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Best Things To Do In Ouray Colorado – Ore, CO is what you call a Colorado mountain town. It’s in the San Juan Mountains, but the town is actually surrounded by giant mountain peaks! The city is located in the southwestern part of Colorado in a river valley at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet. By visiting Ouray, you will understand why it is called the Switzerland of America.
It’s about a 7 hour flight from Denver, so plan to stay a while. It’s a super cute town with lots of things to do. You can explore the area here for a whole week without getting bored. No need to worry about traffic lights. It’s a small town with everything you need on the main road and endless adventures outside of town.
Best Things To Do In Ouray Colorado
This is a super cool and unique 6.5 mile trail that goes around the city perimeter. You’ll see four waterfalls, cross bridges, visit baby baths, and get great views of the ore. It starts at the visitor center at the north gate of the city. You climb 1,600 feet. Bring good walking shoes. If you’re in good shape, it’s a relatively easy hike, but there are also drop points that take you back to town.
Hike And A Pint
Ure is known for its 4×4 tracks. You will see off-road vehicles all over the city. It is known as the “jeep capital of the world”. The trails outside Ore are a great way to reach untapped beauty and spooky old ghost towns. The most popular route is the Alpine Loop, a historic route that visits mountain passes, old mining towns and mills. There are many scenic passes and roads throughout the region that you can ride. If you don’t have a Jeep or all-terrain vehicle, there are tour operators in town like Alpine Scenic Jeep Tours and Colorado West Jeep Rentals and Tours.
This raging waterfall (thousands of gallons per minute) is south of town. A narrow box of limestone takes millions of years to form. Entrance to the park is $5. Next to the falls you can descend the steps and a short hike takes you to the suspension bridge over the falls. At the bridge you get an amazing view of the ore. It is also a stopover on the circular route. Be sure to visit the small park at the entrance, a famous birding spot and the ring of native plants.
Located at the end of 8th Avenue in downtown Cascade Falls. You can get there on foot or by car to the parking lot. The falls are 0.2 miles from the parking lot. It is a huge waterfall. The water flow depends on rainfall and the time of year. You can walk to the falls for great photos. It is also a stopover on the circular route.
The Ore hot springs are ideal for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing or relaxing. The thermal spring is located at the northern entrance to the city. The pools are naturally heated to 75-104 degrees. They are open all year round and are an excellent source of minerals. Their spa also offers massages for stiff muscles.
The Best Ouray Hikes For Stunning Views And Adventure — Colorado Hikes And Hops
You don’t want to miss this breathtaking tour. Head south on Highway 550 for the most scenic and dangerous drives. It’s called the Million Dollar Highway because it costs a million dollars per mile. Others say the views are worth millions of dollars.
The route follows the Uncompagre River without long drop-offs and railings. Views of the San Juan Mountains including Red Mountain are worth the drive, just keep your eyes on the road until you pull over. Each tower offers a photo-worthy view.
There are many ghost towns throughout the Ure region. Some were former mining towns, while others were small villages unsuited to harsh winters. Many ghost towns have only a few buildings left. Some cities are only accessible by car and others by 4×4 vehicles. For a list of all the ghost towns you can visit: Click here.
A via ferrata is a climbing route that uses steel cables, rungs or ladders fixed to the rock and requires a harness that the climber clips onto metal fixings. It’s a great way to get your adrenaline pumping while you park in the canyon on top of a cliff. Ore recently opened its first via ferrata course, starting with the Ice Park Loop. This is a 0.77 mile trail that will take you 2-3 hours. Along the way you take the Sky Ladder, descend a vertical section and cross a cable-stayed bridge over the Uncompagre Valley.
Visiting Ouray Colorado In The Winter
The via ferrata is free to the public, although equipment and a guide (if you’re a novice) are required. You can hire and book a guide in the city.
For mountain bikers, you’ll want to hit the trails in the RAT, Ridgeway area. Expect miles of secluded single-track trails throughout the region. This trail system includes the iconic Dallas Creek Trail with epic views at the base of Sneffels Mountain.
For an easy scenic ride, you can take the River Road to Oregee Ridgeway and back. It covers 24 miles and offers views of hills and cliffs along County Roads 14 and 23.
If you like road biking, you can ride Red Mountain Pass or Dallas Divide. Red Mountain Pass is on the Million Dollar Highway, so there’s nothing but winding roads and steep rock falls. Not for the mind. Dallas Divide Pass is located between Ridgeway and Placerville and you can reach the 8,970 foot summit of Dallas Divide.
Sunset Above Ouray
If you are planning a solo winter trip, the Ice Park is a must. It is free to the public and is one of the premier ice climbing parks in the world. It offers climbing for beginners or advanced. If you are new, a guided clinic and lesson is recommended to get your feet wet.
For other activities in the area, check out the Ice Lakes Trail: The Most Beautiful Hike in the San Juan Mountains and Telluride’s 3 Must-See Waterfalls.
What activity do you like to do in Ore? Comment below and subscribe for more Colorado content!
Hi, I’m Laura. You could say I’m a Colorado enthusiast. I love all things Colorado like hiking, biking, camping. I never miss an opportunity to explore. These articles will inspire others to get out and enjoy Colorado. It is true that there are high mountain peaks and waterfalls in every direction, but I have been to Switzerland several times and sorry to say, not once. Swiss. However, the ore is very beautiful and must be visited at any time of the year.
Mind Blowingly Amazing Ouray Hikes You’ll Adore
We first visited Ouray 6 years ago on our first trip to Colorado, and immediately fell in love with its quaint, small-town feel and how it’s nestled in the middle of the mountains.
At the time, I had never been to the epic towns of Telluride, Colorado, Breckenridge, or Crested Butte, and thought I had found the best place on earth. Since then, we have traveled to 26 countries and discovered hidden treasures. I can count.
Either way, Ouray is still a wonderful town and I highly recommend passing through it on your travels one day.
There’s so much to do here, but here are 8 of my favorite things to do when we visit Ore, Colorado.
Things To Do In Ouray In October • Nomads With A Purpose
Check out our guide to driving the Million Dollar Highway. It has everything you need to know about it
In the middle of town is Town Rock Climbing. How many places can you walk to within 15 minutes of your home or campsite?
The approach is very easy, it is in front of the visitor center, and there is also a large climbing area at the old ice rink. And as a bonus, there are easy climbs that are perfect for kids or new advanced climbers.
Reasons to Visit Wuare Colorado #2: Jeeping You haven’t gone on an adventure until you’ve rented a Jeep and taken off in a 4×4 into the mountains surrounding Ore.
Ouray, Colorado Is Called The ‘little Switzerland Of America’ For Its Skiing And Natural Beauty
There are plenty of off-highway routes to explore! The mine is located between the towns of Telluride and Silverton, and the network of dirt roads between the three towns is breathtaking. Waterfalls, jagged peaks, beautiful valleys and the off-road history is epic.
We like to rent razors from Rock Pirates in Silverton. Their brand new racers were very easy to ride and the owners Jodi and James were very kind and thorough in getting us ready to have fun.
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