Ouray: Mountain Town, Old West Town, and Charming Small Town

Ouray, pronounced "you-ray", has been called one of the "Ten Authentic Old West Towns in Colorado", one of the "Twelve Most Charming Small Towns in Colorado", one of "Seven Charming Small Towns to Visit in Southwestern Colorado", one of "Fifteen Most Charming Small Towns in Colorado", one of "Seven Gorgeous Secluded Getaways In Colorado", one of the "Ten Best Colorado Mountain Towns to Visit for Waterfalls", one of "Six Hidden Gems in Colorado", one of "Fifteen U.S. Cities That'll Make You Feel Like You've Left The Country (No Passport Required)", first of the "18 Off-the-Radar Mountain Towns Across America", one of "11 Colorado Towns That Feel Like You’re In A Hallmark Christmas Movie", and home to one of the "Twelve Best Overlooks to Take Pictures in Colorado".

We were excited about all the things to do in Ouray but didn't know if we'd have time to do the things that topped our list in the one day we planned to be there.

Fortunately, many of our most anticipated activities were all located within very short distances of each other.

Because we were coming from Montrose, we entered Ouray from the north side but drove though Ouray to get to its south side where the Ourlay Overlook ("Switzerland of America" Lookout Point) rises about the town and provides a gorgeous view of the town nestled in the San Juan Mountains.

Cascade Falls

One of the most visible sights from nearly anywhere in Ouray and above Ouray is Cascade Falls.

We decided to go to Cascade Falls next and it was a short drive from the Ouray Overlook back down to Ouray and to the steep parking lot at the east end of 8th Avenue.

The lower Cascade Falls are a short walk uphill from the parking area.

A short ascent from lower Cascade Falls allows one to join Ouray's Perimeter Trail.

Box Cañon Falls and Park

We headed next to Box Cañon Falls and Park, which meant a short drive back toward Ourway Overlook without actually ascending to that overlook.

Box Cañon Falls are arguably the star attraction of the park, but there are some incredible views on the way to the waterfall.

Part of the appeal of Box Cañon Falls is navigating the steel walkway between the close high rock walls.

The effect of looking from inside the narrow darker canyon to the lighter outside was impressive and reminded me of the similar effect at Puerto Rico's Cueva Ventana.

After experiencing the Box Cañon Falls, we walked the short, easy Native Plant Loop.

The Native Plant Loop took us back to near the park's entrance and the trailhead for the High Bridge Trail.

The High Bridge Trail starts with a rapidly rising metal staircase.

There is a sheltered (roof with shaded benches but without any walls) at the top of the metal staircase where some hikers took a break while enjoying the view (park's parking lot and greater Ouray) from there.

The High Bridge Trail continues after the shelter area at the top of the metal staircase and is a more traditional dirt trail from this point on.

There's a bridge at the top where the High Point Bridge becomes part of the greater Perimeter Trail.

The views from the bridge are more interesting than the bridge itself.

There is a tunnel at the other end of the bridge that is also part of the Perimeter Trail with that trail continuing from the other side of the tunnel.

Here is another perspective on the High Bridge.

Lunch at Ouray Brewery & Restaurant

We decided to eat lunch at Ouray Brewery & Restaurant because they had outdoor roof seating and we were glad we chose that. It was nice to be outdoors and looking over the main street in Ouray.

We really enjoyed our lunch as well and the burger of the day (not printed on the menu and changes daily) was excellent.

Uncompahgre River

We went to the Ouray Hot Springs Pool parking lot in an effort to find the Uncompahgre River Walk Loop, but made the mistake of going south from that parking lot instead of north and so didn't find it. However, we still enjoyed walking along the Uncompahgre River and sitting down by it for a few minutes.

It's not difficult in Ouray to find a great view from just about anywhere.

Bear Creek Falls

We decided to find Bear Creek Falls in the first part of the "Million Dollar Highway." It turns out it was pretty easy to find above (and south of) Ouray because there was a sign and a large pull-off parking area near Bear Creek Falls.

The Bear Creak Falls come right out from under the road's bridge.

Crossing the road allows one to get a different perspective on the waterfall from above it.

Even the views away from the waterfall are stunning from this area.

Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour

We toured the Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour while in Ouray. Even before the tour started, we enjoyed more gorgeous views from the mine.

The road up to Bachelor Syracuse Mine is mostly grated and steep at points. Posted signs reminded drivers that those driving down needed to move aside to allow those ascending to pass on this road that often wasn't wide enough for two lanes.

We walked into the mine on a mostly flat track, but it was very slightly uphill. We only really knew it was uphill because the water oozing out of the mine walls was slowing making its way out of the mine in the opposite direction of us as we walked deeper into the mine. The water was not moving quickly, implying the very small slope. Inside the mine, the tour guide showed us various different equipment used over the years for mining ore.

Ouray Hot Springs Pool

We spent the late afternoon and early evening at one of Ouray's most famous attractions, the Ouray Hot Springs Pool.

There are multiple pools at this city facility with differing water temperatures. We sat in the hottest water only briefly because it was too hot for our taste, but we enjoyed sitting in the other varying temperature pools.

The coolest pool featured an inflatable slide and a rock wall to climb.

There are gorgeous views all around these hot springs pool nestled in the valley.

Overnight and Bakery in Ouray

We stayed the night in Ouray at the St. Elmo Hotel and picked up bagels for lunch at nearby Artisan Bakery & Cafe (we didn't need breakfast because St. Elmo's included a large breakfast in our stay).

We were able to do all of the things covered in this lengthy post in a single day and I didn't talk about a fun snack and cold beverage break at a restaurant with outdoor seating or the great dinner at Brickhouse 737 Restaurant. With so many attractions and things to do packed so closely together in such a scenic location, it was no surpise to see that Ouray has earned all of the accolades mentioned at the beginning of this post.