3 Days in Ouray, Colorado – Itinerary & Complete Travel Guide

Nestled within the breathtaking San Juan Mountains in southeastern Colorado, Ouray stands as an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Ouray is a true gem in the heart of the rocky mountains, earning its nickname, “Switzerland of America.” In this 3 Days in Ouray, Colorado guide, you’ll find a complete itinerary and travel guide with where to stay, what to do, and much more!

Visiting this part of Colorado has been on my travel bucketlist for years. I’ve dreamt of spending my days hiking amongst the towering peaks and my evenings soaking in the hot springs. I finally made it happen and I loved every minute I spent in Ouray. It is truly one of those destinations where you just know you’ll want to go back again & again.

Whether you’re in Ouray over a long weekend or during the week, you will fall in love with it. The downtown area with quaint shops and restaurants feels like a Hallmark movie. The hiking, camping, and backpacking options are endless. Plus, there’s even hot springs to soak in when you’re muscles are tired from all the adventure. If you’re a fan of hiking, rock climbing, scenic drives, photography, or simply immersing yourself in nature’s beauty, Ouray, Colorado beckons as a perfect destination. Be sure to check out the saveable Ouray itinerary graphic at the end of this post for an easy to read version to bring with you on your trip!

When to visit ouray, co

We visited in late July and did feel the downtown area to be busy, but found escaping the crowds on the trails was pretty easy!

Ouray, Colorado is a popular destination known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and hot springs. The best time to visit Ouray depends on your preferences and the type of activities you want to enjoy:

1. 1. Summer (June to August): This is the most popular time to visit Ouray. The weather is warm, and most of the outdoor activities are accessible. You can go hiking, rock climbing, Jeeping, and enjoy various festivals. The high tourist season might mean more crowds, but you’ll have the best chance of clear weather.

1. 1. Fall (September to October): Fall is a beautiful time to visit Ouray as the fall foliage creates stunning landscapes. The crowds start to thin out after summer, and the weather is still relatively mild. September is particularly known for the changing colors of the aspen trees.

1. 1. Winter (December to February): If you’re a fan of winter sports, Ouray offers opportunities for ice climbing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The town might be quieter during this time, and some activities might be weather-dependent, but if you enjoy winter adventure, it’s worth a visit. If you’re looking for a perfect Hallmark-esque Christmas town, Ouray would be perfect!

1. 1. Spring (March to May): Spring can be unpredictable in terms of weather, with snow still present at higher elevations. However, as the snow melts, waterfalls become more impressive, and the landscape starts to come alive again. It’s a quieter time to visit before the summer rush.

Keep in mind that Ouray’s elevation is relatively high (around 7,800+ feet), so even during the summer, temperatures can drop significantly at night. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.

About this 3 days in Ouray, Colorado itinerary

3 days is definietly the minimum I’d recommend spending in Ouray. The entire time we were in the area, we talked about more things we would do when we returned. With only 3 days, I recommend getting an early start whenever possible. This itinerary makes for a packed few days! 3 days in Ouray, Colorado will be enough time to experience a few hikes, some good food, and a unique adventure. I’ll list suggestions for adding onto your trip if you have more than 3 days in Ouray as well.

Day 1 in Ouray:

The first day of this Ouray itinerary you’ll focus on seeing the town and some gorgeous mountain views!

Get an early start this morning to take in the sunrise. Below are some good spots to watch from:

• • Perimeter Trail: This trail circles around the town and offers various viewpoints. Look for spots that face east, such as the Twin Peaks Overlook, where you can watch the sunrise over the peaks.

• • Amphitheater Campground: If you’re camping in the area, the Amphitheater Campground is a great spot to catch the sunrise. It’s located at a higher elevation, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains.

• • Yankee Boy Basin: This area is accessible by 4×4 vehicles in the summer months. The basin is known for its wildflowers and stunning mountain views. Getting to a high point in Yankee Boy Basin before sunrise can reward you with an unforgettable alpine sunrise. (Click here to read more about our experience driving a side by side to the top of Yankee Boy Basin. Spoiler alert: the views are EPIC!)

• • Bear Creek Falls Overlook: Hike or drive up to the Bear Creek Falls Overlook for a panoramic view of Ouray and the surrounding area. This spot is great for watching the sunrise paint the mountains with soft morning hues.

• • Cascade Falls: Cascade Falls is a short hike from Ouray and offers a lovely vantage point for sunrise. As the sun rises, it can cast beautiful light on the falls and the canyon walls.

Grab breakfast & coffee:

Here’s a list of some well loved breakfast spots in town to help you fuel up for the day ahead.

• • Backstreet Bagel Company: This is a popular spot for freshly baked bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee. They offer a variety of bagel flavors and toppings to choose from.
    • • Open 6-230 daily

• • Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee: Along with chocolates and coffee, Mouse’s offers a selection of breakfast items like quiches, pastries, and breakfast burritos. It’s a charming café with a warm atmosphere.
    • • Open 10a-9p daily

• • Ouray Cafe and Steakhouse: This restaurant serves hearty breakfast options like steak and eggs, pancakes, and more. It’s a friendly spot with a classic diner ambiance.
    • • Open 7-11am daily

• • Outlaw Restaurant: This restaurant serves breakfast with a Western flair, offering dishes like elk sausage and eggs. It’s a unique option for those looking to try something local.
    • • Open for breakfast 9a-2p daily (open 5-9 for dinner)

4×4 Drive

This was one of my FAVORITE parts of my time in Ouray. We did a half day side by side rental and drove to the top of Yankee Boy Basin.

A Few Things to Know About 4×4 driving:

• • If you’re opting to do an off-road driving adventure, I recommend planning the full day. While the half day gave us enough time to drive to the top and stop for some pictures, we did feel a bit rushed. Having a full day to explore allows you to take small hikes from the road or swim in the streams. You could even pack sandwiches and have an epic picnic with insane views.

• • Most 1/2 day rentals are 9a-1230pm or 130pm – 530pm. The full day rentals are generally 9am-5pm.

• • If you have a vehicle with 4 wheel drive, renting a side by side isn’t necessary to do this drive. We saw plenty of people doing this in their own cars with no issues.

• • This is a perfect activity for families – it allows you to see awesome sights from your vehicle. You can even bring your dog!

Here are some notable 4×4 drives & trails in the Ouray area:

• • Yankee Boy Basin: This is a popular trail that offers stunning wildflower displays in the summer. It’s not as technically challenging as some other trails, making it a great option for those looking for a more moderate 4×4 experience. This is the drive we did & LOVED IT!
  • Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway: This is one of the most famous and scenic 4×4 routes in the area. The Alpine Loop includes a combination of the Engineer Pass, Cinnamon Pass, and others. You’ll encounter stunning views, old mining structures, and high alpine meadows.

• • Black Bear Pass: Known for its challenging sections and incredible views, Black Bear Pass is not for the faint of heart. It’s a one-way trail that descends from Red Mountain Pass into Telluride. This trail is considered advanced due to its steep terrain and narrow sections.

• • Imogene Pass: This trail is another iconic route in the area, offering breathtaking views and a challenging ride. Imogene Pass connects Ouray to Telluride and takes you through high alpine landscapes.

• • Corkscrew Pass: This trail is a bit less intense than some others, making it suitable for those with varying levels of off-road experience. It offers beautiful vistas and the opportunity to connect with other trails like Hurricane Pass.

• • Poughkeepsie Gulch: This trail is known for its challenging obstacles, including the famous “Wall.” It’s considered one of the most difficult trails in the area and requires skilled driving and proper equipment.

There are plenty of rental companies in town. We rented through Ride-N Adventures & the process was super simple. Here’s a list of a few more places to find rentals:

• • https://coloradowestutvandjeeps.com/utv-rental/

• • https://ouraymountainadventures.com/rental

• • https://www.uncovercolorado.com/jeep-rentals/colorado-west-jeep-rentals/

Dinner & Exploring Downtown

After a full day of adventure, you’ll want a great meal. Head to downtown Ouray for a wide selection of restaurants. After dinner, wander through the downtown area and do some shopping. Tomorrow morning will be an early start again, so get your rest tonight!

Dinner:

1. 1. BrickHouse 737: This restaurant offers a blend of upscale American and Italian cuisine. It features a cozy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options.

1. 1. Outlaw Restaurant: With a Western theme, Outlaw Restaurant offers a selection of grilled meats, seafood, and pasta dishes. The rustic atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience.

1. 1. Ouray Brewery: If you’re a fan of craft beer, the Ouray Brewery not only offers a selection of handcrafted beers but also a diverse menu featuring sandwiches, burgers, and more.

1. 1. Artisan Bakery & Café: This bakery and café offers a cozy atmosphere and a selection of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods for a lighter dinner option.

day 2 in ouray:

Today is another early morning. You’ll spend your morning hiking and the trailhead parking tends to fill up quickly! Below is a list of hikes to check out in the area. Don’t worry, you’ll have time for another one tomorrow if you’re finding it hard to choose.

**Keep in mind that trail conditions and difficulty can vary based on factors such as weather and personal fitness, so it’s essential to be prepared and choose a hike that matches your abilities and experience. Please remember to follow Leave No Trace Principles and to pack enough water and snacks.

Hiking

Easy Hike:

• • Perimeter Trail: The Perimeter Trail in Ouray, Colorado, is a scenic hiking trail that loops around the town. This is a great hike to see various parts of town and lots of popular attractions. You’ll see baby bathubs trail, box canyon falls, and have views of both the town and mountains along this trail.
    • • Length: The full Perimeter Trail loop is approximately 5.4 miles long, but there are options to do shorter sections if desired.
    • • Difficulty: The trail is considered moderate and offers a mix of easy, flat sections and some uphill climbs.
    • • Trailhead: The official trailhead is on the east side of Hwy 550. It is across the street from the Ouay Visitor Center. There are various starting points throughout the town as well.

*Tip: You can do as much or as little of the perimeter trail as you want. Use it as a way to see the town and surrounding attractions. You can take various exits from the trail into town for coffee stops or lunch. We didn’t do the entire trail, but we really enjoyed the parts we did. Baby Bathtubs was our favorite part – our dog LOVED splashing around in the “bathtubs.” You can even start at the baby bathtub trailhead – there is parking nearby and the trail is well marked.

medium hike:

• • Bear Creek Falls: A moderately uphill hike with rewarding views of a waterfall at the end. The trail winds through aspen forests and wildflower-filled meadows.
    • • Length: The Bear Creek Falls trail is approximately 2.5 miles round-trip.
    • • Difficulty: The trail is considered moderate and is suitable for hikers of various skill levels.
    • • Trailhead: The trailhead for Bear Creek Falls is located just a short drive from downtown Ouray. It’s easily accessible and well-marked, making it a popular choice for hikers.

hard hikes:

1. 1. Blue Lakes Trail: This is my recommendation if you’re up for it! It’s a challenging hike that leads to a series of stunning alpine lakes. The trail gains significant elevation and offers breathtaking panoramic views. This was by far our favorite hike we did in Ouray. Being from Texas, I wasn’t prepared for the altitude. Even with the more extreme altitude sickness I endured, I still LOVED this trail. I wrote an entire post about this hike, so click here to read more.
      • • Length: The trail is approximately 6.6 miles round-trip to Lower Blue Lake, the first of the Blue Lakes. The hike can be extended further to reach Middle and Upper Blue Lakes for a longer and more challenging trek. Due to not feeling well, we turned around after the middle lake.
      • • Difficulty: The Blue Lakes Trail is considered difficult due to its steep elevation gain and rugged terrain.

1. 1. Yankee Boy Basin to Blue Lakes: This extended version of the Blue Lakes Trail involves a longer hike to the trailhead from Yankee Boy Basin. It’s more demanding due to the added mileage and elevation gain. This is very long and if you did Yankee Boy Basin on your drive yesterday, I’d skip this.

1. 1. Ice Lake Trail: This is a highly regarded and challenging hike that leads to a stunning alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks and vibrant wildflowers.

Remember to check trail conditions, weather forecasts, and be prepared with appropriate gear, water, and food. Choose a hike that matches your fitness level and experience, and always prioritize safety while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the Ouray area.

Hot springs

End your day with a hearty meal and a soak in the Ouray Hot Springs. The Ouray Hot Springs is a popular and relaxing destination in known for its natural mineral hot spring pools. The facility features a variety of pools, including thermal mineral pools, lap pools, and a children’s pool. They even have a water slide!

Day 3 in Ouray:

Today you will test your agility with some climbing!

ouray via ferrata

The Ouray Via Ferrata is an exciting and unique adventure that allows participants to experience a combination of rock climbing and hiking while being safely secured to a fixed cable system. The term “via ferrata” translates to “iron path” in Italian and refers to these protected climbing routes.

This activity can be done at various times throughout the day. It is typically open to the public 8-4 May thru October, but some companies begin even earlier for sunrise options.

• • Guided Tours: While you can technically do this without a guide, it is not recommended for first-timers. The via ferrata experience is typically guided by trained professionals who provide equipment, safety instructions, and assistance throughout the adventure.

You can find the via ferrata website here. They have more info on the various routes & a list of certified guides. If you are in Ouray in the winter, I recommend looking into the ice climbing instead.

more exploring

I left the rest of this day open for you to choose an activity. Maybe there’s another hike you’re wanting to add. Or maybe you just want to relax at a brewery in town. You have plenty of time today to get into anything you please!

things to do with more time:

• • Box Canyon Falls: Visit Box Canyon Falls Park to see the spectacular 285-foot waterfall in a narrow canyon. There’s a short hike to the base of the falls and a suspension bridge for great views. If you didn’t hike the perimeter trail, I recommend a stop here.

• • Drive the Million Dollar Highway: The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic and historic stretch of U.S. Route 550 that runs through the San Juan Mountains. It’s known for its breathtaking views and challenging driving conditions, the highway spans approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) between the towns of Silverton and Ouray. Click here to read more about this experience and see our pictures! Or click here for an audio tour for your drive.

• • Ouray County Museum: Learn about the history of the region and its mining heritage at the Ouray County Museum.

• • Local Events: Check the local event calendar for festivals, art shows, outdoor concerts, and other community events that might be taking place during your visit.

• • Backpacking: Backpacking in the Ouray area offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the San Juan Mountains and experience the beauty of the Colorado wilderness.

Where to stay with 3 days in ouray, colorado

camping:

• • KOA Holiday Ouray: This is where we stayed in a camping cabin and had a great experience. They are dog friendly have a ton of amenities, including a hot tub and coffee shop. If you’re looking for solitude though, I’d maybe skip this one. We found the lodging to be quite close together.

• • Amphitheater Campground: This Forest Service campground is located near Ouray and offers both tent and RV sites. It’s a popular choice for its convenient location and beautiful surroundings.

• • Ridgway State Park: A short drive from Ouray, Ridgway State Park offers several campgrounds with options for both tent and RV camping. The park features beautiful lake views and various recreational activities.

• • Angel Creek Campground: Located along the Million Dollar Highway, this campground offers a rustic camping experience with a creek running through the area.

• • Dispersed Camping: There are opportunities for dispersed camping in the surrounding national forests and wilderness areas. Keep in mind that dispersed camping requires more preparation and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Check the local forest service office for regulations and guidelines.

• • Backcountry Camping: For a more immersive experience, consider backcountry camping in areas like Ice Lake Basin, Wetterhorn Basin, or Yankee Boy Basin. These areas offer stunning scenery, but be prepared for rugged terrain and challenging conditions.

Budget Hotel: Ouray Inn: A budget-friendly option offering comfortable rooms, convenient amenities, and a central location in Ouray.

Middle-Range Hotel: Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs: This middle-range option provides unique private soaking tubs filled with natural hot springs water, comfortable rooms, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Luxury Hotel: Beaumont Hotel & Spa: A historic and luxurious hotel in the heart of Ouray, offering elegant rooms, a full-service spa, fine dining, and a rich history.

You can also find plenty of options on Airbnb or VRBO.