Unforgettable Adventures: Top Things to Do in Ouray, Colorado
Ouray, Colorado, is a destination where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand. Surrounded by the rugged San Juan Mountains, this charming town offers a mix of thrilling outdoor activities, rejuvenating hot springs, and rich history waiting to be explored. Whether you're seeking high-altitude excitement like ice climbing and off-roading or a more laid-back experience strolling through historic downtown and soaking in natural mineral pools, Ouray has something for every traveler. No matter the season, you'll find breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, and endless ways to make unforgettable memories.
Things To-Do In Ouray, Colorado
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Art
Hand blown, slumped and leaded glass is a valley specialty, as is custom ceramic and iron work. As you walk downtown, immerse yourself in this incredible art form. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of art in action!
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Box Cañon Falls and Nature Center
Box Cañon Falls, Ouray's own wonder of the world, is the culmination of Canyon Creek narrowing and spilling thousands of gallons a minute of water over the falls. At this most spectacular geological formation, the 285-foot waterfall plummets into a narrow quartzite canyon. The narrow rock walls tower over the falls by nearly 100 feet!
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Canyoneering
Canyoneering isn’t just for the desert. In Ouray there are multiple routes to hike, repel, and jump down. Experience Ouray's most iconic waterfalls under supervision of professional canyoning instructors.
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Ghost Towns
Visit these ghost towns and step back in time. Stand in ramshackle bunkhouses, once occupied by brave souls seeking fortunes. Even when you're physically there, it's difficult to imagine the hardships experienced by the individuals who once worked thousands of feet underground in cold, dirty, and dreary conditions.
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Gold Mountain Via Ferrata
Gold Mountain Via Ferrata highlights the best adventure, scenery, and guidance in the San Juans. This route showcases Ouray’s mining history with still-standing mining buildings and you get to be upfront to the action!
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Hiking
In Ouray, Colorado, there are 300+ miles of hiking trails. We promise that there is something for everyone no matter how experience you are. From flat river walks, to towering 14ers, we have it all!
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Hot Springs
Here, you will find many opportunities to soak in Ouray, Colorado by ways of hot springs. There are four properties that offer hot springs! What makes the hot springs so special? It makes the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. It is perfect for a family-friendly trip. It is has great health benefits.
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Ice Climbing
The Ice Park is home to more than 200 ice and mixed climbs, most within a 15-30 minute walk from downtown Ouray. There are many opportunities to pick up the sport, you can hire an experienced local guide or attend one of the many seasonal clinics that have something for every group from beginner to expert, kid to adult, able-bodied to amputee.
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Locally made Drinks
Ouray might quite possibly offer the best and most craft beer and spirits per capita in the State of Colorado, it’s a distinction we’ll gladly claim! Sip to your heart's content. In Ouray, we have something for everyone. With three options for breweries, two wine facilities, and one outstanding distillery.
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Off-Roading
Off-highway adventures bring you to some of the most stunning landscapes in the Rocky Mountains. Ouray has an enormous variety of jeeping and OHV routes at every level. Go it alone or with guides who love to share their knowledge of the San Juans’ geology, flora, fauna, and most colorful stories.
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Ouray Adventure Center
Wall to Wall Fun! The Ouray Adventure Center is Ouray’s only fitness gym that features a bouldering wall, a yoga studio, weight room, training boards, and ping-pong! Furthermore, we are committed to providing a safe, fun, and inclusive space for families. Our staff are trained to ensure that everyone feels welcome, and we work diligently to foster an environment where kids can learn, grow, and build confidence through engaging activities.
Dyno-mite Indoor Bouldering The Ouray Adventure Center offers two bouldering walls, plus training boards such as the Tension Board and Moonboard.
630 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427
(970) 318-8104
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Ouray County Historical Museum
It was a hospital until 1964. In 1971 the Ouray County Historical Society began exhibiting in the building. In 1976 the historical society purchased the building for a museum. There are three floors containing 38 exhibits in twenty-seven rooms. Smaller displays are located in hall cases, alcoves and the original hospital dumb waiters.
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Ouray Via Ferrata
There are more than 1500 Via Ferrata routes in the world, but currently less than 10 in North America, including Canada. Ouray alone has three different opportunities to tackle this exciting adventure. Two that scale the edges of the Uncompahgre Gorge.
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Rock Climbing
Ouray offers a little bit of everything for the rock climber over its 150+ rock climbing routs: sport, trad, mixed and even summer dry-tooling for the out-of-season ice enthusiast. Our local rock is just as varied with solid quartzite, blocky sandstone, and crumbly tuffa to keep things interesting.
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Rockhounding
Rockhounding must not be confused with commercial mineral activities that are governed by mining and mineral laws. No mechanical equipment may be used, and any collection must not conflict with existing mineral permits, leases, claims, or sales. Causing significant ground disturbance or collecting for commercial gain without a permit is punishable by fines and potential restoration costs.
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The Wright Opera House
The sound, seating, stage and experience of witnessing live arts at The Wright Opera House is like no other. Since the late 1800s this venue has provided the City of Ouray and its citizens a place to gather, share and socialize.
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Tours/ Rental
Fun and adventure are never far away in the San Juan Mountains. Contact our local guides and rental companies for everything that you need for your Ouray adventure, whether it's a Jeep, climbing equipment, skis or bike.