Although the town has a radius of only one mile and seems to go to sleep after ten at night, the mountains towering over the fairy-tale like houses--all of which contribute to its nickname of the "Switzerland of America"--hold dozens of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading. While the hiking trails range from short walks suitable for families and people of all ages, others can take days to complete. The most popular trail in the area is the Perimeter Trail which true to its name allows hikers to circle the perimeter of the town, passing waterfalls, wildflowers, "baby bathtubs", clear lakes, and sharp drop-offs along the way.
While mountain bikes are more popular amongst teenage residents rather than visitors, the jeeping trails are constantly in use by year round citizens and travelers alike. Jeeps are available for rent in town, and the more timid people can sign up for a guided tour. Imogene Pass, a level 4 trail, climbs up to an elevation of 13,000 feet where jeepers have a 360 degree view of the mountains. Below are tours offered by Colorado West Jeeps. Visit their website here for more details.
| Tour Name | Tour Length | Price/Person |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine Loop | Full Day | $120 |
| Black Bear | Full Day | $120 |
| Engineer Pass | Half Day | $65 |
| Imogene Pass | Half Day | $65 |
| Yankee Boy | Half Day | $65 |
During the winter while the mountains, trees, waterfalls, and streets freeze, the activity of the town certainly does not. Thousands of thrill-seeking ice climbers flock to Ouray Ice Park, which houses over three miles of vertical climbing courses. The Ouray Ice Festival is the main fundraiser of the Park and gives competitive climbers the chance to show off their skills. Just be sure to pack a heavy jacket for these excursions.
Native Plants:
Native Animals:
Pictured from top right to bottom left: (1) View of town from above with leaves changing colors, (2) Naturally heated hot springs on the edge of town, (3) Climber scaling the icy moutain, (4) Hikers relaxing on the top of Imogene Pass, (5) Residents particpate in an annual water fight on the Fourth of July in which pairs spray each other with fire fighters' hoses, (6) Jeep traversing a local off-road trail, (7) Hikers exploring Baby Bathtubs off the side of the Perimeter Trail, (8) Abandoned mining shack
Follow Jody as she explores all Ouray has to offer.