Ouray is a small mountain town nestled in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, known as the Switzerland of America. Founded in the 1870s as a mining town, Ouray has remained true to its origins as a historic, Victorian-style community. Now, more commonly known for its outdoor recreation activities, Ouray is busy year-round with people looking to find solitude and adventure in the mountains.
With one day in Ouray, visitors can choose between the many different experiences that this small town has to offer. Whether you are visiting for the history, shopping, or nature, Ouray has something for everyone. You can hike to a waterfall at Box Canyon Falls Park, soak in the natural hot springs, go shopping on Main Street, go on an epic drive, or take one of the many guided tours offered in the area.
I’ve been traveling to southwestern Colorado for years, admiring the mountainscape and getting to know all of the small towns that bring charm to the area. Ouray is no different, rich with history and incredible views, this tiny town will leave you wishing you had stayed a little bit longer. Read on to get a full-day itinerary for Ouray, plus additional activities to do in the area.
This itinerary is best for someone who is looking to spend a full day in Ouray. I’ve included my favorite stops in Ouray, like hiking to waterfalls, exploring Main Street, and soaking in the hot springs. If you’ve got more time or are more of an adventurous traveler, I’ve included some popular optional activities to do in the area. Many of the things to do in Ouray aren’t handicap accessible, so you may have to change the itinerary if you need accessible activities.
The activities on this itinerary are mostly available from May to October.
Ouray is located in the San Juan Mountains, between Silverton and Ridgway. Ouray’s elevation is 7,792 feet. Once home to one of the biggest gold mines in Colorado, Ouray is now a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and ice climbing. The town welcomes visitors year-round, with many events happening throughout the year. There is one main road through Ouray that is paved; otherwise, the roads are all dirt. Many people combine a visit to Ouray with a longer road trip that includes the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton, down to Durango.
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Each season in Ouray offers something special. Ouray is mostly known for its summer and winter recreational opportunities. Summer gives you pleasant 70-degree weather in the afternoons with mild evening temperatures. However, summer also brings afternoon thunderstorms, which are common for the area.
Fall is my favorite time of year to visit Ouray, or Colorado in general. I have more luck spotting wildlife during this season; there are fewer visitors than in summer, and I love to go leaf peeping. The crisp mountain mornings of autumn are also very refreshing. During this time, the temperatures are in the 50s or 60s.
Winter in Ouray offers a totally different experience from any other season. Surprisingly, Ouray gets quite a few visitors during the winter months. The waterfalls freeze over and become a playground for people wanting to experience ice climbing. The hot springs are still open during the winter, allowing you to soak while surrounded by fresh snow. Winter temperatures can be in the negatives, so you’ll definitely want to bundle up for this season.
Spring is probably the least favorable season for visitors to Ouray. You get a mixture of snow and rain during this time, making it a damp experience. Snowy trails turn to mush as the snow starts melting. However, the waterfalls are in full force due to the snow runoff. This is also a chilly season, with highs maybe reaching 50 degrees.
As you are approaching Ouray from the south, via the Million Dollar Highway, there is a pull-off about a mile from town. Here, you’ll find the Switzerland of America Sign. You can see Ouray down below you and the mountains all around. This area is also known as Lookout Point.
Ouray is known as the Switzerland of America because of the jagged, towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains over the town. Some of these peaks are over 12,000 feet tall. It also gets its nickname from the Victorian architecture and hot springs that are similar to Switzerland.
Box Canyon Falls is a city park, giving you access to a rushing waterfall in a canyon and sweeping views of Ouray and the surrounding mountains. There are three trails in the park.
The Falls Trail is an easy, 500-foot walk along the canyon walls to the falls. You will have to walk on a small footbridge with some areas of low-hanging rocks. Once you arrive at the end, there is a viewing platform with an option of taking a staircase down to the water. If you choose to walk down to the water, use caution because it can be slippery along the rocky shore.
The High Bridge Trail is a strenuous half-mile round-trip hike that takes you about 200 feet above the falls to a bridge and tunnel. From here, you can see an overview of Ouray and the valley down below you, with views of the ridgeline above you. This trail does not give you views of the falls, but it is still worth the trek if you can handle the elevation. After the first set of stairs on the hike, there is a covered resting area with benches to sit on. After the covered hut, you’ll climb over a series of boulders with a cable running along the trail to help with stability. There is an option to walk through a low-hanging tunnel at the end to continue on the Perimeter Trail that encompasses Ouray.
The Native Plant Loop Trail is a short walk through an educational garden. There are various shrubs and plants with plaques telling you more about the vegetation native to the area.
The Box Canyon Falls Park is usually open May through October, and there is an entrance fee of ~$7 per person. Dogs are not allowed in the park.
Cascade Falls is a moderate, 0.3-mile walk with about 100 feet of elevation gain. You can walk to the Cascade Falls Park from downtown, or start at the small trailhead parking lot. From here, you’ll walk along a creek up to the 270-foot waterfall. This waterfall is one of several waterfalls that originate from Cascade Creek. The Cascade Falls are best viewed in late spring or early summer, when the snowmelt sends water rushing down the cliffside. During my last visit in September, there was a waterfall, but it wasn’t as powerful as it would be earlier in the year.
Parking and hiking at the park are free. The parking lot is fairly small, so it fills up quickly. There is a vault toilet available at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on this hike.
PRO TIP: Even though the elevation gain is only 100 feet, it can feel like a hard climb if you aren’t acclimated to the elevation. Bring water and take rest breaks when you need them.
Because of its location in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is known for its healing hot spring waters. There are a few options for visiting hot springs in town, depending on the experience you are looking for.
Ouray Hot Springs Pool is located in the heart of Ouray. This sulfur-free hot spring has a large family-friendly pool as well as an adult-only area. They also have a volleyball net, a rock climbing wall, and water slides. I would definitely recommend this hot spring if you are traveling with kids. They are open to the public daily.
Weisbaden Hot Springs offers year-round soaking with a few pool options to choose from. They have a Vapor Cave pool, located under the lodge in a cave. They also have an outdoor pool and a private soaking pool fed by a waterfall. Reservations are first-come, first-served only.
Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs offers day passes to visitors of Ouray. They have nine hot springs tubs, two pools, and a cold plunge tub. They have both family-friendly and adult-only hot springs.
Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway, 10 miles north of Ouray. This is the only clothing-optional hot spring in the area, for those of you who are looking for an all-natural option. They have seven outdoor pools and three indoor pools, open year-round.
Ouray Main Street has a variety of locally owned shops and restaurants. Whether you are looking for outdoor gear, locally made art and gifts, or a delicious meal, Main Street has a little bit of everything. Many of the shops in Ouray give you the feel of bohemian meets western style. They are all very unique.
A couple of my favorite shops are:
Built in 1888 by the Wright family, the Wright Opera House was created to bring culture and art to the booming mining town of Ouray. In 2011, the building was bought by the Friends of the Wright Opera House to preserve and restore it for future generations. Today, the opera house hosts a rotating lineup of live theater, music, films, art classes, and community events. Check out their website for upcoming events.
The Million Dollar Highway is the stretch of road running from Silverton to Ouray. While I have this listed as the last stop, it could be the first stop depending on the direction from which you arrive in town. I will say, it’s a drive that you shouldn’t miss!
The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile drive, which takes about an hour each way. This route is one of the most incredible drives in the country, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. You will climb over a couple of mountain passes on a narrow, winding road with steep drop-offs. The speed limit is low, though, so if you follow that and stay in your lane, it’s a fairly easy drive. I would not recommend this drive for large RVs and inexperienced drivers.
On the Million Dollar Highway, you’ll pass by jagged mountain peaks, drive through meadows where moose like to roam, and have the chance to stop at many overlooks. There are old mining towns, waterfalls, and hiking trails along the way.
FUN FACT: The Million Dollar Highway was built in 1882 as a dirt road made for wagons. It was a toll road to connect the gold mines of Red Mountain to the surrounding towns.
The Bachelor Syracuse Mine was one of the biggest producers of gold in the late 1800s. They now use the mine to give educational tours, where guides take you 1500 feet deep into an old mining tunnel. During the tour, you’ll learn about the mining history of the area. They also teach you how to gold pan, making it a fun activity for children. There is also an outdoor cafe where you can eat the Miner’s Breakfast.
The tours take place hourly from early May through mid-October.
PRO TIP: The mine can be 50°F or below, so I recommend bringing a jacket with you. Also, because of the nature of the mine, closed-toed shoes are encouraged.
One of the best ways to experience the backcountry of the San Juan Mountains is to take an off-roading adventure. There are several ways to reach the backcountry, whether you bring your own rig, go on a guided tour, or rent a UTV or jeep. If you bring your own OHV or UTV, you will need to register it with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
There are several companies in Ouray that offer half-day or full-day adventures. Pricing starts at ~$70 per person and increases depending on which company and experience you choose.
True to Switzerland culture, Ouray has a Via Ferrata. This means “iron path” and is a unique way to traverse across the face of a mountain via cables, foot railings, and bridges. Ouray has four Via Ferrata courses, depending on experience and compatibility.
The Via Ferrata is free if you choose to do this experience without a guide. There are several guiding companies in Ouray if you are an inexperienced climber. If you do the climb without a guide, you will need to bring or rent the required gear for the climb. Rental companies are located on Main Street in town.
The courses are open to the public daily from May through October. Plan at least 3 hours to finish a course. Also, this adventure can be quite exhausting, so only attempt this if you are in good health. For more information about guiding services, check out the Ouray Via Ferrata website.
When to Start Your Day: To avoid afternoon thunderstorms and get the most
out of your visit, I recommend starting your day early.
What to Wear: Bring lots of layers for this trip; mornings can be chilly, the afternoon sun can be harsh, and monsoon season brings heavy rains. Be prepared for anything.
Check out our recommended gear page or our Amazon shop for our favorites.
Cell Phone Service: There is cell phone service in the heart of Ouray, but many of the surrounding areas don’t have service.
So, come prepared with downloaded or physical maps.
Should You Bring Your Dog? Ouray and the surrounding towns are very dog-friendly. They won’t be allowed on any excursions, but are okay on some trails
and at various outdoor patios on Main Street.
Services within Ouray: There are two gas stations, a small grocery store located on Main Street called Duckett’s Market, and a laundromat in town.
Elevation: Ouray’s elevation is 7,792 feet. If you are not used to elevation, it may
take a few days to acclimate to this part of Colorado. Drink plenty
of water and bring snacks on your outdoor activities.
RV restrictions: There is free RV parking at the north end of town, in a gravel lot. You can park your RV for up to 72 hours, but no overnight sleeping is allowed.
Otherwise, RV parking is not allowed on Main Street.
The Box Canyon Lodge (book here) is one of the lower-priced accommodations in Ouray. This hotel is known for its private hot springs, which are only available to hotel guests. They have a variety of rooms available, from a single bedroom to multi-room suites. It is located a couple of blocks from Main Street, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful setting while also being within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. Pets are allowed with an additional fee.
If you’re looking for a cozy cabin to stay in or a place to park your RV, then check out Ouray Riverside Resort (book here). This resort has standalone cabins, lodge rooms, and a large RV park, which can accommodate up to 45 feet. This resort has everything you need for a comfortable stay, like complimentary wi-fi, on-site laundry, a steakhouse, and a convenience store.
The Ouray Riverside Resort & RV Park is open year-round. Pets are allowed in the cabins and RV park with an additional fee. Check out their website for more information.
If you prefer to camp, like I do, you’ll want to check out the Amphitheater Campground. This campground sits high above Ouray with incredible mountain views. My favorite site is #13; it does have a set of stairs you’ll need to climb, but it’s the most secluded site on the grounds and has a direct view of the mountains. This campground is open from May to October and has a mixture of first-come, first-served sites and sites that require a reservation. Campsites start at ~$28 per night. You can book a site on recreation.gov.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: The roads in this campground are narrow and winding, so RVs or trailers over 25 feet are not recommended.
Despite being a small mountain town, Ouray has some amazing local cuisine. Their restaurants range from high-end steakhouses to cafes to pub food. They even have a Thai restaurant. Listed below are my favorite places to eat, but you can’t go wrong with any of the options in Ouray.
The Ouray Brewery is located along the main shopping strip in Ouray. Besides beer on tap, the brewery has some delicious food options. They offer many different types of burgers, but my favorite dishes are the Smoked Salmon BLT and the Thai Coconut Quinoa Salad. The Ouray Brewery is a 3-story building with an open-air rooftop. I like to plan my dinner around sunset because the views are beautiful.
While the True Grit Cafe is located about 10 miles north of Ouray, it is a popular stopping point for True Grit lovers. The movie True Grit was filmed in the area, so the cafe has become a tribute to the film and John Wayne.
Their menu is filled with a wide range of classic comfort foods like chicken-fried steak, baked potatoes, chili, burgers, and more.
There are only 2 ways to arrive in Ouray: from the south or the north. If you’re arriving from Durango, the drive is 70 miles north, or about a 2-hour drive. You’ll take US-550 N from Durango, through Silverton, and onto the Million Dollar Highway before arriving in Ouray.
If you are arriving from the north, you’ll drive through Ridgway via US-550 S. Ridgway is the closest town with two connecting highways. You can either come from the west near Telluride or the north near Montrose. It is common for people to drive a loop, connecting Durango, Ouray, and Telluride. This loop is 230 miles, and takes about 5 hours of drive time.
Ouray is just the beginning of cool things you can do in Colorado. You can go on an Epic Colorado Road Trip in just 7-14 days. Colorado has four national parks, including Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde. Plus, there are amazing mountain towns like Aspen, Vail, and Telluride (just to name a few), and stunning train rides too! Check out our articles and YouTube videos for tips on how to make this trip happen for yourself. If you really want to make planning your trip easy, check out our travel guides! Hope you make it to Colorado soon.
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