Ouray, Colorado
Early summer in Ouray and the surrounding area is stunning with the breathtaking mountain ranges, rushing waterfalls from snow melt, endless trails and authentic mountain town charm makes this spot a must visit.
Nestled within the San Juan mountains surrounded by 13,000 + foot peaks, the Ouray area is known as the Switzerland of American with this sweeping landscape views which seem endless. The town of Ouray sits at an altitude of 7,792 feet bringing a variety of climate throughout the changing seasons. Ouray and its 900 permanent residents take pride in it’s Victorian-era mining past that is evident in it’s local buildings with locally owned restaurants and shoppes with zero outsider influence. Ouray is approximately 6 hours away from Denver.
Looking down from Box Canyon Road, Ouray's landscape views are hard to beat
With over 75 miles of offroad trails, Ouray is a must visit destination for 4x4 enthusiasts. Trails of all kinds of difficulty levels allows for all types of drivers to enjoy some of the most scenic views of the Rocky Mountains. Don’t own a 4x4 capable rig but still want to explore the trails, there are several companies in town offering Jeep rentals for you and your family and friends to explore on your own. Don’t feel like driving but want to experience the scenic 4x4 trails? Those same companies provide scenic tour services with seasoned 4x4 professionals who know the trails like the back of their hand, while providing a nice history lesson of the trails and it’s mining roots.
Alpine trail outside Ouray, Colorado
Scott, my scenic trail guide from Colorado West was polite and thoughtful of my personal comfort levels to heights and cliff drop offs
Camp Bird Road right outside Ouray
No big deal if 4x4’s are not your thing, Ouray and the surrounding area has plenty to offer for the outdoor explorer. Ouray is known for it’s Ice Park with extensive climbing routes that are open all year no matter the experience level. Climbers flock this area because of the steep climbs and breathtaking views while challenging themselves physically and mentally. Climbing trails are easily accessible, with some of them being right outside of town.
Of course, hiking trails are all around the area for day hikers and backpackers to explore the area. There is a neat 6 mile perimeter trail which wraps above the entire town of Ouray, giving you a birds eye perspective of Ouray, while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks - Mt. Sneffels, Teakettle Mountain, Whitehouse Mountain, Mt. Emma and Potosi Peak. Not too far away from Ouray is Silverton, Telluride and Durango giving you the ability to get out and authenticity explore the area and it’s unique charm.
Silverton, Colorado - approximately a 45 min drive from Ouray traveling the iconic Million Dollar Highway
The town of Ouray is true to it self, embracing their mining background, inviting you to feel a sense what it what it was like to live as miner during it’s heyday. You wont find any chain retail shops or restaurants for anywhere. Slow during the winter, except for the Ice Festival (the history behind the event is fascinating) every January bringing in some of the best climbers. There are few locals (less than 1,000) but the town swells to over 20,000 visitors during peak season in mid-July. Restaurants, shops and local hot springs are at full capacity - patience is a must. Tourist come from all of the world to experience this area. From avid motorcycle and 4x4 enthusiasts, outdoor hobbyist and even photographers like me, cannot get enough of this area. It is a place you can visit time and time again and discover something new, whether that is a trail, or pushing yourself to go climbing, the experience will want you to come visit again. Locals are friendly and embrace Ouray’s unique, rustic charm driven by it’s mining past that is still present in a few areas. Now go out, explore and have fun!
