Known as The Switzerland of America, Ouray is nestled in the San Juan Mountains, perched at 7,792 ft. It has been crowned the “Outdoor Recreational Capitol of Colorado,” and for a small town (with about a thousand permanent residents), Ouray has plenty of activities to offer to the hundreds of thousands of yearly visitors. It’s is a great base for day trips; while in town, hike up to Cascade Falls, or through Box Cañon. After a vigorous trek, relax in Ouray’s hot springs. If you’re up for a thrill, drive the Million Dollar Highway, connecting Ouray to Silverton, famous for its dangerous twists and turns, but also for spectacular vistas (one of the most scenic drives in the US).
We started our visit with a short hike to Cascade Falls. It only took a few steps for us to hear the giant waterfall announce its imposing presence! We didn’t venture far, but noticed several hikers walk behind the water wall for a more daring selfie.
For a panoramic view of the town and Box Cañon, we drove up just a short way.
Next, we took an easy walk to Box Cañon Falls—and we didn’t regret it! From the Visitors Center (where we paid to enter the park), we passed playful and hungry chipmunks, hummingbirds, and finches, and had a choice to take the High Bridge Trail or the Box Cañon trail. We veered left and headed up metal stairs to the High Bridge. If we though Cascade Falls were impressive, we had another thing coming! As we walked through the canyon, the waterfall thundered as it dropped 285 feet of liquid power through narrow quartzite walls, then opened up into a crystal clear creek flowing by the edge of the town.
The High Bridge stretches above the falls at 300 feet, offering another breathtaking perspective. We walked across and through a tunnel. Initially a route for a water pipeline, the short tunnel (about 100 feet long) is now a part of the 4.5 mile long Ouray Parameter trail, and a fun way to get to the other side of the mountain.
We trekked back, and followed the lower trail inside the gorge. The lower trail followed the waterfall inside the gorge, really driving home just how powerful the waterfall was!…
After an exhilarating hike, we strolled like real tourists through downtown, checking out local art stores and a bookstore. The Ouray Hot Springs provided soothing relaxation and an amazing view of the mountains. Naturally occurring along the Uncompahgre River from underground fissures for thousands of years, Ouray hot springs range in temperature from 80 to 150 degrees.
The Ouray Hot Springs Pool is available to the public courtesy to the City of Ouray. Fed by natural geothermal waters, the facility offers several different pool areas (ranging from 75 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit) for relaxing or activities. Beyond spectacular views and soothing warm water, the pool has beneficial minerals including, iron, manganese, zinc, fluoride, and potassium. The pool is open year-around, so you can enjoy that amazing view under sunny or snowy skies—gorgeous either way!
