4 Things to Do in Ouray, Colorado

Tori Peglar
·2 min read

This article originally appeared on My Colorado Parks

Surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks in the San Juan mountain range, Ouray, Colorado, is known as the "Switzerland of America." This Victorian-era mining town is as authentic as it gets, so you'll only find locally-owned restaurants and boutiques. Here are our favorite things to do in Ouray.

Discover Backroads

With more than 75 miles of rugged, dirt roads and trails, Ouray offers excellent off-road experiences. Rent a Jeep in town, sign up for a Jeep tour or drive yourself in your SUV to explore easy trails like Brooklyn Road or more challenging ones like the difficult Imogene Pass.

Perimeter Trail

Hiker on the Perimeter Trail near Ouray, Colorado
Hiker on the Perimeter Trail near Ouray, Colorado (Photo: Getty Images)

Do a spectacular six-mile hiking loop above town. Park at the Ouray Visitors Center to start the hike. After your hike, finish the day at KJ Wood Distillers with a drink made with vodka distilled from Ute Indian blue corn in honor of the area's early Ute inhabitants.

Ouray Hot Springs Pool

Nestled in a tight valley, this large sulfur-free mineral pool on Main Street has three slides and is open year round. The pool underwent a renovation that began in late 2016. Massages are offered; ourayhotsprings.com

Ouray Ice Park

This world-famous park boasts the best ice climbing in Colorado with more than 200 ice and mixed climbs. Added bonus: the park is within walking distance from downtown. Watch climbers at the Ouray Ice Festival every January. ourayicepark.com/ouray-ice-festival/

For more information
Ouray Visitor Center
(970) 325-3954
1230 Main Street, Ouray, CO 81427
www.visitouray.com

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