo is a jazz/blues duo featuring Mike Gwinn on guitar and vocals, and John White on alto sax, flute and bass.  The series concludes with the Max Wagner Trio on Saturday, April 20. The group is led by tenor saxophonist and jazz vocalist Max Wagner has developed an individual sound and approach to modern jazz.

Other things

Here at the Inn spring is also a time for spring cleaning and spring hotel improvements. This year is no exception. We are working on a number of projects that we hope you will see when you visit.  (Notice we said when, not if)  We have replaced the exterior room lights, rebuilt the pool house, added a guest laundry and replaced a couple more bathrooms.  Still to come is a remodel of the front desk and private space for a guest computer. It is a lot to do but we hope to get through the list in time for summer.
So plan to come out and celebrate mud (or non-mud) with us. Call us at 970-325-7222 or check our calendar of events to find out what is happening in Ouray, make a reservation and come help us celebrate spring.

Winter is the prettiest season

December is the beginning of the winter season in Ouray, arguably the most beautiful time of the year. The pace may be slower than summer but the list of activities and festivals is still amazing.

This year we kick off the winter season with Yule Feast: A Victorian Christmas weekend on December 7-9. This is  three day event has something for the entire family. Main Street will lit up for the holiday and Main Street shops open for browsing all weekend.  Shop local and join in the scavenger hunt: find the special Ouray ornament in 10 of the participating shops and win a prize, or stop in and enjoy the music playing at locations up and down the street.  Stay in town for the holiday parade and a visit with Santa.  Support the  Second Chance Humane Society and have a photo of your best 4-footed friend taken with Santa at Santa Paws party at the Wright Opera House.  Then celebrate the season with Wine Chocolate and Cheese at the Community Center. Lots to do, so call us now to reserve your room and join the celebration.

Mid December is the start of the Ice season in Ouray.  Ouray is not known as the Ice Climbing Capital of the US for nothing.  The Ice Park is an amazing place to climb ice. We were up in the park today and things are looking really good- fat ice in South Park and lots of activity around the Ice Fest venue.  This year there will be new bleachers so that everyone can see the Ice Fest competition in January.  There is a new 25-foot overhanging tower for the end of the elite mixed climbing comp route and lots  other new things so stay tuned for more about the Ice Fest later. In the meantime, get your axe in gear and join us for opening weekend, December 15 (depending on weather of course).  Call ahead to reserve your room and take advantage of our opening week special: $65.00 per night (plus taxes double occupancy)  through December 21.

The month ends with New Years in Ouray. Lots of places to party,  followed by spectacular fireworks display. The best place in town to watch fireworks- your room at the Victorian Inn.

So lots of reasons to come up to Ouray this month. We hope to see you.

Fall colors in the San Juan Mountains near Ouray CO

Fall colors are here and Oktoberfest is not far off.  Right now the fall colors are exploding all over the San Juans. The aspens are turning a brilliant yellow against a backdrop of dark green pine trees. The mountains are blanketed with color.  The back country roads are the best way to experience the amazing fall color scene. We went jeeping (ok trucking) recently on our favorite part of the Alpine Loop–Corkscrew over Hurricane Pass to California Gulch into the ghost town of Animas Forks then back to Silverton.  The views were amazing, especially of Red Mountain 1 and Brown Mountain. Just when we thought we were ready to stop taking pictures, we turned a corner and found more spectacular scenery.  It was a glorious day.

Red Mountain 1 from Hurricane Pass

The fall color season in Ouray culminates with Oktoberfest which will be held this year on Saturday, October 6 at the Ouray Community Center and out on 6th Avenue. This year it will definitely be a bit more “Jeep”-y than normal. All Jeep owners and fans are invited to bring their Jeeps to park along 6th Avenue and Main Street.  Show off your stock or custom, new or old, pristine or well-traveled Jeep to welcome corporate Jeep representatives who are attending this year’s event.  Be present at an historic presentation to the City of Ouray by Jeep in recognition of our long history and love of the Jeep brand.

The Oktoberfest celebration kicks off at 5:00 PM at the Ouray Community Center and outside on 6th Avenue, with the return of the ever-popular Austrian Connection band, great German food and beer. The festivities include live music for dancing, thousands of dollars of door prizes, a traditional German costume contest, and fun children’s activities.

The anticipation of ten-thousand-plus ticket holders will come to an end at 9:00 PM, when the 2012 winner of the 48th Annual Jeep Raffle is announced. The evening ends with fireworks immediately following the Jeep Raffle drawing. There is still time to buy tickets so give us a call if you think you are destined to be the winner.

Make your plans now to attend. Call us at 970 325 7222 or visit us on line at www.ourayvictorianinn.com  to make reserve your room for the weekend and purchase your Oktoberfest tickets.

Scene from Crooks and Skullduggery at the Wright Opera House

Summer season at the Wright Opera House is well underway.  This year leads off with the debut of an original Ouray melodrama: Crooks & Skullduggery at The Hardlife Hotel” or “Meen E. Moneybanks Stinks Up Ouray” which will be presented every Monday night from now until July 30. We are very excited about this play, not only because it is a pleasant way to spend a Monday night after a hard day of playing in Ouray but because our very own Max is part of the cast. We hope you will come out to cheer the heroine and boo the villains with the best of them (and of course clap really hard for Max).

There are a lot of other wonderful events planned for the summer season at the Wright Opera House. The whole lineup includes lots of music, music, and family entertainment.

Other summer events include:

06/22/2012 Honey Don’t Bluegrass Concert

6/27/2012 Almost Every Wednesday Movie Film Series -First movie on the schedule is ”Boy”

07/04/2012 4th of July Wright Opera House Movie E.T & Building Tours

07/06/2012 Jude Johnstone

07/21/2012 Sara Hickman  Family Concert

08/11/2012   Griffin House

08/17/2012  Vignettes in History

09/01/2012 David Wilcox

09/02/2012  David Wilcox

The Wright Opera house has been the center of Ouray’s cultural activities since it was built in 1888. Together with the Beaumont Hotel, Ouray County Court House, School House, and Miners Hospital (which now houses the Ouray County Museum), the Wright Opera House was one of the most imposing brick structures in Ouray during the late 1880s and early 1890s. This building “with its decorative iron front structural style and cast iron piers supporting the pressed metal front of the second floor was an addition the town could be proud of. Although it lay unused for many years it is in the process of being restored to its former glory albeit with modern functionality.

Summer sunrise in Ouray

Summer in the San Juan Mountains

Memorial Day traditionally marks the start of summer.  Here in Ouray, we are welcoming summer in a lot of fun ways.  Everything opens up this weekend.  The flowers are out at the hotels and on Main Street.  Restaurants and shops are open.

Nearly all hiking trails are open, at least the lower ones.   The Perimeter trail, Portland trail, Baby Bathtubs and Box Canyon Park are open and dry.

The jeeping season is here. Yankee boy basin is open and the trails are calling. Get your off road vehicles in drive and check out the trails for the first time this season. We have not been out yet but we are keeping track of what is open and drivable so give us a call or check our Facebook page for current conditions.

Memorial Day kicks off the first summer festival of the season. Balloons-N- Varooms , in Ridgway, is  a weekend of free concerts, an arts and crafts fair, a classic car show and tethered balloon rides as part of this event. The weekend lineup includes:

Friday May 25– Event Open: 4pm – 9:30pm

• Car Cruise … 4-5pm
• Balloon Glow … half-hour after sunset
• Music by Ralph Dinosaur … 5:30pm-9:30pm

Saturday May 26– Event Open: 7am – 9:30pm

• Mass Balloon Lift … Ridgway U.S.A. at 7am
• Pancake Breakfast … 7:30-9:30am
• Tethered Balloon Rides … 7-10am
• Art & Craft Festival … 9am-5pm
• Car Show … 10am-4pm
• Bands throughout the day … 10:30am-8pm

Sunday May 27– Event Open: 7am-5pm

•  Mass Balloon Lift … Ridgway U.S.A. at 7am
• Car Show Cruise to Divide Ranch & Club … Brunch Noon-1pm
• Art & Craft Festival … 10am-5pm
• Live Music… 10:30am-5pm

Of course, we would like to remember the reason we celebrate Memorial Day which is the day we honor those who died while serving our country. Many people observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 pm local time. Another tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Finally, in keeping with  the tradition, Volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries. In Ouray the Elks will honor the day by placing American flags on the graves of veterans in the Ouray cemetery.

So make your plans to come play in Ouray and celebrate Memorial Day and the first weekend of summer.

Call us at 970 325 7222 or visit us on line to make your reservations.

Springtime on a country road near Ouray CO

Bird watching in Ouray

Bird watching  season in Ouray is underway. The air is alive with songbirds half-hidden in the trees. We saw our first Robin a couple of weeks ago and have seen tantalizing gllimpses of the bluebirds in Box Canyon. There also were supposed to be Great Blue Herons here. Everyone else had seen them striding in the river or standing in their nests, those huge stick built structures that dominate the trees along the river. So, we drove up to Cow Creek near the RidgwayState Park to look for them. Everyone had seen them from the road.

We did not.

Several trips to the promised viewing area did not produce a single sighting. Such is our luck. We saw the nests, we heard the reports but no luck in the visual department. But we were happy to hear that this herony was thriving as never before.  The newspaper reports that the population has grown dramatically, in part to the healthy river ecosystem that provides clean clear water that in turn produces lots of food. That is good news. Oh well, there is always next year.

In the meantime, the bird watching opportunities continue. We did see the Golden eagles soaring through the park but could not get any good pictures, as usual.  The Sandhill cranes should be coming through on their annual migration as well. These cranes are just as spectacular as the Herons. Like the herons, the cranes are attracted to the open water of the Ridgway reservoir and its three in-flowing streams so hopefully we can get some good photographs there. There have been reports of Kingfishers as well!  There are over 140 other species sighted in Ouray County so there is lots of bird watching to go around. Hopefully we will be more successful with the cranes, eagles or any of the other species now here.

Wish us luck.

Celebrating mud season

Ourays mud season is here. We said goodbye to the last of the ice climbers today,  a happy if soggy bunch. There is still some good ice in the park but it is getting harder to find. So, as the Ice Park gets ready to close we are getting ready to move in the quiet of the early spring and mud season.

April and May are the wettest and snowiest months of the winter. Of course we also have wonderful spring temperatures that rapidly melts that snow, resulting in mud on the streets and on the trails.

Mud season.

People seem to avoid Ouray during this time, maybe because they perceive it as a time when nothing is happening. That is simply not true.

Opportunities for wildlife sightings abound. This is the time when spring birds come back to Ouray and the mountain sheep and elks come down where they can be easily seen from the road and bears may be seen in Box Canyon Park.

Beginning April 19,The  Ouray County Historical Society  reopens on the weekends At the same time, the new  ”Otto Mears Exhibit” opens. Most Ouray County residents are familiar with the name Otto Mears. He is most famous for building toll roads and railroads. However, Otto was involved in many other endeavors including founding newspapers, mining investing, military service,Coloradopolitics, and numerous others. Visit the museum that the Smithsonian has called one of the best small museums in the west and learn about the career of this famous Colorado entrepreneur.   Another new exhibit: The Bridal Exhibit, “A sampling of Bridal Gowns 1883-1966,” also opens on April 19 and runs through June 30th.

Finally there is Mud Fest on April 27-28. It starts with a Pub Crawl on Friday in Ouray and continues on Saturday with the main stage events at the Ouray County Fairgrounds. Watch 4X4 vehicles navigating obstacle courses and race in the mud, see motorcycles doing crazy things in the mud, antique tractors pulling in the mud, and other muddy activities.  The fest concludes on Saturday night in Ouray with the Mud Ball Dance hosted by the Ouray Fire Department in the Community Center. If watching (or particpating in) sounds exciting, then this is your time to come have fun in Ouray County!

Other Mud season activities are scheduled at the Wright Opera House and Weehawken. All in all, mud season is a great time to come up and enjoy Ouray.

Book your rooms now to join us for any of these activities

or call us at 970 325 7222