BLACK BEAR MANOR
Bed & Breakfast in Ouray, CO
Nestled amidst 13,000-foot peaks in the San Juan mountain range, the charming and scenic town of Ouray, known as the "Switzerland of America," awaits you for your next getaway. We welcome you to escape to the Black Bear Manor, a beautifully appointed bed and breakfast located in the heart of this mountain paradise.
Featuring:
- Full breakfast served every day
- Nine beautifully appointed guest rooms, all with a private bathroom and a private exterior entrance- Third-floor observatory with stunning 270-degree views of Ouray's mountains
- Walking distance to hiking trails, waterfalls, hot springs, and many other local attractions
- Daily happy hour with complimentary beer and wine
- Outdoor hot tub
THINGS TO DO
Hot Springs
The geothermal waters of Ouray have been enjoyed for their healing and relaxing properties for hundreds of years. Enjoy in these mineral-rich waters any time of year.
- Ouray Hot Springs goethermal pools are are immensely popular attraction. They are open year-round and are a 10-minute walk from the manor.
- For those seeking a more natural and secluded hot springs experience, the clothing-optional Orvis Hot Springs are a 10-minute drive from the manor.
Hiking
Ouray and the surrounding area are home to some of the most stunning hiking trails in the Rocky Mountains, including:
- The Ouray Perimeter trail, a 6-mile loop above the town of Ouray, accessible within walking distance from the manor.
- Box Canyon Falls, a geological wonder that is within walking distance and is not to be missed.
- See lots more amazing trails at the Ouray Trail Group website.
Jeep and OHV Trails and Tours
Ouray is known as the Jeep capital of the world, thanks to the abundance of amazing trails, including historic mining trails. Bring your own vehicle, rent a vehicle, or take a tour from one of the many experienced tour companies in town. Learn about the most popular trails at the Visit Ouray website, and find a list of tour operators here.
Explore History
Explore the rich and colorful history of Ouray, and Old West mining town that transformed into a tourist destination because of its peerless beauty and appeal. Don't miss:
- The Ouray County Museum, voted by the Smithsonian as one of the "Best Small Museums in the West"
- The Ouray Alchemist Museum, showcasing the history of medicine in Colorado
- Take a walking tour with the Ouray County Historical Society
Via Ferrata
Have an experience of a lifetime on the Ouray Via Ferrata, a protected climbing route equipped with rungs and cables that makes the thrill of mountain climbing accessible to almost anyone. See more information and book a climb here.
Scenic Driving
Just south of Ouray lies the hair-raising Million Dollar Highways, named for both its high construction cost and its breathtaking views. As part of the 235-mile San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, there is no shortage of scenic driving for those who want to take in the beauty of the San Juan mountains from the comfort of their car.
Ice Climbing
Ouray has no shortage of adventure in the winter. Grab your crampons and head to the Ouray Ice Park, a human-made ice climbing park built and operated in a spectacular natural gorge within walking distance of the City of Ouray. It is a free, public park that is home to more than 150 named ice and mixed climbs, spanning almost 2 miles of the Uncompahgre Gorge.
Snow Sports
Climbing up a giant wall of ice isn't the only way to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter here. There are endless opportunities to enjoy cross-country skiing, showshoeing, and sledding in the town and surrounding area. Don't forget to warm up with a relaxing soak at the hot springs at the end of a winter's day.
- For nordic sports, see the website of the Ouray County Nordic Council and the Ironton Park Cross Country Ski Area, which has trails leading to historic mines.
- Go sledding right in town! Vinegar Hill is a street in town that is closed off to cars in winter months so it can be used for sledding and tubing.
ABOUT US
The Christensen and Hirth families are proud to be the new owners of the Black Bear Manor as of 2022. We are honored and excited to be continuing the legacy of the Black Bear Manor as a warm and welcoming retreat for all guests. Daily operations are handled by our on-site manager, John Iwanicki, who is living at the Black Bear Manor and brings a wealth of hospitality experience and passion to this new adventure.
Hello I am Spencer Christensen, originally from Alaska, but I spent my teenage years growing up in Idaho. My wife and I have lived in Colorado for over a decade, and all of our children were born in Colorado. My wife, Jessica, is from Oklahoma. We absolutely love Colorado. I have worked in organizational development and as an entrepreneur for 15 years. My professional love is in providing jobs in the economy and in bringing top-notch services to Colorado.
Hi, I am Anita Hirth. My life journey has taken me around the world and finally to beautiful Western Colorado where I am so blessed to now call Grand Junction my home. My husband Douglas is proud to serve Western Colorado as a general surgeon, and I have been involved in the real estate and hospitality industries in Colorado for years. I find hospitality to be incredibly rewarding and exciting, and I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the guests of the Black Bear Manor.
Hi! My name is John and I am the House Manager at Black Bear Manor located in the heart of Ouray, CO! I love this quintessential mountain town, aptly nicknamed The Switzerland of America, and I know you will absolutely discover something wonderful during your stay with us at Black Bear Manor! In my free time you can find me exploring the wilderness surrounding this picturesque mountain town, snowboarding, or at one of the many festivals in Telluride. Can’t wait to meet you!
SISTER PROPERTY
The Christensen and Hirth families are also the owners of the Grand Mesa Lodge, a historic mountain lodge that has been in operation since 1899. The Grand Mesa Lodge is situated at an elevation of 10,500 feet, on the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world, amidst the unspoiled mountain paradise of the Grand Mesa National Forest. Just a two-hour drive from the Black Bear Manor, the Grand Mesa Lodge features 14 cabins, a restaurant and store, and endless year-round activities, including snowmobiling, nordic skiing, mountain biking, fishing, boating, and hiking. We hope our guests will enjoy the best of Western Colorado at both of our beautiful properties! You can learn more about the Grand Mesa Lodge at our website here.
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POLICIES
We look forward to welcome you at the Black Bear Manor, and we will do everything we can to ensure you have an unforgettable stay. Please take a moment to review our policies below.
- Children ages 15 and older are welcome at the Black Bear Manor.
- Out of respect for our guests with allergies, we are unable to accommodate pets. Dog boarding is available in town at the Ouray Dog Company.
- The Black Bear Manor is a completely non-smoking facility. Smoking is not permitted inside or on the grounds.
Reservation and Refund Policy
- A credit card is required to guarantee all reservations. A 50% deposit is charged upon booking. The remaining balance is charged 14 days prior to check-in. If you book your room less than 14 days prior to your stay, then the full balance will be charged at the time of booking.
- A 14-day cancellation notice is required. If you cancel less than 14 days prior to your arrival, you will be responsible for the full price of the rooms unless we can re-book them. If we re-book your rooms we will refund you the amount we receive for the new booking. If you cancel more than 14 days prior to your arrival, we will automatically refund your deposit.
General Information
- Check-in time is 4:00 p.m
- Check-out time is 10:30 a.m
DIRECTIONS
The Black Bear Manor is located at 118 6th Avenue in Ouray, Colorado. The nearest airport is Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), located 50 minutes away (Southwest, American, Delta, and United Airlines fly to MTJ). Click on "Directions" on the map below to find directions from your location to the manor.