The Uncompahgre Wilderness Area (formerly Big Blue) makes up the dramatic Colorado skyline around the town of Ouray. The lofty peaks surround a long U-shaped valley were fall's golden aspen forests draw visitors from around the world. This Picture of the Day presents a rare fall view, as the town was dusted with an early snowfall.
Ouray's Chamber of Commerce promotes their town as the Switzerland of America, proud of the area's fantastic mountain scenery.

"Today, Ouray, Chief of the Ute Mountain Indians, is immortalized by this Colorado town, a mountain, parks, and memorial gardens. In death, Ouray found the peace he sought to achieve in life."