The first time I saw Ouray Colorado, (pronounced Your-ray or You-ray) I was 18 years old. It was for my high school Senior Trip. In mid-May, Lower Cascade Falls was partially frozen, and in town, you could put a quarter into the telescope and watch people climb the ice. I have been back a few times since then, but never for very long. Just passing through. No matter how long you’ve got, there are so many things to do in Ouray Colorado this summer.
A Longer Stay in Ouray, CO
Ouray was the destination and I planned two days to see the sights the town is known for: Box Canon Falls, Lower Cascade Falls. Hot springs. Hiking. Exploring the town itself. The town is build right up against one of the most impressive mountain ranges in Colorado: the San Juan Mountains. As you head south from Montrose on Highway 550, they don’t even look real. A jagged set of teeth, snowy, forested, emerging from a desert plain of mesas and scrubland.
Mt. Sneffels and the accompanying sub-range is what you would expect a kindergartner to draw if you asked them for a picture of the Rocky Mountains. It is simply unreal, and easy to understand as you pass through Ridgway and these mountains are looming over you in the distance, exactly why they called Ouray the Switzerland of America.
Ouray: the Switzerland of America
Upon entering the valley, following the Uncompahgre River down from Ridgway, everything is green. Horses crop at grasses fed by the spring runoff; dappled appaloosas, black, even the rare all white variety too! Before long, you reach the town of Ouray.
You will be greeted on the north end by the town pool, which is one of the largest hot springs fed swimming pools in the country. Town itself is build on a hill, with turn of the last century storefronts all slanting at an angle from the streets.
Dirt roads rise up to touch the foot of the mountains surrounding the town. Probably most impressive is Lower Cascade Falls, which erupts from a cliff less than a few hundred yards from town.
Box Canyon Falls is at the other side of town, with a suspension bridge, and a nice walk of less than a mile to see the entire area. In between is the grid work of a town that hasn’t changed much in the last 100 years.
Ouray: A Picture Perfect Town
It really has to be seen to be believed–yes, I know that sounds cliched, but my pictures just don’t do it justice. A trail winds all the way around town, from Cascade Falls to Box Canon Falls and beyond. It would probably take about a day to hike the entirety of it if you are an advanced hiker and had more time to dedicate to exploring the area than I had allowed for on this trip.
So Many Things to Do in Ouray
Ouray is fairly remote, so you are going to want to stay somewhere close. Check out listings on Booking.com for the best rates from vacation rentals and BnBs to hotels. Check out recommendations on TripAdvisor for some of the top-rated spots to experience.
So Much to do in Ouray
Perfect for an adventure trip, romantic getaway, or even reaching enlightenment. Here are just some of the things to do in Ouray:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Mountain biking
- Jeep rentals/tours
- Visiting the falls
- Shopping and sightseeing
- Climbing (rock and ice)
- Soaking in a hot spring
- Amazing food!
Sometimes it is good just to follow your nose and stop somewhere the ambiance just feels right and lets you enjoy the scenery while you eat. But if you are planning a few days in the area, it’s good to plan ahead. Activities often need to be reserved weeks in advance during the summer months.
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