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Your Summer Guide to Ouray Colorado 2023

If you love outdoor adventure travel with your kids and teens, then Ouray (pronounced YOU-ray) is the perfect summer family vacation in Southwest Colorado.

The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado is one of the most scenic and thrilling routes in America, taking travelers through stunning mountain ranges and historic mining towns.

This iconic roadway between Ouray and Silverton isn’t just about the views; its rich history and engineering marvels make it a fascinating journey for anyone looking to explore Colorado’s rugged terrain.

Base yourself in Ouray at 7,792 feet, get ready for a family vacation filled with adrenaline rushes in this part of the San Juan mountains dubbed “Little Switzerland”.

Waterfalls, lake hikes, jeep rides over high mountain passes, hot springs, old mining ghost towns, canyoning, rock climbing, white water rafting, SUP and kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, gondola rides, and more are all within reach between the sweet mountain towns of Ouray, Ridgway, Silverton, and Telluride.

Drive the hair raising Million Dollar Highway for countless scenic views and photo ops.

Plus, the Mount Sneffels Wilderness between these towns is heaven on earth for alpine adventure enthusiasts who love hiking Colorado trails.

Camping in Ouray is an excellent option, with hikes, waterfalls, and hot springs right at your feet. Ouray’s main street is fun for dining options, an ice cream cone, and souvenir shopping.

See Where to Stay in Ouray CO

Things to Do in Ouray Colorado

Ouray Hot Springs

Dive into Ouray Colorado Hot Springs for an afternoon of family fun with amazing alpine views.

This is one of our favorite things to do in Ouray after an adventurous day in the San Juan Mountains.

Three pools at the Ouray Hot Springs range in temperature from 80 to 105 degree, plus lap lanes, a Wibit obstacle course, climbing wall, and super fun slides.

Come here for large shallow pools with play features for toddlers, plus a terrace of hot spring fed hot tubs for adults. Parents can take turns soaking and drinking in fantastic views. (1220 Main St, Ouray, CO)

Top Tip: If you’re camping, the locker rooms at Ouray Hot Springs offer hot showers. Save money by buying a 10 ticket punch pass if you are in the area for a few days and plan on visiting the hots springs pool more than one day.

Ouray is known for old ghost mines and great Colorado hiking trails

Hiking in Ouray and nearby

Ouray is known for its breathtaking mountain views and challenging trails that attract hikers from around the world.

The town's location in the San Juan Mountains offers unparalleled scenery and a wide variety of hiking options.

One of the main draws of Ouray is its stunning natural beauty, which can be experienced by hitting the numerous hiking trails in and around town.

From easy strolls to challenging treks that take you to elevations over 14,000 feet, there's a hike for everyone.

Here are our favorite walks and Ouray hikes to waterfalls and lakes nearby.

LOWER CASCADE FALLS

More of a quick, uphill walk, your family will not want to miss this out-and-back hike (0.2 miles) to the gorgeous Lower Cascade Falls. Do wear good tennis shoes or hiking shoes. Reachable from town - just park on the far east end of 8th street. If you’re camping in Ouray at Amphitheater Campground, you can also hike down, albeit further, from there. (598 8th Ave, Ouray, CO)

BABY BATHTUBS TRAIL

Fun and easy with kids of all ages, this trail is a great way to cool off after a longer hike or on a hot summer day. Pull on your Chacos, hike up the short trail as far as you like, play in the “bath tubs” and slip into mini falls throughout the mini canyon to cool off. Our kids could play here for hours and ask to go back. (Amphitheater Campground Road, Ouray, CO)

View from the top of Upper Cascade Falls in Ouray — Hike to Upper Cascade Falls in Ouray

UPPER CASCADE FALLS / CHIEF OURAY MINE

This steep hike with gorgeous views the entire way gains 1800 feet in elevation in the first 1.7 miles and includes a bit of cautious hiking on some cliff ledges.

Be sure to walk past the waterfall to the Chief Ouray Mine and walk through the old bunk room. We recommend this hike with older kids and teens who will pay attention and heed your voice. Our kids were ages 11 through 18 when we did it — they did great and loved it!

Labeled hard due to the elevation gain - just take your time and bring lots of snacks and water. Plan 3-4 hours for the hike with kids so you can rest at the falls, check out the mine, and enjoy the views.

Park in the Amphitheater Campground parking lot to hop on trail #213. (Amphitheater Campground, Ouray, CO)

27 Waterfall Hikes in Colorado

Find the Chief Ouray Mine Bunkhouse just past Upper Cascade Falls

BOX CANYON FALLS PARK

For easy hiking in Ouray, this popular attraction requires an entrance fee ($5 adults, $4 kids).

Box Canyon Falls is the result of Canyon Creek narrowing and gushing thousands of gallons of water per minute over the falls. This stupendous 285 foot waterfall crashes into a narrow box canyon. There are three short hikes to take: Falls Trail, High Bridge Trail, and the Native Plant Loop. (Box Canyon Rd, Ouray, CO)

Blue Lakes Trail

This nearly 8 mile long out-and-back trail is a fantastic day hike that is labeled hard, but very doable with active kids ages 10 and up. Plan to hit the trail early for this gorgeous hike to three alpine lakes in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness.

You will have a few water crossings. Bring your camera for awesome 360 views. Allow at least 5-6 hours for this hike with kids and pack lots of water (2 Liters each), a picnic lunch, snacks, rain jacket and your Patagonia pullover or the like.

Above the first Blue Lake in Mount Sneffels Wilderness — Hiking near Ouray Colorado above the first Blue Lake in Mount Sneffels Wilderness

We hit the trail at 8:30 am and had plenty of time to enjoy each of the three Blue Lakes — the top two have the best views — before returning to our vehicle by 2:30 pm. (From Ouray, head to north to Ridgway, then take Hwy 62 East to Dallas Creek Road for 14 miles to the Blue Lakes Trailhead. Driving a 4x4 is helpful for those last 14 miles.)

Before hitting the trail

It's important to plan your route and be prepared with proper gear and supplies. Make sure you have maps, plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate clothing and footwear.

Preparation is key when it comes to hiking in Ouray.

Make sure you have a plan and bring what you need for hiking Colorado — all of the necessary hiking footwear, gear and supplies.
Bring along maps or a GPS device, plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather conditions you may encounter on your hike.
Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return so that they can alert authorities if necessary in case anything goes wrong while you're out on the trail.

By following these simple preparatory steps, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable hiking experience in one of Colorado's most beautiful mountain landscapes.

See Where to Stay in Ouray CO

Find the Right Daypack for Your Hike

telluride-free-gondola-ride-summer-colorado — Telluride Colorado isn’t far from Ouray and makes a fun day trip

Take the Free Gondola into Telluride

A worthy day trip from Ouray, drive 50 miles to the Free Gondola Parking Lot in Mountain Village. Hop on the gondola up the mountain, take a short hike about, then hop back on a second gondola descending into Telluride. If you’re into downhill mountain biking, bring your bikes along for an exhilarating ride.

Fantastic views all around.

Hike Bear Creek Trail

Discover stunning waterfalls in Uncompahgre National Forest. Find the trailhead at the end of South Pine Street in downtown Telluride. Bear Creek Trail rises 1000 feet in elevation where you earn an amazing view of the 80-foot upper Bear Creek Falls.

Feel free to keep going along the rugged cliffs of Bear Creek canyon on the Wasatch Trail before turning around to head back to town.

telluride bridal veil falls — Telluride Bridal Veil Falls from a distance.

Hike to Bridal Veil Falls

Telluride’s brand new trail to Bridal Veil Falls is all the rage.

A challenging hike due to elevation gain, this one is worth the climb. And the new trail is a much better option than walking the OHV road.

The new trail is more scenic as you spy a couple more waterfalls along the way.

Bridal Veil Falls takes the cake as a 365’ tall waterfall.

Refuel after the hike with delicious burgers and brews at Smuggler’s Union Restaurant and Brewery in Telluride (225 S Pine St). If your gang is hungry for pizza, try Brown Dog Pizza (110 E Colorado Ave) or High Pie Pizzeria & Tap Room (100 W Colorado Ave).

Greene Street Silverton, Colorado — Drive the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to Silverton

Drive the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton

An easy day trip, head south out of Ouray on US 550 for a spectacular drive on the Million Dollar Highway. Right away, just 2.9 miles out of Ouray, you will reach a bridge with a parking area for an overlook with a viewing platform for Bear Creek Falls.

This free roadside waterfall is a great start to your drive towards Silverton. As you continue your twisty, swirvy 23 mile drive to Silverton, be on the lookout for pull-outs to ogle old mining establishments, small waterfalls, and fabulous views.

What is the Million Dollar Highway?

The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile stretch of US-550 that runs from the town of Ouray to the city of Silverton in Colorado.

It climbs through three mountain passes, including Red Mountain Pass at an altitude of 11,018 feet, and offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains.

Despite its name, the highway was actually built in the late 1880s for less than $500,000. Its name is believed to have come from its steep cost to construct and maintain during its early years.

Traveling along the Million Dollar Highway is an unforgettable experience that offers a variety of activities and sights to explore. For instance, if you're a history enthusiast, don't miss the chance to visit the charming mining town of Silverton, where you can learn about the region's mining industry and stroll through its historic streets.

See Where to Stay in Ouray CO

Animas Fork Ghost Town

If you’re driving a 4X4, you should definitely drive past Silverton straight to Animas Fork Ghost Town. Sitting at over two miles above sea level at 11,200 feet, this mining town was alive from the early 1870s to the early 1920s, reaching a population of 450 by 1885. Walk around what remains of the mine and the town which used to be home to 30 residences, hotel, general store, saloon, jail, and a post office.

Head back to Silverton for an afternoon treat at the Coffee Bear or Smedley’s Suites, or an early dinner at Handlebar’s Food & Saloon, all found on Greene Street.

switzerland-of-america-jeep-rental-ouray — Switzerland of America Jeep Rental in Ouray

Rent a Jeep for Yankee Basin or Imogene Pass

One of the best things to do in Ouray Colorado is to rent a Jeep or take a tour with Switzerland of America.

Climb up to 13,114 feet at Imogene Pass for a majestic 360 view.

Yankee Boy Basin is also a hit for 4x4s, as well as these destinations: Governor Basin (incredible wildflowers!), Corkscrew Gulch, Red Mountain Town Loop and more. Depending on the Jeep model, there is room for four or five persons per Jeep.

PRO TIP: Make the most of your 4X4 experience with full day Jeep rentals and the option of picking it up the night before so you can get an early start the next day. Not up for driving the Jeep yourself? Reserve seats on a Jeep tour instead and enjoy the view while a pro navigates off-road.

Rock Climbing

If you want to learn how to rock climb, Peak Mountain Guides in Ouray are your go-to guides.

The guides will teach you how to tie knots and safely belay one another (under constant supervision), allowing for maximum climbing time. Your guide will make suggestions for more challenging routes as he/she feels you are ready.

Via Ferrata

Italian for “Iron Road,” Via Ferrata is an alternative way to climb over rocks. The new Via Ferrata in Ouray was made for true adrenaline junkies and outdoor adventure travelers. A top-notch team of climbers, guides, engineers, and rigging pros created this route through the matchless Uncompahgre Gorge.

The Ouray Via Ferrata features over 4000′ of climbing and negotiating the terrain – at points you are just above the rushing Uncompahgre River! San Juan Mountain Guides will be happy to lead you on this unforgettable, high adventure.

Canyoning in Ouray

The next time we visit Ouray in summer, we hope to reserve a beginner canyoning adventure with Canyoning Colorado.

With older kids and teens, canyoning is one of the most adventurous things to do in Ouray.

Ages 12+ can reserve a spot in May/June, and ages 10+ can reserve a spot usually from mid-June to early July. This company looks like a great place to start with guides experienced in beginner through advanced routes.

Canyoning means following a canyon with a source of water, like waterfalls, and is also referred to as gorge walking. Think of it as human white water rafting without a boat.

Make your way through a water filled gorge by swimming, scrambling across rocks, moving through obstacles, and some rappelling. Some canyons may be very technical, but others may be more for fun, including cliff jumping and natural water slides that appeal to beginners through advanced canyoneers.

Is canyoning the same as canyoneering? While there isn’t a huge difference between the two, canyoneering refers to descending into and exploring dry canyons, often slot canyons, with only a little or no water flow. Excursions involve hiking, rappelling, and stemming. We experienced canyoneering in Zion and absolutely loved it.

See Where to Stay in Ouray CO

White Water Rafting

Just 10 minutes from Ouray, RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service offers river rafting adventures for most ages and ability levels throughout the summer. Southwest Colorado’s finest river sections in the Gunnison River, San Miguel River and Uncompahgre River.

RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service (1075 Sherman St, Unit 101 - Ridgway, CO- 970.626.4460)

We take our Isle Megalodon inflatable paddleboard everywhere we go in Colorado

SUP & Kayaking

You will find great stand up paddle boarding and easy-going kayaking at Ridgway State Park Reservoir. RIGS Paddle Sport Rentals help families have fun on the lake with hourly rentals are available from June 15th to August 15th. Inflatable kayak tours on the river are also available.

You can also head over to Crystal Lake or Silverjack Reservoir.

Bring your own paddle board

For It’s the most fun to have your own SUP so you can use it whenever you want — from sunrise to sunset. Isle inflatable paddle boards are the most versatile paddle boards you can travel and paddle anywhere with.

Best Inflatable Paddleboards for Traveling

best inflatable paddle boards for beginners — The best inflatable stand up paddle board for beginners to advanced. Stable, lightweight and extremely durable, this SUP is built for a wide range of activities and skill levels.

Fishing

So what if you don’t own fly fishing gear but you want to go out on your own? The RIGS Team is also ready to rent out fly fishing gear for you and/or take you out for for your next fly fishing lesson.

Mountain Biking

Just 20 minutes away, the Ridgway Area Trails (affectionately called RAT) are great mountain biking trails near Ouray. New trails continue to be added. We scaled “The Big Cheese,” a 1.5 mile climb with 13 switchbacks that takes you to the top of the RAT biking network.

Some mountain biking experience is best. We took our older kids and teens and even though we are all active, it was quite challenging for us beginner mountain bikers.

Need to rent a bike? Ridgway Adventure Sports can steer you right and suggest more fun things to do in Ouray if you brought your bikes.(109 N. Lena Street - Ridgway, CO).

Where to stay

Cozy Vacation Rentals in Ouray Colorado are easy to find

Ouray Colorado Vacation Rentals

A variety of condos, cabins, mountain retreats, historic homes, and studio apartments are available to suit the size of your family and your needs when staying in Ouray Colorado:

Cozy Mountain Home for Two
Quaint Historic Cabin Near Downtown, sleeps 4
Modern Mountain Condo for Six, newly renovated with fabulous views, sleeps 6
Log home with massive windows overlooking the majestic San Juan Mountain range, sleeps 8

Camping in Ouray

Amphitheater Campground is our number one choice for camping in Ouray.

Amphitheatre Campground overlooking Ouray, Colorado — Amphitheater Campground in Ouray Colorado

Located on the side of a mountain overlooking the town, many of these campsites have great views into the canyon.

This Ouray campground is best for tent camping and smaller RVs and is often full in the summer. It’s best to make a camping reservation in Ouray online when you can.

Or try your luck snagging a first-com, first-serve campsite at Amphitheater.

Remember, this is bear country and we woke up to a bear rummaging for food in our campsite here — because someone left out the hot chocolate packets! As always, be sure to to practice safe food storage techniques. (Head south out of Ouray on State Highway 550 for a 1/2 mile. Turn left at Amphitheater Campground sign drive about 1 mile up to the campground.)

Ouray KOA Holiday

For less primitive camping in Ouray, head to the KOA.

The campsites in the back area of this Ouray campground are peaceful and spacious.

This KOA will deliver firewood and ice to your campsite with a simple text message request. Includes shower and laundry facilities. (225 Co Rd 23, Ridgway, CO)

Ouray RV Park & Cabins

Situated on 7.5 acres of beautiful river front that runs along the Uncompaghre River, the Ouray RV Park & Cabins has awesome mountain views and waterfalls surrounding you. You can walk to downtown and to the Hot Springs Pool.

From here, you can access to a lot of hiking in Ouray and jeep trails. The showers and laundromat are super clean and open to outside guests with a guest pass. Call 970-325-4523 to learn more and tell them Rad Family Travel sent you. (1700 Main St, Ouray, CO)

Search more great family lodging options in Ouray.

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Ridgway State Park

For camping near Ouray, this Colorado state park’s popular campgrounds, swimbeach, gorgeous reservoir, picnic and playground areas, extensive trails, and diverse wildlife offers something for everyone.

Ridgway is just 10 minutes up the road from Ouray. (The state park is off Highway 550, Ridgway, CO, 81432)

Where to Eat and Drink

OURAY: Try Colorado Boy Southwest Pub for pizza, craft beer, and southwestern cuisine and Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee for a post-hike ice cream treat (both in the 500 block of Main St).

If you like breweries, also try Red Mountain Brewery, Ouray Brewery, and Ourayle House Brewery (Mr. Grumpy Pants).

RIDGWAY: If you only eat out once during your Ouray vacation, Taco Del Gnar is your go-to (630 Sherman St).

SILVERTON: Coffee Bear and Handlebars Food & Saloon

TELLURIDE: Try Brown Dog Pizza, High Pie Pizzeria & Tap Room, and Smuggler Union Brewery & Restaurant. There is a Taco Del Gnar here too!

Easy Camping Meals + Recipes