Staying in Ouray Co for a week. Any must see sites/activities?

Billogna

Billogna

WKR
Joined
Nov 3, 2020
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378
Location
Central MO
Like the title says... Will be vacationing in Ouray Co for a week or so. Have two boys 7 and 9. Already booked to do the Silverton train ride. Any other must see places or things to do while there?
 
There is a Via Ferrata in Ouray: https://ourayviaferrata.org/

Jeep rental and drive the Alpine Loop. I highly recommend you start your day EARLY. The Loop starts getting annoyingly, sometimes dangerously crowded by late morning/mid day. I would start and end your day out of Silverton as the spur that connects directly to Ouray is technical and I don't think the rental companies allow you to drove that section anyway.
You can eat lunch in Lake City while doing the loop:
Silverton to Animas Forks ghost town, Cinnamon Pass to Lake City to Engineer Pass to California Pass. Its a pretty impressive day, lots of variable terrain, high points, shelf roads, sheep country, alpine lakes and mining junk to check out.

If you want to bag a 14er, Mt Sneffels is right there. Blue Lakes access is closed this year. You'll want access from Camp Bird Rd which is also currently closed due to rock fall, but should be open by July.
Plenty of other options for day hiking and fishing as well.
 
I should clarify - We will be staying between Ouray and Ridgway. Probably gonna check out Telluride one day as well. The suggestions are great tho! Keep em coming!
 
I'm sure you aware there are some hot springs options. Ouray hot springs is going to be the more "sterile" experience. Orvis hot springs definitively more unique and probably what most people envision when going to a hot springs in Colorado. If you go during the week and at off times, you can even have a pool to yourself. It is considered a family friendly resort, but you should also note that clothing is optional in certain pools.
 
I second Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It's a small park and can be 'seen' in a couple of hours.
 
Jbehredt said:
If your vehicle is capable the way to get to telluride is over Imogene pass.
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The Telluride side of Imogene is closed for repairs this year -there are a several washouts that have to be repaired. You can drive to the top from the Ouray side, though.
 
Im driving past Black Canyon of the Gunnison in July with a 14' trailer. Does anyone know if I would have issues driving in and taking a look at the overlooks? I've driven past it so many times I feel I should stop this time.
 
MuleyFever said:
Im driving past Black Canyon of the Gunnison in July with a 14' trailer. Does anyone know if I would have issues driving in and taking a look at the overlooks? I've driven past it so many times I feel I should stop this time.
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You shouldn't have an issue at most of the overlooks. You could also drive down to the bottom below the dam, depending on what you want to see.
 
I second the renting a jeep idea. There's also a ton of waterfalls in the area if your boys would enjoy seeing those. I'd plan a few hikes too, it's hard to make recommendations without knowing how hardcore they would want to hike.

https://www.visitouray.com/waterfalls

www.visitouray.com

Hiking in Ouray — Visit Ouray Colorado - Homepage

Hiking around Ouray is like hiking in a postcard. Whether you call it hiking, trekking, going on a walkabout or rambling, putting your feet into motion and heading into the hills is a wonderful way to experience Ouray. Many of the trails listed below begin in the foothills around town. All of these
www.visitouray.com www.visitouray.com
 
Taco Del Gnar in Ridgeway is very good. Pizza place in Telluride on the main drag is also pretty good. In Telluride ride the Gondola up the mountain it's free. Telluride and the drive there is beautiful. Million Dollar Highway drive from Ouray to Sillverton is another great drive. We did a jeep tour last summer out of Ouray and had a great time. The ski resort North of Durango has some summer activities. Black Canyon is nice and if you have the time the wife and I found Mesa Verde National Park very interesting.
Southwest Colorado is just a beautiful place with lots of fun things to do.
 
dpat said:
Taco Del Gnar in Ridgeway is very good. Pizza place in Telluride on the main drag is also pretty good. In Telluride ride the Gondola up the mountain it's free. Telluride and the drive there is beautiful. Million Dollar Highway drive from Ouray to Sillverton is another great drive. We did a jeep tour last summer out of Ouray and had a great time. The ski resort North of Durango has some summer activities. Black Canyon is nice and if you have the time the wife and I found Mesa Verde National Park very interesting.
Southwest Colorado is just a beautiful place with lots of fun things to do.
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Gnar is bomb. Brown Dog Pizza in Telluride is good too. If they ride up to Mt. Village on the gondola, we like the little brewery up there, good food and beer.
 
dpat said:
Taco Del Gnar in Ridgeway is very good. Pizza place in Telluride on the main drag is also pretty good. In Telluride ride the Gondola up the mountain it's free. Telluride and the drive there is beautiful. Million Dollar Highway drive from Ouray to Sillverton is another great drive. We did a jeep tour last summer out of Ouray and had a great time. The ski resort North of Durango has some summer activities. Black Canyon is nice and if you have the time the wife and I found Mesa Verde National Park very interesting.
Southwest Colorado is just a beautiful place with lots of fun things to do.
Click to expand...
Pizza place is called Brown Dog Pizza. It's excellent.
 
MuleyFever said:
Im driving past Black Canyon of the Gunnison in July with a 14' trailer. Does anyone know if I would have issues driving in and taking a look at the overlooks? I've driven past it so many times I feel I should stop this time.
Click to expand...
Youll be fine for the upper rims however i believe their is a length/trailer restriction to go down to the river.
 
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