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Ouray is a must visit mountain town located in the southwest corner of Colorado. Known as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray serves as one of the gateways to the San Juan Mountains and provides seemingly endless access to outdoor adventures. This article shares 15 fun things to do in Ouray if you want to make the most of your trip. Whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, or your significant other, you’ll find activities here you’re sure to love.

Most of the activities in this article are best completed during the summer and early fall when the weather is pleasant, however some activities can be done year round. I included information about the best time of year to do each activity, as well as the cost. Ouray is much more laid back and affordable to visit than more upscale Colorado mountain towns, like Telluride or Aspen, making it a great destination to visit on a budget.

Keep reading to learn more about what to do on your next trip to Ouray, Colorado!

Recreating Responsibly in Ouray

Ouray is a gorgeous area of Colorado, and it’s important for everyone who visits to recreate responsibly to keep it that way. When enjoying the outdoors around Ouray please remember to practice Leave No Trace. This includes:

1. Plan ahead and prepare. Research your trail ahead of time, check the weather, carry a map, and make sure you have the proper gear.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Stay on developed trails and other durable surfaces, like rocks or gravel. Don’t hike through wildflower fields or meadows.
3. Properly dispose of waste. This includes packing out all of your trash as well as pet and human waste.
4. Leave what you find. Don’t pick wildflowers or harm the aspens.
5. Minimize campfire impacts. Use existing fire rings and be sure to check for fire restrictions before having a campfire. Make sure that campfires are completely extinguished, which means the ashes are cool.
6. Respect wildlife. Maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Never feed or harass wildlife.
7. Be considerate of other visitors. Remember uphill hikers and drivers have the right of way. Don’t blast music on the trail. Be sure to communicate with other trail users where appropriate.

The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to  enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.

15 Fun Things to Do in Ouray, Colorado

1. Hike the Perimeter Trail

There are a lot of hiking trails in and around Ouray, but if you’re looking for the best views of town, hike along the Perimeter Trail. As its name suggests, the trail loops up and around the town of Ouray passing various landmarks along the way, including waterfalls and bridges. There are numerous places to hop on and off the Ouray Perimeter Trail around town, but most people begin their hike near the Ouray Hot Springs.

Remember to practice Leave No Trace when hiking the Perimeter Trail, which includes being prepared (never forget water when hiking in Colorado!), packing out trash, and respecting any wildlife you may encounter. Never feed wildlife, as this can make wildlife acclimated to humans. 

Also keep in mind that Ouray sits at roughly 7,800 ft., so if you’re not accustomed to hiking at high altitudes, your hike will feel more difficult than usual. Don’t be afraid to take things slowly and remember to pack water to stay hydrated on the trail.

2. Soak at Ouray Hot Springs

One of the biggest draws to the Ouray area historically are the mineral-rich hot springs that can be found near the Uncompahgre River. Present-day Ouray is the ancestral homeland of the Ute people (the town is named for Chief Ouray, a Ute leader who helped negotiate treaties with the federal government during the mid-19th century), who used these hot springs for thousands of years and considered them to be healing waters. 

Today, the most popular place to soak is the Ouray Hot Springs, which you can’t miss as you drive into town. Ouray Hot Springs is a commercial hot springs with a variety of soaking pools at different temperatures. It also has an adult-only area, a lap pool, an activity pool with a rock wall, and waterslides. 

3. Go On a Safari-Style 4×4 Tour in the Mountains

If you want to head deep into the San Juan mountains and learn more about Ouray’s rich mining history, consider going on a safari-style 4×4 tour in the mountains. This is a bucket list worthy activity that’s fun for the whole family. There are a number of different tour companies in Ouray to choose from, as well as a variety of destinations, including Imogene Pass and Black Bear Pass.

I recently went on a tour to Yankee Boy Basin with Switzerland of America Jeeps during my husband’s family reunion. The ages on our tour ranged from 5 to over 60, and everyone who came had a blast. Our guide provided unique insights into the area’s mining history, and we were treated to blooming wildflowers in the high country.

Best Time of Year: Summer & Fall (late June-September)
Cost: Varies depending on your tour. The tour I took was $70 per adult and $40 per child.

4. Walk to Lower Cascade Falls

Lower Cascades Falls is visible from all around Ouray if you look at the canyon walls to the east, but the best views of the waterfall can be found by getting up close to it. While Lower Cascade Falls is located along the Perimeter Trail, you can easily access it with a short walk with roughly 100 ft. of elevation gain, which makes it a great spot for families with young children. 

If you want to get an even closer look at Lower Cascades Falls, you hike up the Ouray Perimeter Trail for about a quarter mile before following along the edge of a cliff to hike behind the waterfall. The trail is dog-friendly, but please remember to pack out your trash and dog poop bags. 

5. Stay at a Hot Springs Hotel

For a unique lodging experience while visiting Ouray, stay at a hotel with private hot springs. Opting to stay at a hotel that offers hot springs is going to provide a much more intimate soaking experience than soaking at Ouray Hot Springs. There are a few hot springs hotels in Ouray that you can choose from with different offerings, including wooden tubs, vapor caves, and larger soaking pools.

During a recent trip to Ouray I spent a night at the Box Canyon Lodge downtown. Our room was clean and comfortable, but the best part of staying there was having the opportunity to soak in one of the 7 wooden tubs on the property. The Box Canyon Lodge pipes hot spring water directly from the source into the tubs, providing a relaxing and scenic soaking experience.

6. Drive the Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway is one of the most scenic, and jaw clenching, drives in Colorado. The Million Dollar Highway begins as you leave Ouray going south on Highway 550. One of the biggest features of this feat of engineering wonder are the steep drop offs, which can be nerve wracking if you’re not used to driving on mountain roads.

The most exposed sections of the Million Dollar Highway are not far from Ouray. Once you’re beyond these short sections the road is easy driving as you make your way up Red Mountain Pass. I recommend driving the Million Dollar Highway in the fall when the aspens are changing. It’s easily one of the best scenic drives to see fall colors in Colorado.

7. Climb the Ouray Via Ferrata 

If hanging on the side of a cliff with rushing water beneath you sounds like fun, then make sure to complete the Ouray Via Ferrata during your trip. A via ferrata is basically a mountain obstacle course that uses ladders, rungs, and steel cables to transport climbers through technical terrain. The Ouray Via Ferrata has 2 different routes heading upstream and downstream in the Uncompahgre Gorge.

I personally haven’t climbed the Ouray Via Ferrata yet because I have a bit of a fear of heights, but it’s high on my bucket list for when I work up the courage. While you can complete the Ouray Via Ferrata on your own with the right equipment, consider hiring a guide if you don’t have climbing experience or want help navigating the route (note: participants over 265 lbs. must use a guiding service).

8. Visit a Local Coffee Shop

If you’re a coffee aficionado you’ll be pleasantly surprised how many delicious coffee shops you’ll find in Ouray. During a recent trip I stopped in at Mojo’s Coffee, Ouray Ice House, and 1886 Coffee.

Mojo’s is an inclusive family run coffee shop that also serves up tasty pastries. 1886 is located in the Beaumont Hotel and has a much more dressed up aesthetic. Ouray Ice House is perfect for a quick stop before heading out on a hike. They have iced coffee on tap complete with coffee ice cubes so the drink doesn’t become diluted as it melts.

9. Go Ice Climbing at the Ouray Ice Park

While most of the activities on this list are best completed during the summer or early fall, Ouray’s preeminent winter activity is ice climbing at the Ouray Ice Park. The Ouray Ice Park is a man-made ice park located within the Uncompahgre Gorge (the same location where you can find the via ferrata during the summer). 

If you’re an experienced ice climber, there’s no cost to use the Ouray Ice Park. However, most visitors to Ouray will want to hire a guiding service and take an ice climbing lesson. You can also attend the Ouray Ice Festival, which happens every year at the end of January. The festival offers clinics, gear demos, and a competition featuring some of the best ice climbers in the world.

10. Shop in Downtown Ouray

Support the local community during your trip to Ouray by shopping at one of the many shops downtown. You can find a variety of different shops on Main Street selling everything from souvenirs and gifts, to leatherware and Western jewelry. Tourism is one of the biggest industries in Ouray today, so shopping locally is a great way to help contribute to the economy.

11. Visit Box Cañon Falls

Navigate across bridges, through a cave, and along gangways as you explore Box Cañon Falls. This is one of the coolest things to do in Ouray that everyone in the family can enjoy. The short walk takes you through a narrow quartzite canyon that allows you to get up close to roaring waterfalls.

Take your time and be careful as you explore Box Cañon Falls because the water moves fast through the canyon. Things also get icy during the winter, so make sure you’re wearing shoes with good traction. Be aware, dogs are NOT allowed in the park.

12. Grab Ice Cream at Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee

A trip to Ouray wouldn’t be complete without popping into Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee for some ice cream. At Mouse’s you can also find a wide assortment of chocolates and other tasty treats that are made in-house. Make sure to grab a scrap cookie, which as the name suggests, is made from scraps of chocolate and other candies.

If you’re traveling to Ouray with young kids or dogs during the summer and want to find a place where they can splash around then head to the Baby Bathtubs. The Baby Bathtubs are located along the Perimeter Trail near the south side of town. They’re easily accessible with their own trailhead.

Water levels at the Baby Bathtubs will depend on the time of year and recent weather conditions, but by early-mid summer you should be able to find shallow splashing pools if you walk up the trail a bit. Pools lower in the canyon (closer to the trailhead) tend to have more water.

14. Rent a Jeep

If you’re looking to drive one of the area’s famed backroads, like Imogene Pass or Black Bear Pass on your own, then it’s important you have the right vehicle. There are a variety of companies in Ouray that allow you to rent your own Jeep so you can take on your own 4×4 adventure.

Be aware, many of the mountain roads around Ouray contain rough, exposed terrain, and can be dangerous if not driven carefully. One of the benefits to renting a Jeep in town is that you can talk with someone who can advise you on the best roads for your experience level and desires.

15. Grab a Bite to Eat Downtown

After a day of adventuring in the San Juan Mountains, head to downtown Ouray for dinner. There are a variety of restaurants in town to choose from that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Be aware, many restaurants close fairly early.

My favorite place to eat in Ouray is Maggie’s Kitchen. It’s a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that serves burgers, hot dogs, and other sandwiches at extremely reasonable prices. The food is tasty and there’s a covered patio where you can sit and look out at the mountains while you eat.

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