A weekend in Ouray, Colo.

Stay

Guest rooms at the Hot Springs Inn face the Uncompahgre River with private balconies to take in the stunning mountain views. Star gaze at night from the riverfront Jacuzzi. Rates from $104-$138 (suitable for up to four guests) include daily breakfast bar in the dining room or on your balcony; www.hotspringsinn.com, 1400 Main St., 800-706-7790.

Eat

Billy Goat Gruff's Biergarten is situated at nearly 8,000 feet in the Rockies with awesome mountain views, 20 beers on tap and menu items ranging from burgers, bratwursts, pretzels and barbecue ($4-$12). The restaurant, family owned and operated, also features a cozy indoor bistro with a fireplace and an extended menu of signature dishes ($11-$27); www.billygoatsouray.com, 400 Main St., 970-325-4370.

Experience

Take a hike along one of Box Canyon Waterfall Park trails from the southwest corner of town. The lower trail leads to a suspension bridge, waterfalls cascading down pre-Cambrian canyon walls and views over Ouray. This park offers a number of sheltered picnic houses and a visitor center with interpretive exhibits on the geology, wildlife, rare plant life and history of the area.  The area is recognized by the National Audubon Society as a birding hot spot. Park admission is $3 adults, $1.50 children ages 5-12. County Road 361, 970-325-7080. Chill out at the Hot Spring Pool filled with more than a million gallons of crystal clear natural hot springs waters supplied from seven springs (up to 106 degrees with no sulphur smell); $10 adults, $8 students ages 7-12. 1220 Main St., 970-325-7073.

MODERATE

Getting there

Montrose is a 45-minute drive from Ouray. Round-trip rates of $382 require a 21-day advance purchase; valid on American, Continental, Delta, United, USAirways.

Stay

The family-run Best Western Twin Peaks Motel is a short drive from the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Train and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, America's newest national park. A heated outdoor swimming pool and a natural hot springs soaking pool are on the spacious grounds. Rates from $110-$136, double; www.bestwestern.com, 125 3rd Ave., 970-325-4427.

Eat

Spice up dinner time at Buen Tiempo Restaurant & Cantina. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner during summer and 10 types of margaritas. Meals range from $10-$15; 515 Main St., 970-325-4544.

Experience

Visit Yankee Boy Basin surrounded by mountain peaks such as Potosi Peak, Teakettle Mountain, Cirque Mountain, Stony Mountain and Gilpin Mountain. This scenic area for nature lovers can be enjoyed on a half-day guided tour through a ghost town, past an abandoned mine and through rugged mountain terrain painted with gorgeous wildflowers. Rates are $60 adults $35 children 4-12; www.soajeep.com, 226 7th Ave., 970-325-4484.

SPLURGE

Getting there

Telluride is a one-hour drive from Ouray. United offers one-way economy class rates from $297 when booked 21 days in advance. Walk-up rates from $392.

Stay

The Royal Suite at the Black Bear Manor has private interior and exterior entrances, fireplace, posh king pillow top beds and jetted tub. The $239 rate for two includes breakfast, fine wines in the afternoon and bedside chocolates. The galleries and quaint shops along Main Street are a short stroll away; www.blackbearmanor.com,  100 6th Ave., 800-845-7512.

Eat

Decorate the Outlaw Restaurant when you buy a shack shingle to adorn the walls. The cost of $15 includes four shots at the bar and the wooden plank to sign, paint or draw as you wish.  During summer, don't miss out on fresh trout dinners. Entrees from $16-$27; www.outlawrestaurant.com, 610 Main St., 970-325-4366.

Experience

Paddle the Uncompahgre River on a half-day whitewater rafting trip ideal for all ages.  A ride along this uncrowded and remote river winds through ranch lands, wildlife areas and the canyons of the majestic San Juan Mountains. The nine-mile stretch features continuous beginner rapids (II-III class); $70 adults; $50 child; www.fishrigs.com; 888-626-4460.