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Tucked into the San Juan Mountains, Ouray, Colorado is known for its stunning alpine views and world-class trails. Whether you’re a casual walker, serious mountaineer, or off-road enthusiast, Ouray has something for every adventure style. Below is a guide to hiking trails near Ouray.
Please note that trail conditions can change quickly. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Ouray Trail Group or call us at 970-325-4736.
Distance: 6 miles (loop)
Experience Level: Beginner to Moderate
A scenic loop that circles the town, featuring waterfalls, historic mining sites, and forested paths. Well-marked and a perfect introduction to the area’s alpine beauty.
Best for: Casual hikers, families, photography lovers
Distance: 4.6 miles one way (9.2 miles round-trip)
Experience Level: Advanced
Clinging to dramatic cliffside ledges, this historic trail rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the Uncompahgre Gorge. Open on weekends.
Best for: Experienced hikers, history buffs, thrill seekers
Distance: 4.3 miles round-trip (1,696 ft gain)
Experience Level: Moderate
A quieter route with steady elevation gain and sweeping views of the Uncompahgre Valley. Great for hikers seeking solitude.
Best for: Intermediate hikers, solitude seekers
Distance: 0.5 miles total (lower and upper trails)
Experience Level: Beginner
An easy walk to one of Colorado’s most dramatic waterfalls, framed by towering quartzite walls.
Best for: Families, easy outings, waterfall lovers
Distance: 0.6 miles round-trip
Experience Level: Beginner
A fun extension of the Perimeter Trail with carved rock pools and small cascades, perfect for a short stroll with kids.
Best for: Kids, casual scenic walkers
Distance: 6.1 miles round-trip (1,538 ft gain)
Experience Level: Moderate
This wildflower-filled trail leads to meadows below Mount Sneffels, offering incredible alpine views.
Best for: Moderate hikers, wildflower chasers
Distance: 3.1 miles round-trip (784 ft gain)
Experience Level: Moderate
A peaceful hike through aspens and meadows with panoramic mountain views, perfect for a morning or afternoon trek.
Best for: Moderate hikers, nature lovers
Distance: 8 miles round-trip
Experience Level: Advanced
A rugged backcountry hike with old mining relics and scenic water features—ideal for an all-day adventure.
Best for: Fit day hikers, wilderness explorers
Distance: ~1 mile of climbing routes (vertical, not hiking miles)
Experience Level: Advanced (requires safety gear)
A thrilling adventure route bolted to the cliffside above the Uncompahgre River Gorge. Open daily from May–October.
Best for: Adventurous hikers, thrill seekers, photographers
Blue Lakes Trail — Closed June through August 2025 for restoration and trailhead upgrades.
Dallas & Wilson Creek Trails — Limited access due to construction linked to Blue Lakes work.
Beginner / Easy: Ouray Perimeter Trail, Box Canyon Falls, Baby Bathtubs
Moderate: Silvershield Trail, Blaine Basin, Cutler Creek
Advanced / Full-Day: Bear Creek Trail, Dexter Creek, Via Ferrata
No matter your skill level, Ouray’s trails will leave you breathless—in the best way possible.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.