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Author: The Smalls

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Million Dollar Highway

Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Activities.

Stretching roughly 25 miles between Ouray and Silverton, the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. Route 550) is the crown jewel of Colorado’s scenic byways. Originally built in the late 1880s to connect mining towns, it now delivers one of the most exhilarating drives in the American West. The route climbs past waterfalls, abandoned mines, and high mountain passes like Red Mountain and Molas, where jagged peaks pierce the clouds. Each curve reveals another cinematic vista—a blend of grandeur, grit, and grace. Whether driven in a convertible on a summer afternoon or with snow-dusted peaks in winter, it’s not just a road—it’s an experience that commands reverence.

Silverton Mountain

Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Activities.

Silverton Mountain redefines what it means to ski at the top. Rising to 13,487 feet, this high-alpine paradise offers guided-only access to pristine terrain of steep chutes, untouched bowls, and powder fields that stretch for miles. Guests can book private heli drops for a day of high-altitude skiing that feels like a personal expedition. The lodge at the base is simple, but the service is exceptional, and the guides are some of the most skilled and passionate in the Rockies. For those who see adventure as the ultimate luxury, Silverton delivers an experience that money alone can’t buy. It requires nerve, skill, and a love for the mountain that runs deep.

Dera Deli

Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Restaurants.

Dera Deli operates with minimalist elegance, exposed brick, natural wood finishes, and a bright counter where fresh ingredients take center stage. The menu rotates daily: think smoked trout bagel, prosciutto and fig baguette, tomato-pecan soup with house croutons, and morning quiches made fresh from scratch. The coffees are strong, the pastries flaky, and the service familiar. Locals and mountain travelers alike mix freely over sandwiches and perhaps a shared table. It’s not fine dining, but it’s always fine food crafted with care, elevated by provenance. Whether you’re prepping for a backcountry hike or just stopping in between shops, Dera Deli is a welcome breath of warmth and sustenance in Silverton’s crisp air.

The Eureka Station

Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Restaurants.

Eureka Station Restaurant stands as a tribute to Silverton’s railroad legacy. The restaurant inhabits a former rail depot. Its design nods to mining-era elegance with exposed beams, steel accents, original timbers, and décor recalling locomotive life. The menu is robust, featuring prime Colorado elk, slow-cooked ribs, wild trout, and shared wood-fired starters. Wines and craft beers are thoughtfully sourced from mountain-region producers. The ambiance strikes a balance—it’s unpretentious yet refined, loud in laughter, soft in lighting, and rich with local character. Whether you’re fueling up for a backcountry route or winding down after a mountain ride, Eureka Station is a grounding, delicious stop.

The Wyman Hotel

Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Hotels.

The Wyman Hotel occupies a storied corner of Silverton’s past. Originally a workers’ boarding house serving miners and railroad crews, it has now been transformed into a refined hideaway that honors that rugged legacy. In its renovated rooms, warm reclaimed wood, plush linens, and vintage touches offer understated elegance. In the common lounge and bar, guests mingle over craft cocktails, local ales, and hearty food after long days of exploration. The hotel sits within easy walking distance of Main Street’s Victorian storefronts, historic rail lines, and mountain trails that wind deep into high country. From your windows, peaks wear light and shadow like a private gallery; by night, the stars seem close enough to touch.

Luella’s Lounge

Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Activities, Bars.

Built in 1886 at the height of Colorado’s Gold Rush, the Beaumont Hotel was one of the first buildings west of the Mississippi to boast electricity, and Luella’s Lounge still glows with that same rarefied light. Tucked away on the second floor, this elegant bar honors Luella, a local courtesan known for her beauty and boldness. Inside, plush seating, low amber lamps, and an expert hand behind the bar create an atmosphere of vintage sophistication. Signature martinis, fine wines, and artisanal cocktails make every pour a celebration of craft and character. Whether you arrive after dinner or escape here between mountain adventures, Luella’s feels like stepping into a well-kept secret, one that only the locals know about.

Roosevelt’s Tavern

Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Restaurants.

Roosevelt’s Tavern is as close to a local institution as Ouray gets. Named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt, who famously stayed in Ouray and was known to dine within these very walls, Roosevelt’s Tavern celebrates mountain craftsmanship in both spirit and style. Its interiors combine stone, wood, and ambient lighting to create a warm, lived-in elegance. Expect elevated tavern fare, like Colorado beef, house-smoked ribs, local trout, and a whiskey list that rivals any city bar. The staff has the unpretentious confidence of people who know they’re serving something exceptional. Whether you arrive in hiking boots or heels, you’ll feel instantly at home.

Beaumont Hotel & Spa

Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Hotels.

The Beaumont Hotel & Spa is not just a lodging. It’s a rediscovered legend. Built in 1886 and carefully restored, this boutique retreat retains its stately Victorian architecture and antique detail while offering modern amenities and spa rituals. With only 12 suites, each uniquely furnished with original or reproduction antiques and custom finishes, the hotel exudes personal attention and enduring charm. You’re steps from downtown Ouray yet feel several echelons above, thanks to the tranquility that descends at night. The on-site spa offers tailored massage and wellness treatments, while the hotel’s setting frames peaks, cascades, and mined-era history with equal elegance.

Durango

Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Destinations.

Durango is the kind of place that rewards the curious. Home to one of the most iconic narrow-gauge railways in the country, this mountain town offers more than postcard views. It’s a jumping-off point for outdoor thrill-seekers, but also a hub of artisan culture, history, and southwestern flavor. Whether you’re fly-fishing in the Animas River, sipping a craft cocktail downtown, or horseback riding under the shadow of the San Juans, Durango invites you to slow down, tune in, and soak up the unpretentious magic of Colorado’s Western Slope.

Silverton

Written by The Smalls on . Posted in Destinations.

Once a rough-and-tumble mining outpost, Silverton is now a remote escape for travelers craving authenticity, altitude, and adrenaline. Accessible by the jaw-dropping Million Dollar Highway or the nostalgic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, it’s a town that wears its past proudly. From snow-covered saloons to trails that vanish into the sky, Silverton asks only that you show up with humility and a little grit.