town, seat (1877) of Ouray county, southwestern Colorado, U.S. Located in a steep valley of the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of 7,760 feet (2,365 metres), the town was established as a mining camp in 1876 and, after the discovery of gold that year, quickly grew to number more than 1,200 permanent residents and many more transients. Much of the present town, the entirety of which is on the National Register of Historic Districts, was built between 1880 and 1900, giving Ouray (whose name derives from that of a prominent Ute Indian chief) the feel of a living-history museum. Ouray is a popular mountain-sports destination year-round, and Telluride and other skiing centres lie nearby. The Ouray Hot Springs are a popular attraction. Box Canyon Falls, a 285-foot (87-metre) cascade, is immediately south of the town. Inc. 1884. Pop. (1990) 644; (2000) 813.