Location: Ouray
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The 7 Best Hiking Trails in Ouray, Colorado (CO)
Surrounded on all sides by snow-capped peaks and set at the narrow head of a deep valley, Ouray touts itself as the "Switzerland of America." With no nearby ski area to attract the tourism of other alpine Colorado towns, Ouray has kept much of its authentic turn-of-the-century charm. The whole town is registered as a Historic District and includes many buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Its free Ice Park attracts amateur and pro ice climbers from around the world.
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1. Bear Creek National Recreation Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Beginning at an elevation of 7,900 feet and ending at 9,200 feet, this eight-mile, easy-to-moderate trail allows hiking, horseback riding and trail biking as the only forms of transportation.
Reviewed By Robyn3274 - Robbinsdale, United States
We loved this trail. It's long without being an all day thing, and it's challenging without killing us. It is definitely not for small children as most of the trail is shale rock that basically drops off the side. The hike is wonderful and the views are spectacular. We hiked it once in the evening and once in the morning and neither time did we see anyone else on the trail.
2. Yankee Boy Basin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 457 reviews
Surrounded by several mountain peaks (Potosi Peak, Teakettle Mountain, Cirque Mountain, Stony Mountain, and Gilpin Mountain), Yankee Boy Basin is a popular scenic area visited by hikers, photographers, four-wheelers and nature lovers.
Reviewed By Tuxtails - Savannah, United States
We camped in the area and then drove all the way up to Sneffel's trailhead, such a beautiful area with lake, waterfall and flowers. I would love to come back and explore and hike more.
3. Horsethief Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Limited to foot and horse traffic, this 12-mile moderate trail starts at an elevation of 9,240 feet and ends at 12,800 feet, and rewards hikers with sweeping views of the LaPlata and Rico ranges, Dolores Peaks and Lizard Head.
4. Perimeter Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Reviewed By HoustonGalTravels
Would definitely recommend this hike but if you never hike or if you are coming from sea level as myself, this trail should be considered hard.There are a lot of uphill climbs that wear you out. Don't let anyone try to shame you, just think-you might be able to walk on level ground for 6 miles but try walking up ten flights of stairs and you will get winded. It uses a different set of muscles. We brought our lunch and picniced and then had to rest after each climb. There are stairs to make it easy but if you aren't acclimated then each climb is killer. It took us about 6 hours with stops. There were climbers at the Cascade Falls which was fun to watch. There is a covered bench just past the bridge there where you can still see the falls. If you aren't regular hikers then break it up into two days. You still get the amazing views and won't kill yourself to get it done. Bring hiking sticks, two if you can. And bring plenty of water. We started at Baby Bathtubs heading west to Box Canyon ( stop here, amazing falls you can explore) and refilled water at the Visitor Center on North side of town. Also, wear shoes with good tracktion. As you can imagine there is loose dirt and gravel that slips easily underfoot. Bring sun protection. There are a couple spots you can dunk your hat into cool water to cool off. And bring your camera. It is gorgeous!!
5. Lower Cascade Trail and Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
Reviewed By U2459GTbenh - Illinois, United States
Cascade is an easy hike and the reward to outstanding. We just sat back and enjoyed the cool water spraying on our faces and the grandkids loved playing in the stream.
