Hiking in Ouray

Hiking around Ouray is like hiking in a postcard. Whether you call it hiking, trekking, going on a walkabout or rambling, putting your feet into motion and heading into the hills is a wonderful way to experience Ouray. Many of the trails listed below begin in the foothills around town. All of these trails provide you with postcard perfect backdrops and awe-inspiring views.

Be sure to look down and around you on the trails. Identifying diverse species of plant and animal life and geologic treasures along the trail is a worthwhile pastime. There is nothing quite like discovering tiny tundra blossoms clinging to the bottom of a rock or unearthing a quartz crystal or even gold in quartz in the tailings of an old mine.

Download maps or apps!

DIGITAL PERIMETER TRAIL MAP

Ouray County & Uncompahgre DIGITAL TRAIL MAP

Another option would is the All Trails app or website.

OnX App: Apple Download | Google Download

Girl standing on hiking trail in Ouray

Hike Ouray Right

Hiking Facts and Hints to Make Your Journey Pleasant
1. Moderate hiking with stops for rests and taking in scenery, uphill, covers approximately 1000 vertical feet an hour. Downhill is usually about 1300 feet.


2. Average distance covered in moderate hiking is about 1 to 1.5 miles uphill and 2 miles downhill.


3. The tree line varies between 11,200 feet and 11,800 feet. Average is about 11,500 feet.


4. Above tree line is tundra, patches of scrub willow and rocks and cliffs with scree and talus.


5. At the first sound of thunder, all parties should descend below tree line. Do not shelter under a solitary tree. If caught above tree line, when lightening strikes, try to find an indentation in the ground or hide under a rock. Detach yourself from your pack and anything metal. Crouch on all fours.


6. Wild flowers start in May but the finest displays are from mid July to mid August. The best elevation for wild flowers is between 11,800 feet and 12,500 feet.

7. The "monsoon" can run from early July to the end of August. Generally this can involve moderate to
heavy rain after about 2 pm.


8. Temperature falls about 3 degrees for every one thousand feet. Example: 75 degrees in Ouray at 7,600 feet becomes 58 degrees at 12,800 feet. If Ouray's temperature falls to 60 degrees, it can be 42 degrees on the top of Sneffels. This is without a wind-chill factor. If there is a 35MPH wind on the top of Sneffels or any highline ridge, the effect can be well below freezing.


9. Any hiking outing, especially with one individual, should involve leaving details of timings and hike destination with another party.


10. All hikers doing more serious hikes should purchase a mountain rescue safety card from Ouray Mountain Sports or other outlets.

11. The best "big picture" map is the Drake Mountain Map of Silverton, Telluride and Ouray. The best local map is the Hiking Trails of Ouray County put out by the Ouray Trails Group. For specific detail, the best smaller-scale maps are the USGS topographical series. The most used quadrants for our hiking are Ouray, Ironton, Mt Sneffels, Telluride, Ophir, Handies Peak and Silverton.


12. The water on trails is not suitable for drinking. Several of the most popular trails have no water at all on them. (Think of dogs!)

13. Many trails can be very slippery, especially if footwear is not adequate.

14. Cell phones often do not work, even on the top of ridges and mountains.


15. Always carry adequate clothing, good footwear, sunscreen, insect repellant, energy bars, and water.


16. Many trails pass through private property. Please be responsible. Pick up trash. Do not haul out mining remains. Respect owner's rights. There will probably be no "private" signs.


17. Best advice is to start early. It is cooler, the light is better and you will be off the top before weather deteriorates.


18. If doing anything other than one of the most used trails, take map(s) and trail guide. This will help avoid getting lost and wasting time!


19. Do not "use bathroom" close to water source.


20. If in a group, keep together. Communicate. Watch for signs of altitude sickness. Descend immediately if you notice hypothermia, irritability, nausea, spots before the eyes or other abnormal signs of weakness. Drink plenty.

Colorado outdoor search & rescue Card (COSAR)

Are you backcountry ready? Help us help you.

Each year, Colorado Search and Rescue teams perform over a thousand missions helping those who get caught in emergency situations in the backcountry. No one knows when they may need help. Prepare for the unexpected

Purchase the card:

$3 for 1 year | $12 for 5 years

Where Can I Buy?

  • Ouray Mountain Sports

  • Ridgeway State Park

  • Online

What Is Covered? Costs incurred by search and rescue teams authorized by local sheriffs.

  • Equipment

  • Aircraft

  • Dogs

  • Mileage

  • Horses

  • Watercraft

  • Snowmobiles

  • Meals

What Is Not Covered?

  • Fund does not pay individuals

  • Fund does not pay victim medial expenses

Who Needs It? Those who use, or plan to use, Colorado’s backcountry

  • Hikers

  • Mountain Bikers

  • Equestrians

  • Campers

  • Kayakers

  • Climbers

  • Cross Country Skiers

  • Photographers

Why Buy It?

  • To cover search and rescue mission costs

  • Support Colorado search and rescue volunteers

  • To contribute to well trained and equipped search and rescue teams

For more information:

Colorado Department of Local Affairs

970.248.7310

Colorado.gov

The infamous Perimeter Trail

Enjoy panoramic views of the entire city of Ouray. The Perimeter Trail loops you around the city and takes you past Cascade Falls, views of Mount Abrams, access to the Via Ferrata in the Uncompahgre Valley, across the high-bridge above Box Cañon Falls, through a tunnel, and endless photographic points.

Easy Hikes

Sometimes, even if you are an avid hiker, it is good to get used to the elevation by doing shorter easier hikes. Take a look at a couple of options.

Cascade Falls

Ironton Townsite

River walk trail

Baby Bathtubs

Water splashing

Box Cañon Falls Trail

Box Cañon Falls

Photo by @TravelingBitners

Ice Park Trail

Ice Park Trail sign

Portland Trail

view of portland trail

Moderate Hikes

Moderate hikes vary in length, but it includes more steep grades or technical walking routes.

Old twin peaks trail

Old Twin Peaks Trail

Upper Cascade Falls/ Chief Ouray Mine

Chief Ouray Mine Hike

Weehawken/ Alpine Mine

Sutton Mine Trail

Oak Creek

Oak Creek Trail

Bear Creek

Silvershield

Baldy/ Cutler creek Trails

Dexter Creek

Difficult Hikes

These hikes are rated difficult for a reason. They are long, strenuous, technical, and you need to be prepared. Typically these hikes you need to schedule a full day excursion.

Twin Peaks Trail

Horsethief Trail

Hayden Mountain & Loop

Bridge of Heaven

Silvershield

Richmond Trail

Mount Sneffels

Metal box on top of Mt Sneffels

Do you Have Everything For Hiking?

Check out our “Hiking Essentials” List

Water - 2 Bottles Minimum

Snacks - Energy bars, trail mix, etc

Pocket Knife

Insect Repellant

Sunscreen

Whistle

Maps of the Area - Available at local shops

Compass

Toilet Paper/ Wag Bag (pack out what you pack in)

Rain Gear

Headlamp

Hat

Gloves

Warm Jacket

Cell Phone (chance of working is only 70%)

Sunglasses

Bear Spray

Hiking Poles

For safety

Blanket, Flashlight, Poncho, First Aid Kit, Moleskin, Bandage, Antihistamine, Tylenol, and your Identification.

If you have space, it is always good to bring layers of clothing, the COSAR Card, and extra shirt and socks.

Safety check-list

  1. Navigation - Compass, wrist altimeter, GPS, topographic map

  2. Sun Protection - Sunglasses, sunscreen, clothing

  3. Insulation - Additional layers of clothing

  4. Illumination - Headlamps, flashlights, packable lanterns

  5. First-aid - First-aid kits

  6. Fire - Matches, firestarter

  7. Repair kit & tools - Knives, multi-tools, repair kit, duct tape

  8. Nutrition - Food

  9. Hydration - WATER, more water, and extra water, filter/ purifier, or chemical treatment

  10. Emergency Shelter - Shelter

Hiking during

hunting season


  • Wear Hunter Safety orange. Lots of it! It is best to wear a minimum of 500 square inches above the waist of solid blaze orange, which entails a minimum of an orange vest and an orange cap.

  • Know before you go. Know your location and the surrounding areas. Know which hunting season it is.

  • As with any season, if you are going alone, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back.

  • Realize that muzzleloader, archery and other non-rifle seasons are going to be much less heavily hunted. Rifle season is the biggest worry.

  • Make sure your dog is also wearing some sort of orange. The same style hunter's vest that you wear will also work on your dog if you can't find a canine- specific cape. Put his legs through the armholes, bring the front panels under his
    belly and pin together on top. Criss-crossing under the belly helps with keeping it in place. Bandanas are also good, and it doesn't hurt to have an orange bandana for signaling any time of the year

  • Don't wear gray, tan, brown or white -you don't want to be mistaken for a deer.

  • Make noise- sing, talk, whistle-make sure people know you're coming through. You can tie a bell to your dog's collar as well. This is also good in bear country the rest of the year. If you see a hunter, call out your location.

  • If you encounter outfitters and hunters on horseback give them the right of way. Yield to horseback riders by stepping off on the downhill side of the trail. Move slowly and speak in a normal tone of voice so you won't spook the horses.

  • Explore National Parks such as Mesa Verde and Canyonlands. These areas are off-limits to hunting.

  • Remember to stay on designated trails and roads, and always practice Leave No Trace principles.

Hiking Facts & Hints

  1. Moderate hiking with stops for rests and taking in scenery, uphill, covers approximately 1000 vertical feet an hour. Downhill is usually about 1300 feet.

  2. Average distance covered in moderate hiking is about 1 to 1.5 miles uphill and 2 miles downhill.

  3. The tree line varies between 11,200 feet and 11,800 feet. Average is about 11,500 feet.

  4. Above tree line is tundra, patches of scrub willow and rocks and cliffs with scree and talus.

  5. At the first sound of thunder, all parties should descend below tree line. Do not shelter under a solitary tree. If caught above tree line, when lightening strikes, try to find an indentation in the ground or hide under a rock. Detach yourself from your pack and anything metal. Crouch on all fours.

  6. Wild flowers start in May but the finest displays are from mid July to mid August. The best elevation for wild flowers is between 11,800 feet and 12,500 feet.

  7. The "monsoon" can run from early July to the end of August. Generally this can involve moderate to heavy rain after about 2pm.

  8. Temperature falls about 3 degrees for every one thousand feet. Example: 75 degrees in Ouray at 7,600 feet becomes 58 degrees at 12,800 feet. If Ouray's temperature falls to 60 degrees, it can be 42 degrees on the top of Sneffels. This is without wind-chill factor. If there is a 35MPH wind on the top of Sneffels or any highline ridge, the effect can be well below freezing.

  9. Any hiking outing, especially with one individual, should involve leaving details of timings and hike destination with another party.

  10. All hikers doing more serious hikes should purchase a mountain rescue safety card from Ouray Mountain Sports or other outlets.

11. The best "big picture" map is the Drake Mountain Map of Silverton, Telluride and Ouray. The best local map is the Hiking Trails of Ouray County put out by the Ouray Trails Group. For specific detail the best smaller scale maps are the USGS topographical series. The most used quadrants for our hiking are: Ouray, Ironton, Mt Sneffels, Telluride, Ophir, Handies Peak and Silverton.

12. The water on trails is not suitable for drinking. Several of the most popular trails have no water at all on them. (Think of dogs!)


13. Many trails can be very slippery, especially if footwear is not adequate.


14. Cell phones often do not work, even on the top of ridges and mountains.


15. Always carry adequate clothing, good footwear, sunscreen, insect repellant, energy bars, water.

16. Many trails pass through private property. Please be responsible. Pick up trash. Do not haul out mining remains. Respect owner's rights. There will probably be no "private" signs.


17. Best advice is to start early. It is cooler, the light is better and you will be off the top before weather deteriorates.


18. If doing anything other than one of the most used trails, take map(s) and trail guide. This will help avoid getting lost and wasting time!


19. Do not "use bathroom" close to water source.


20. If in a group, keep together. Communicate. Watch for signs of altitude sickness. Descend
immediately if you notice hypothermia, irritability, nausea, spots before the eyes or other abnormal
signs of weakness. Drink plenty.

Ouray Trail Group

The Ouray Trail Group, a local non-profit, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, has developed and maintains over 76 spectacular hiking trails in the area. The region provides trails for all experience levels, ranging from easy, shorter hikes to longer and more challenging ones. The Hiking Trails of Ouray County, a customized area topographical map and guide, is an excellent source for detailed information regarding the difficulty level, attractions, hazards and location of the trailhead for each of our area hikes. This map is issued by OTG and may be purchased in some of the local shops or at the Visitor Center for $13.

 
PeremiterLoop1500.jpg

Trail Etiquette

Ouray trails are as varied as they are vast. They often lead to the tops of peaks, where an entire panorama of mountains sits at your feet, but remember to always be prepared by bringing along adequate supplies and letting others know where you are going and when you expect to return. Below are some trail etiquette rules and a checklist of what to take on your journey into the high country.

  • Hike with at least one partner

  • Pack it in, pack it out

  • Don't pick wildflowers or disturb historic sites

  • Honor posted signs and do not trespass

  • Check daily conditions

  • Do not disturb wildlife

  • Stay on trails to avoid erosion

  • Mountain bikers yield to hikers and horses; all users yield to horses

  • Avoid hiking or riding in muddy conditions

  • Riders and hikers traveling downhill yield to those traveling uphill

  • Trail users should travel single file

  • If you use earphones, keep the volume low to hear potential threats or other travelers along the trail

  • Make sure children know what to do if separated (hug a tree & stay put)

  • Pick up after your dog and obey leash laws

  • Call 911 in case of emergency (Ouray Mountain Rescue, under the direction of the Ouray County Sheriff's Office, is always on call for assistance.)

Remember to protect these trails: “Take only pictures, and leave only footprints."

Checklist and Precautions for Day Hikers

  • Hydration (water, water treatment device)

  • Food (two-days worth: salty & calorie dense)

  • Layers of insulation (jacket, gloves, hat)

  • Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat)

  • Light (flashlight, headlamp)

  • Camera & cell phone

  • Navigation device (map, GPS, compass)

  • Fire (lighter, waterproof matches, fire starter)

  • First aid kit (first aid supplies, knife, duct tape, pepper spray)

  • Emergency shelter (reflective blanket, tarp, tent)

  • Walking/trekking poles

It is always a wise choice to check on trail conditions before heading out into the high country. A detailed list describing local trails and current conditions can be found at the Ouray Trail Group website.

Please allow yourself to become acclimated to the elevation before taking strenuous hiking trips. Jogging or walking at lower elevations prior to coming to Ouray, or just starting out here, with the Perimeter Trail, will help significantly.

Give yourself and your travel group peace of mind by purchasing a Search & Rescue Card. For only $3.00 a year or $12.00 for five years, you are covered by the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Fund (COSAR). This fund reimburses counties for large costs associated with backcountry rescues such as helicopter air lifts. These cards are available at Ouray Mountain Sports.

Encounters with Wildlife Guidelines

While it is rare to encounter a black bear or mountain lion along a trail, we do share the alpine environment with them. Never approach, startle, or feed any wild animal, especially a bear or lion with young. If you encounter a bear: stay calm, back away, and speak softly. Step off the trail and allow the bear to leave.

If you encounter a lion: make yourself look larger by raising your arms or opening up your jacket. Never turn your back and run. Pick up small children to keep them from running.