Ouray County: The Switzerland of America and the Heart of the San Juans

Prepare to have your breath taken away in Ouray County, Colorado. Often called the "Switzerland of America" for its dramatic vertical relief, this region offers arguably the most spectacular scenery in the lower 48 states. For the horse property buyer, the focus here shifts from the steep box canyon of Ouray to the rolling, irrigated mesas and valleys of Ridgway. This is a landscape where Hollywood westerns were filmed (including John Wayne’s True Grit), and where you can own a ranch beneath the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the San Juan Mountains.

Ridgway: The Equestrian Sweet Spot

While the town of Ouray is famous for ice climbing and steep jeep trails, the town of Ridgway (just 10 miles north) is the county's equestrian paradise. The valley floor here opens up to reveal lush, irrigated hay meadows fed by the Uncompahgre River. Properties on Log Hill Mesa and along Dallas Divide offer a unique combination of usable grazing land and 360-degree views that include the iconic Mount Sneffels and the Cimarron Range.

This area is prized for its "Goldilocks" climate—it sits at a lower elevation (roughly 7,000 feet) than the ski towns, offering milder winters and longer growing seasons, yet it is just 45 minutes from the slopes of Telluride. It is the perfect balance of ranching practicality and high-alpine proximity.

A Landscape of Adventure and Relaxation

Ouray County is synonymous with world-class outdoor living. After a long day in the saddle, residents can soak in the famous hot springs in both Ouray and Ridgway. For trail riders, the options are endless. You can explore the aspen-filled trails of Owl Creek Pass (where the climactic scenes of True Grit were filmed) or ride along the Ridgway Area Trails (RAT) system which offers varying degrees of difficulty.

Ridgway State Park, with its massive reservoir, adds water recreation to the mix, offering boating, fishing, and shoreline trails. The community here is a blend of long-time ranching families and newcomers drawn by the quiet, unpretentious luxury of the valley.

Why Invest in Ouray County?

Ouray County offers a prestige factor that is hard to match, without the crowds of Aspen or Vail.

• Views: The view of the Sneffels Range from the Dallas Divide is one of the most photographed vistas in Colorado; owning land here is owning a masterpiece.
• Location: You are strategically located between the amenities of Montrose (airport, shopping) and the luxury of Telluride.
• Water: The historic irrigation ditches in the Ridgway valley provide the water security needed to maintain green pastures in a high-desert environment.

Browse our breathtaking listings of Ouray County horse properties below to find your ranch in the heart of the San Juans.