Fall In Ouray At The Western Hotel
As summer fades and crisp mountain air rolls in, Ouray transforms into one of the Rockies’ most enchanting autumn escapes. At the center of it all, The Western Hotel & Spa offers a retreat that feels both timeless and perfectly suited to the season, where history, warmth and modern comfort meet against a backdrop of autumn brilliance.
Established in 1881 and lovingly restored in 2023, The Western is one of the last surviving timber-frame buildings in the West. Once a 40-room boarding house, it has been reimagined into 16 thoughtfully designed suites. Inside, cozy fireplaces, dark wood, leather furnishings and freestanding bathtubs invite guests to curl up after a day of exploring. Vintage typewriters and sweeping mountain views add a touch of character that connects each stay to the area’s legacy, while soft lighting and curated design create the perfect cocoon for chilly evenings.
Photos by Stephan Werk of Werk Creative
The Grotto Spa is especially enticing with its dry sauna, cold plunge, soaking hot tub and treatment rooms, offering warmth and rejuvenation after brisk mountain hikes. The spa’s moody, Western-inspired ambiance feels tailor-made for fall — inviting guests to slow down, savor and embrace the season.
At The Western Saloon & Grill, Executive Chef John Broening leans into fall flavors with his signature “farm to fire” approach. Menus highlight the region’s harvest, from orchard fruit and root vegetables to local meats and cheeses, sourced from nearby farms and ranches. New this year, the Chef’s Counter seats just five guests per night for an intimate three-course prix fixe menu paired with optional wine flights. With natural wines and Colorado vintages poured alongside tasty dishes, dining here feels like a celebration of the season — intimate, flavorful and best enjoyed by the glow of candlelight.
AUTUMN ADVENTURES IN OURAY
Before temperatures drop and a lot of ice settles in for the winter season, the Ouray Perimeter Trail offers an exhilarating escape for hikers and trail runners. It encircles the town with nearly six miles of rugged, scenic beauty, passing by the impressive Box Canyon Falls and Cascade Falls.
For a different vantage point, the Million Dollar Highway becomes one of Colorado’s most spectacular drives any time of year, but fall timing is ideal. Twisting from Ouray toward Silverton, the route offers sweeping views of mountainsides ablaze with color.
Round out a perfect Ouray day with a soothing soak at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, a year-round draw since 1927. The sulfur-free, geothermally heated pools range in temperature from warm to steamy hot, with areas designed for both relaxation and play. Families can enjoy lap lanes and shallow sections, while adults can retreat to quieter soaking pools. Whether it’s a post-hike recovery dip or a starlit soak on a snowy night, the hot springs are an essential part of the Ouray experience.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2026
OURAY WINTER WINE FESTIVAL
As the first snowflakes begin to dust the peaks beyond Ouray, get ready to raise a glass at the Ouray Winter Wine Festival, returning in February 2026. This charming, intimate gathering takes place in the historic Wright Opera House on Main Street — it’s a fireside festival where you can taste your way through Western Colorado’s finest wineries, cideries and distilleries. Previous years have offered two sessions — midday and early evening — so mark your calendar and prepare for a cozy, wine-soaked celebration of winter in the Rockies.
Originally published in the fall 2025 issue of Spoke+Blossom.