Things to do & places to visit in Ouray, Colorado, United States

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.

Ouray city in Colorado, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 7:19.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Alpine Scenic Jeep Tours (897 reviews)
- Second time around
Monday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours

Last year while vacationing from Virginia, my wife and I visited Alpine Scenic Jeep Tours. The tour that we purchased was a four hour, private tour of Corkscrew Pass and the Red Mountains. It was unbelievable! The Red Mountains were absolutely beautiful. At that time, I remember telling my wife that we would return again some day. Little did I know that we would back again this year! After returning home last year and describing the tour and the sights we saw, we invited a couple of family members to share this year what we had experienced. This year again, we asked for a four hour private tour. Last years tour guide was a great guide. Both fun and informative. This years guide was ‘Rob’. Rob proved to be just as good as last year. If not more! He provided tons of information along the trail. He helped with photo suggestions and helped out with group pics as well. And with Rob’s suggestions, we were even able to visit other areas this year that we missed last year. With Rob as our guide, the tour was not just a vanilla, pre rehearsed presentation. There was something to experience around every corner! We talked about the area, our personal lives and our families. At the end of the day, we had been presented one of the most beautiful areas we had ever seen. We had experienced tons of fun. And we felt like we had made a special friend in Rob. See more..
5.0 Yankee Boy Basin (476 reviews)
- God's Country for sure!
Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations

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. See more..
5.0 Ouray Alchemist Museum (345 reviews)
- Fun and Educational, Don't MIss Out!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

Alchemy/medical/Museum -Museum is in the rear of building behind the Aspen Drug Store Wall. Front end of store is retail. See more..
5.0 Imogene Pass (143 reviews)
- One of the most scenic views in all of Ouray Colorado - Imogene Pass
Mountains

Imogene pass is not for the faint of heart. We were lucky enough to take Alpine Scenic Jeep Tours in our tour guide was funny informative and kept his cool the entire time The trip was somewhat adventurous and did have its problems the driver said that he had tried to get up this past four times earlier and due to the rain in the mud it was just not doable but we got lucky and plowed through and made it to the top. If you ever wanted to know what it was like to be in Switzerland without actually going there, you would want to take this journey. The sights the colors the blue skies and the flowers were just amazing. Thanks to the crackerjack crew of the company and the owner, they made our journey ever more memorable. It may be a while for some folks are able to get back up there again as the road is in pretty rough shape but when it’s safe do give it a shot. See more..
5.0 Red Mountain Pass (114 reviews)
- Trailer South From Ouray
Spent More than 3 hours Scenic Drives

Just finished pulling a 30’ travel trailer across. Started from Ouray at sunrise, drove slowly, and pulled over often. Traffic was very light, but views in the morning were spectacular. Highly recommend going thru early before traffic increases so that other vehicles are not an issue. Worth the time. Relax, pay attention to the road, and enjoy the views when you pull over....and there are plenty of pull outs. Once in a lifetime views. See more..
5.0 Ouray Ice Park (82 reviews)
- What a wonderful place for families!
Sports Complexes • Parks

Located in the Uncompahgre Gorge in Ouray, Colorado, the Ouray Ice Park was opened in 1995 as the world's first park devoted exclusively to the sport of ice climbing. Climbing in the park is free. A small band of volunteers developed the Park utilizing a unique set of assets found perhaps only in Ouray. Come learn how to Ice Climb in the best Ice Climbing Park in the world! See more..
5.0 Uncompahgre Gorge (41 reviews)
- Scenic Gorge on the Million Dollar Highway
Waterfalls

Site of a frozen waterfall and America's first manmade ice-climbing park. See more..
5.0 Bear Creek National Recreation Trail (31 reviews)
- Great hike.
Hiking Trails

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. See more..
5.0 Chief Ouray Mine Trail (12 reviews)
- Tough, steep and fabulous
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

What a hike! It’s tough, steep and a little scary in places if you suffer from vertigo. From 7700 ft in town to over 10000ft at the mine, you go up and up and up. At the top there’s a river to cross x just in front of the waterfall. To help, a rope has been hung to hold onto as you step from stone to stone that are poking above the water. Bring lots of water and a snack - poles would help, especially on the steep return journey. Very pleased we did it, spectacular views and experience. See more..
5.0 Buckskin Booksellers (11 reviews)
- A wonderful bookstore - Well worth a leisurely visit!
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Robert was a great host and the bookstore was a veritable treasure chest of fine books and great atmosphere. Hard-to-find books seemed to be his specialty. A great visit and most enjoyable time spent in this cozy bookstore. Bibliophiles will find a new home here! See more..
5.0 Elevate Wellness Spa (10 reviews)
- Insightful Reiki Session
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Spas

Elevate Wellness Spa is the perfect place if you are looking for holistic solutions for the entire body—inside and out. We provide a safe, professional and welcoming experience to each guest and a offer a variety of unique services year round. We specialize in Facials, Skincare, Therapeutic Body Work, Waxing, Makeup and more. Check out our Oxygen Bar if you need help adjusting to the altitude. See more..
5.0 Via Ferrata Ouray (10 reviews)
- Amazing, Unique, Adrenaline Experience
Canyons

My family (hubby and I plus 4 kids ages 12-15) just finished the Via Ferrata. We had two guides from Base Camp in Ouray that lead us through. Given that none of us had any prior climbing experience aside from a climbing wall, I’m glad we had guides for this first trip. Next time, I’d be comfortable renting the equipment and going without a guide as the entire experience felt very safe even though we were literally hanging off a rock wall. If you are looking for a unique adventure experience, I highly recommend giving this a try. If this is your first time, both Jason and Owen from Base Camp Ouray (970-318-8104) were exceptional! See more..
5.0 Silver Lynx (9 reviews)
- Must enter
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Silver Lynx owners Mary and Scott make all of the art for our tees, stickers, magnets, and patches. We also feature American artisan-made jewelry, including a number of pieces made by us right here in Ouray. Find other mountain and forest themed gifts and momentos for yourself or your loved ones. See more..
5.0 Ouray County Historical Museum (1 review)
- Museum was very interesting
Natural History Museums
The museum was great. Everything was displayed very well and great information was documented. The building used to be a hospital. The rooms containing the old kitchen, old medical, surgical, and dental equipment were especially interesting, along with the jail cell and mining equipment and gems. I would definitely recommend going there if you are in Ouray. See more..
4.5 Box Canyon Waterfall & Park (1.289 reviews)
- Worth the visit- Loud and beautiful
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

Waterfalls cascade through canyon walls at this park near Ouray. See more..
4.5 Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour (364 reviews)
- We’ll worth it!
Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Mines

Strike up your Adventure! The Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour walks you 1,500 feet horizontally into Gold Hill, rich in gold, silver, and other precious metals. Guests are at all times accompanied by a thoroughly trained guide who has first-hand experience working the mine. The guides are prepared to answer questions and eager to share the legend and lore of the mine. While you're here enjoy our Miners Breakfast! See more..
4.5 Perimeter Trail (342 reviews)
- Long but nice hike with great views
Hiking Trails

Start early specially on hot days. We started about 8:30am and it got pretty hot towards the end of this 6 mile hike. You get to see the cascade falls and box canyon along this hike as well as the baby baths and yellow river. Miles 4 to 5 (if memory serves me correct) are not the most scenic as you walk up a large water ? Pipeline but the views before make it worth the trek. There is a sign that tells you to watch out for bears thankfully we did not see any just great views See more..
4.5 Lower Cascade Trail and Falls (295 reviews)
- Great Cascades Scenery Just Minutes from Downtown
Hiking Trails

Beautiful cascade within steps of downtown. Don't overlook this awesome bit of natural beauty almost within the downtown corridor. We parked several blocks away on Main Street in Ouray but the walk was only a few minutes and immediately we were thrust into beautiful scenery. You can hike as little or much as you want (and some folks hiked up the side of the mountain to get close to the falls but it wasn't necessary for us to enjoy the view). Parking at the Falls area can be an issue so just park downtown. See more..
4.5 Animas Forks (234 reviews)
- Nice Day Trip but beware!
Scenic Drives • Ghost Towns

This is a great day trip if you are just seeing the sights and are not doing the whole "Jeep" thing. Most sources say that this can be reached via 2wd. Yes, it can but I'd only do it in a car you hate or maybe if you borrowed someone's without telling them. Even then, it would take some finesse. 4wd isn't necessarily needed but it sure makes a world of difference. The biggest issue is major portions of the road are comprised of fairly large, sharp rocks. I did it in a rental Ford Explorer with 4wd. (The rental company probably wouldn't approve).The 4wd worked great but I was really concerned about the tires taking a sidewall hit. They were just stock all-season tires. No way should a 2wd car, with it's low ground clearance attempt this road. A 2wd suv could make it with a competent driver taking it slow if it's dry. A stock, street 4wd is no issue but beware! Your donut spare isn't going to get you home from here! See more..
4.5 Ouray County Museum (161 reviews)
- Lots of stuff to see
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Walking Areas • History Museums

So much stuff to see! We spent 1 and 1/2 hours here and felt we could have come back for more. Many historical artifacts from every period starting in the late 1800's to early 1900's and a little of history all the way up to today. The amount and size of minerals on display was very good along with the dioramas of the local mines. Plan to make multiple trips if you want to get all of it in! See more..
4.5 Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewing Company (60 reviews)
- Not your usual taproom experience, and I mean that in the best way possible!
Breweries

I usually never write reviews (positive or negative), but I had to go back and review this place. Passed through this town as a solo traveler and had made a plan to have one beer at all of the breweries on the main street. I started here and ended up not leaving! It has a very local vibe - quiet, unpretentious, no fake 'customer service' smiles to try and win anyone over like in many other places I've come across in tourist towns. Regardless, I ended up having great conversation with Hutch and another couple who were there all evening. I think this 'Grumpy' man has a good heart and maybe a good BS meter for those who may be too easily offended ;). It was great hearing about his experiences and learning a bit about local life and history. Beer was good, had a very homebrewed quality to it. I am sure there is 'better' beer to be found in Colorado, but this place definitely earns a 5/5 from me just because of the experience. Place was rustic but clean, very cute interior. See more..
4.5 Baby Bath Tubs Trail (43 reviews)
- #1 for us
Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails

This was our favorite "hike" on our trip to Ouray. We went with our 11 and 8 year olds. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it turned out being a lot of fun. Plus, every other home was crowded and this was empty. Bring water shoes! When you get to the trailhead, climb down to the water and hike through the creek. You do need to be able-bodied to scurry up over the small rock waterfalls, but this was the fun part for us. There are a million different kinds of rocks, so it was great fun for our little geologist. Even my oldest who hates to hike loved this. It was really neat to do this after going on a mine tour too, because we understood more about what we were looking at. See more..
4.5 Horsethief Trail (17 reviews)
- Fun, semi challenging hike
Hiking Trails

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. See more..
4.5 KJ Wood Distillery (13 reviews)
- Stop by for a drink!
Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

We drove by here for 2 days and finally decided to stop by to try it out and we were impressed! We tasted the whiskeys and my husband (the whiskey drinker) really enjoyed his Old Fashioned. I had a vodka drink similar to a cucumber margarita and found it to be a great light, summer drink. Our bartender just moved here from Chicago and in addition to making great drinks, was very knowledgeable in the spirits world - we really enjoyed chatting with him. We also enjoyed the drinks so much, we ended up purchasing a bottle of each of the Whiskeys to take back to Denver with us. They don't serve food - but if you enjoy a good drink and local spirits, I definitely recommend stopping here. See more..
4.5 Yankee Girl Mine (12 reviews)
- Spectacular mine!
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Mines

Wow this was just amazing. We hiked up and went through. Beautiful and so much history. Seeing it from the road was just not as amazing as standing right in front of it. A must see!! See more..
4.5 Rotary Park (5 reviews)
- Rotary Park in Ouray, CO
Parks

Great park to stop by and relax and have a picnic. Very beautiful grass and trees. Met a lot of friendly people. See more..
4.5 Ouray Dog Park (3 reviews)
- Great Dog daycare
Spent < 1 hour Parks

We had our 2 small dogs there for a day while we rented an ATV to explore the trails near Ouray. It was a great place. See more..
4.0 Ouray Hot Springs Pool (646 reviews)
- Get there early
Monday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thermal Spas

Soak in the clear and warm waters of the Ouray Hot Springs Pool while enjoying the scenic views of the San Juan Mountains. Tucked in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this hot spring is famous for being free from the strong smell of sulfur. Kids will enjoy riding the water slides and splashing in the obstacle course pool as grown-ups hop between pools with temperatures ranging between 75 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. These outdoor pools are open year-round and are best enjoyed in the colder months, to recharge after a long day skiing or playing in the snow. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.0 Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa (127 reviews)
- Great unique experience
Hot Springs & Geysers

A spa sitting on a natural hot spring that provides visitors with a full range of spa activities or simply the chance to soak. See more..
4.0 Fellin Park (4 reviews)
- Great views all around
Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water • Parks • Playgrounds

We enjoyed a walk in the park on a few occasions. Our favorite part was seeing mule deer eating their dinner on the lush green grass at dusk. See more..