r/OurayColorado

Hi folks. We’re coming from Minnesota August 4-14. Cabin in Ouray, trips to Silverton and Telluride in the agenda.
Considering the fires? Shall we venture on? Seriously reconsidering. Looking for some insight. Thanks

You should do you homework and make the safest decisions for you and your family. Fire Danger is always high in the summer and yes the Gold Mountain Fire is very close.

However, from my perspective in the city, this is what I currently see. I understand things change day to day. If you were here today, you would be enjoying life. Smoke from the fire isn't really visible from main street. There are amazing blue skies, light wind, cool breezes.

Beautiful clear skies. Some of the clearest in the local region. The prevailing winds take the smoke to the northeast of the city. Montrose, 38 miles to the north, has been more affected by smoke from the fire in Ouray County than Ouray has.

At the moment the Hot Springs and Pool is temp. Closed.

Restaurants are open

Shops are open

Nearby hikes are open

Ridgway State park was a little smokey this morning and halfway full.

Should you come? If you were looking forward to your Ouray Trip you might want to consider keeping your reservation.

I will disclose that I own a small business in Ouray. Thank you!

Hey folks, visiting Colorado from down south. We had a nights stay at Ouray day before that got cancelled after we got to Ouray due to the fires and had to make a last minute booking at silverton. We head back home today via Denver airport. Maps show Durango routes which are over 7 hours. Is Ouray route open via any minor detours? Stay safe y'all.

I have been following the fires, and want nothing to do with it if it’s still going on, family is making a road trip from Louisiana and Ouray was one of our multiple stops along the way. I see videos of the fire, as well as videos of clear sky’s and saying town is open for business. So, I figured I’d ask the people that are there.

Is it risky to book something for next week, or will this be gone by then? I can tell you every detail about hurricanes, but have never seen, nor dealt with wildfires. We are planning on coming July 6-9, is Ouray an option? Telluride a safer bet? Or perhaps the Durango area?

Thanks for any and all advice given

Hey everyone! Literally booked my flights at 8 PM, and then 4 hours later saw the news about the fires near Ouray. Talk about bad timing—it feels like nature is sending a sign.

My trip is planned for July 21–25, and my main goal was to hit the area for some high-alpine lake treks. I still have a few hours left in my 24-hour cancellation window. Is it worth keeping the trip alive, or am I just going to be hiking through a total smoke screen?

Appreciate any local insight!

Partner and I are supposed to be staying in town next weekend for the 4th - how bad is the fire situation? I’m reading about road closures and the governor declaring the emergency. Should tourists be staying away?

Feel like there is alot of back and forth on if visitors SHOULD be visiting Ouray. On one side, this is Ouray's biggest week $ wise and its a ghost town. On the other side, people should be cautious with the fires. The sheriff is stating the following:

Southbound from Ridgway to Ouray - Local commuters, visitors and local deliveries to Ouray only on CR 17 detour. All other southbound motorists and through-traffic must take the CO Hwy 145 detour through Telluride.

Yankee Boy Basin area. How screwed are we?