A Historic Itinerary from Ouray
If you’re dreaming of a unique historic getaway filled with scenic drives, rugged history, and timeless romance, Ouray, Colorado, offers the perfect blend. Tucked in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, this Victorian mining town makes an ideal home base for exploring ghost towns and mining tours in Colorado and stepping back into the gold rush era. And there’s no better place to anchor your journey than the elegant Beaumont Hotel & Spa.
Step Back in Time at the Beaumont Hotel
Built in 1886, the Beaumont Hotel is a treasure in itself. With its antique-furnished rooms and ornate architecture, it feels like staying in the pages of history while enjoying modern comfort. Guests love the boutique feel, luxurious spa, and the walkable location in downtown Ouray. Best of all, while you’re here you can join the hotel’s own Beaumont Historic Tours, where you’ll uncover stories of Ouray’s boomtown days inside the very halls of this landmark. Book your historic tour here.
Discover Colorado’s Ghost Towns
From your base at the Beaumont, it’s easy to venture out to some of the San Juans’ most fascinating ghost towns. Many are accessible by scenic jeep tours or guided excursions, where you’ll hear tales of fortune seekers, mining camps, and abandoned saloons. Popular stops include:
- Tomboy Ghost Town – Once a thriving settlement at the turn of the 20th century, many of the mining and building remnants still stand today.
- Animas Forks – Perhaps the most famous ghost town in the region, with preserved cabins and sweeping mountain views.
- Red Mountain Town – Once a bustling mining hub, now an eerie reminder of the silver boom.
- Yankee Girl Mine – Iconic for its towering headframe and photogenic setting.
These ghost towns tell the stories of pioneers who carved out lives in the high country, and they make for an unforgettable day trip from Ouray.
Go Underground: Mining Tours
Along with ghost towns, you can dig deeper into the region’s history with a guided gold mining tour. Just outside Ouray, you’ll find opportunities to walk through tunnels, learn about hard-rock mining, and even try your hand at panning for gold. These tours give you a real feel for the grit and determination that built Ouray and the surrounding towns.
You will find more information about Jeep tours in Ouray at visitouray.com and a mine tour here.
The Perfect Historic Getaway
After a day exploring ghost towns and mine shafts, retreat to the Beaumont’s cozy rooms, sip a glass of wine in Roosevelt’s Tavern, or unwind in the spa. With its mix of luxury and history, the Beaumont is more than just a hotel—it’s part of the adventure.
Plan your historic getaway today at beaumonthotel.com, and explore even more travel inspiration at visitouray.com.
📍 Beaumont Hotel & Spa
505 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427