At a Glance
- From Denver: ~5.5 hrs
- From Albuquerque: ~4 hrs
- Montrose Airport: 35 min north
- Durango Airport: ~90 min south
Driving to Ouray
From Denver, the standard route is I-70 west to Grand Junction, then US-50 south through Montrose to Ouray — approximately 5.5 hours. The alternative via Poncha Springs and Gunnison adds scenery but also time. Both routes are well-maintained and drive-worthy year-round.
From the south (New Mexico, Phoenix, Albuquerque), US-550 north from Durango through Silverton and over Red Mountain Pass is the iconic approach — the Million Dollar Highway arriving in Ouray from the south is the most dramatic entrance to any town in Colorado.
Flying to Ouray
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), 30 miles north on US-550, is the closest commercial airport — served by United, American, and Delta with connections through Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Car rental is available at the airport.
Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), 90 minutes south, offers more flight options and is served by American, United, and Delta. The drive from Durango to Ouray via Silverton on the Million Dollar Highway is itself a destination experience.
Arrive and Stay at The Lumberyard
The Lumberyard Condos at 55 4th Avenue is one of the first properties you reach entering Ouray from the north on Main Street. Parking is available at the property — no navigating a complex town layout after a long drive.
Book your Ouray trip at ouraycondos.com. Once you arrive, you won't need your car again until it's time to hit the 4WD trails.