Hi Adventure Fam! Long time no blog! Sorry I have been a bit MIA on the blog here, but I am back ready to share some of my adventures from the summer! Starting with Ouray, Colorado!
Ouray is a Colorado town steeped in mining history, and it features some of the most beautiful mountain views around. It is nestled within the San Juan Mountains, about 6.5 hours from Denver. But this gem is definitely worth the trek to get to! Here are a few of my favorite things to do there.
1. Via Ferrata: The Ouray Via Ferrata is free to do! There is an upstream route (more difficult) and a downstream route. You can do this self-guided, and there are several bail-out points if it becomes too much! However, there are local companies that offer guides for it as well! Just need the equipment? Rent it here.
Please note this does involve intense climbing, being suspended on a cable at high heights, and prior experience on a Via Ferrata is recommended. It is not open 24 hours, so check the operating hours for your next trip.
2. Hike Ice and Island Lake: This has quickly become one of my favorite hikes in Colorado, but this is not for the faint of heart! It is about 8 miles round trip, but comes with over 2700 feet of elevation gain and it is STEEP in some sections! I recommend going to Island Lake first then Ice as the decline there is easier. Parking fills up quickly here too so plan ahead, and start early if you want to cross this one off your list!
*Within the next 1-2 years this hike may become by permit only!
3. Drive the Million Dollar Highway: This is an iconic road that connects Ouray to Silverton. The views are stunning, and right at the beginning you can stop at the iconic Switzerland of America sign! Parts of this road are narrow with steep drop offs, so make sure you are comfortable with sketchy mountain driving if you do this one!
4. Grab a drink at the rooftop bar at The Imogene: The rooftop bar at The Imogene Hotel features 360 degree views of the San Juans, and the ambience here simply cannot be beat!!
5. Spa Time at The Western Grotto Spa: The Grotto Spa at The Western Hotel is the perfect place to relax after a day adventuring! I got a massage, which was incredible! But aside from the spa treatments, you can soak in the cold plunge, the hot pool, sit in the sauna, and just enjoy a relaxing day!
The Western Hotel recently went through a total remodel, and it is an awesome place right in downtown Ouray to stay! It keeps its historic roots but has all the modern comforts you may need.
6. Off-Roading up Ophir Pass: Ophir Pass leads to some iconic views of the red peaks in the area! This is a long endeavor and off roading experience is highly recommended, or hire a guide to ensure everyone remains safe! If you do this, devote a good chunk of a full day for this drive!
7. Blue Lakes: This is another absolutely iconic Colorado hike, but once again, this is a tough one! If you go all the way to upper Blue Lake you will do about 9 miles round trip. The upper lake puts you right in the shadow of Mount Sneffels, with gorgeous views of the valleys below. Our favorite view on the hike was of Lower Blue Lake on the way to Middle Blue Lake, so you can definitely stop there and turn around if you want! In the summer, the wildflowers here are so beautiful!
Note that the road to reach this trail is pretty rough, and this will be a permitted hike starting either in 2025 or 2026, so you will need to plan ahead if you want to do this one!
8. Box Canyon Falls: This is considered one of the more touristy activities in the area, but the waterfall in the canyon is definitely beautiful and unique! This is also a great option for families! It costs $5-7 and no dogs are allowed here.
9. Bonus: On the way to or from Ouray, stop at Coloradough in Glenwood Springs for Colorado’s most iconic donuts! The cronuts are amazing, trust me!
There is so much to do in this area beyond what I have listed here, but this should be an awesome starting point for your next trip out to Ouray! As always, drop any questions in the comments below, and subscribe to stay up to date on all the latest! Also, check out the new Work with Me tab if you are looking to have your business featured on All Over Adventure!
Comments