What to do and see in Ouray, Colorado (CO): The Best Things to do

June 26, 2021 Jacquiline Delozier

Surrounded on all sides by snow-capped peaks and set at the narrow head of a deep valley, Ouray touts itself as the "Switzerland of America." With no nearby ski area to attract the tourism of other alpine Colorado towns, Ouray has kept much of its authentic turn-of-the-century charm. The whole town is registered as a Historic District and includes many buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Its free Ice Park attracts amateur and pro ice climbers from around the world.
Restaurants in Ouray

1. Uncompahgre Gorge

Ouray, CO
Excellent
88%
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5.0 based on 40 reviews

Uncompahgre Gorge

Site of a frozen waterfall and America's first manmade ice-climbing park.

2. Switzerland of America Tours

Excellent
93%
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5%
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5.0 based on 304 reviews

Switzerland of America Tours

Providing high quality 4x4 Jeep adventures in the San Juan Mountains since 1962. Enjoy the diverse history, mountain summits and colorful meadows by guided 4x4 tour, or Jeep Wrangler. Please visit us at the blue, red and white building at 226 7th Avenue in Ouray, Colorado.

3. Canyoning Colorado

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 134 reviews

Canyoning Colorado

Canyoning Colorado is an outdoor activity operator that solely focuses on canyoning / canyoneering. We are passionate about canyoning and everything we do encourages safe exploration in a natural environment. Canyoning Colorado works hard to educate its customers to international standards while delivering a fun and exhilarating experience for all.

4. Bear Creek National Recreation Trail

Ouray, CO
Excellent
87%
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5.0 based on 30 reviews

Bear Creek National Recreation Trail

Beginning at an elevation of 7,900 feet and ending at 9,200 feet, this eight-mile, easy-to-moderate trail allows hiking, horseback riding and trail biking as the only forms of transportation.

Reviewed By Robyn3274 - Robbinsdale, United States

We loved this trail. It's long without being an all day thing, and it's challenging without killing us. It is definitely not for small children as most of the trail is shale rock that basically drops off the side. The hike is wonderful and the views are spectacular. We hiked it once in the evening and once in the morning and neither time did we see anyone else on the trail.

5. Ouray Ice Park

280 7th Ave, Ouray, CO 81427 +1 970-325-4288 [email protected] http://ourayicepark.com/
Excellent
88%
Good
7%
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4%
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5.0 based on 82 reviews

Ouray Ice Park

Located in the Uncompahgre Gorge in Ouray, Colorado, the Ouray Ice Park was opened in 1995 as the world's first park devoted exclusively to the sport of ice climbing. Climbing in the park is free. A small band of volunteers developed the Park utilizing a unique set of assets found perhaps only in Ouray. Come learn how to Ice Climb in the best Ice Climbing Park in the world!

Reviewed By gaylej459

Truly amazing place. 1st, the very small town of Ouray (U-Ray) could nt be cuter or more charming. Don't miss out on the hot springs. The Ice Park is a winter wonderland. My 1st tme trying the sport & I'm hooked. Multiple routes to explore with a qualified guide. It's free but be sure to become a member. I will definitely be back next year!

6. Yankee Boy Basin

CO Route 550 South Camp Bird Mine, Ouray, CO http://soajeep.com
Excellent
85%
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5.0 based on 457 reviews

Yankee Boy Basin

Surrounded by several mountain peaks (Potosi Peak, Teakettle Mountain, Cirque Mountain, Stony Mountain, and Gilpin Mountain), Yankee Boy Basin is a popular scenic area visited by hikers, photographers, four-wheelers and nature lovers.

Reviewed By Tuxtails - Savannah, United States

We camped in the area and then drove all the way up to Sneffel's trailhead, such a beautiful area with lake, waterfall and flowers. I would love to come back and explore and hike more.

7. Ouray Alchemist Museum

533 Main Street, Ouray, CO 81427 +1 970-325-4003 [email protected] http://www.ouraycolorado.com/listing/ourayalchemist
Excellent
91%
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5.0 based on 305 reviews

Ouray Alchemist Museum

Alchemy/medical/Museum -Museum is in the rear of building behind the Aspen Drug Store Wall. Front end of store is retail.___Call ahead for tours times of the museum.

Reviewed By occhs1

If you love history, time travel or Harry Potter you will love this wonderful museum that tells the story of drugs, alchemy and snake oil salesmen and why so many pharmacies had a soda fountain. It was a wonderful tour that was so personalized for this historian. The owner his a true gem. It was exciting and different. There is no risk spending your money, you will receive every dollars worth of information

8. Colorado West Jeep Rentals and Tours

Excellent
96%
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5.0 based on 573 reviews

Colorado West Jeep Rentals and Tours

Ourays most modern Offroad Tour Company!!! We offer the newest fleet of tour vehicles and current model year jeep and Polaris Razor rentals. We offer a 2020 Jeep Gladiator...The Coolest Tour Truck in the Tri county area!!! Others imitate...but we have the original. All covid measures in place to limit contact between passengers. All tours trucks are cleaned with soap and water between tours. Disinfectant is on all the trucks. Tours are limited to two families or 10 people per CDC guidlines. Family owned for almost 30 years in Ouray.

9. Imogene Pass

San Juan National Forest, Ouray, CO
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
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5.0 based on 137 reviews

Imogene Pass

Reviewed By RichSGF - Springfield, United States

Imogene pass is not for the faint of heart. We were lucky enough to take Alpine Scenic Jeep Tours in our tour guide was funny informative and kept his cool the entire time The trip was somewhat adventurous and did have its problems the driver said that he had tried to get up this past four times earlier and due to the rain in the mud it was just not doable but we got lucky and plowed through and made it to the top. If you ever wanted to know what it was like to be in Switzerland without actually going there, you would want to take this journey. The sights the colors the blue skies and the flowers were just amazing. Thanks to the crackerjack crew of the company and the owner, they made our journey ever more memorable. It may be a while for some folks are able to get back up there again as the road is in pretty rough shape but when it’s safe do give it a shot.

10. Alpine Scenic Jeep Tours

Excellent
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5.0 based on 652 reviews

Alpine Scenic Jeep Tours

Taking bookings for the 2021 season beginning June 1. Ouray's most affordable and comfortable scenic jeep tour. We cater to the discerning adventurer who cares about comfort. We have a roomy passenger seating area equipped with cushy bucket seats. Each seat has its own seat heater and seat belts. The seats and truck are elevated for superior views. Getting in and out of our truck is easy due to our unique gate/ladder system. Our tour trucks are Ouray's finest. Alpine Scenic Tours utilizes modified Dodge Ram trucks designed to negotiate the San Juan's most rugged terrain with smoothness, style and safety. Our guides are experts at the local history, geology and fauna. You are in the best of hands at Alpine.

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