At a Glance
- Location: US-550, 2 mi south
- Era: Late 1800s
- Access: Roadside pullout
- Photo Stop: Year-round
A Relic of the Mining Boom on the Highway South
About two miles south of Ouray on US-550, a wooden water wheel sits beside the Uncompahgre River in a small turnout that draws nearly every passing car to a stop. The wheel is a reconstruction of the type used in the late 19th century to power ore-crushing mills using the river's flow.
The setting — river rushing below, canyon walls rising on both sides, and the Million Dollar Highway continuing south into the mountains — makes this one of the most satisfying quick stops in the region. It takes five minutes and yields excellent photographs.
Context: What the Wheel Powered
Before electricity reached the mountain mining camps, water wheels and other hydraulic machinery converted the energy of mountain streams into mechanical power. Mills used this power to crush ore-bearing rock, separate minerals, and process the silver and gold that made Ouray wealthy.
The Uncompahgre River drops significantly in elevation between Ouray and Ridgway, and its flow was historically consistent enough to power operations year-round. The wheel at the pullout represents dozens of similar structures that once lined the canyon walls.
Adding It to Your Ouray Itinerary
The water wheel pullout is a natural stop on the way to or from Bear Creek Trail, Box Canyon Falls, or the start of the Million Dollar Highway. It adds almost no time to any southward drive.
Base your Ouray exploration at The Lumberyard Condos — centrally located at 55 4th Avenue and a short drive from every attraction south of town. Book direct at ouraycondos.com.