More than 150 named ice and mixed-climbing routes stretch across nearly two miles of the Uncompahgre Gorge: the Ouray Ice Park is a free public ice-climbing park. In the same gorge, the Ouray Via Ferrata runs along steep walls with fixed cables, ladders, and iron rungs. Here, two different forms of climbing meet. On the Via Ferrata, the Downstream Route is more accessible; the Upstream Route is more technically challenging, more exposed, and has fewer rungs. These differences offer practical guidance without suggesting the routes are alike.
Canyons, Trails, and Water
At Box Cañon, a 285-foot waterfall plunges into a narrow quartzite gorge. Box Cañon Falls Park offers three interpretive trails ranging from easy to moderate. Birdlife also defines this place: Box Cañon is recognized as an important birding area and is home to a large colony of Black Swifts. The waterfall, rock formations, and birdwatching offer different perspectives on the same striking gorge.
The Uncompahgre River Walk Loop, also called the North Ouray Corridor, offers a different perspective on the river. The two-mile loop runs mostly on level ground along the Uncompahgre River, north of the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. At the Weehawken Trail, a shortened version winds through shaded forest to the first open meadows; from there, views stretch toward Potosi Peak and Whitehouse Mountain. Some of the easiest sections of trail have overlooks and benches, as well as views of Cascade Falls.
Mountain Landscapes in the County
In southwestern Ouray County, the Mount Sneffels Wilderness covers more than 16,000 acres. Mount Sneffels rises to 14,158 feet and is the highest peak in the Sneffels Range. The headwaters of the Uncompahgre River lie on the county’s southern mountain slopes.
Farther along the Uncompahgre River Valley, Ridgway State Park stretches for nearly five miles. Its landscapes include pinyon-juniper forests, montane shrublands, riparian areas, and wetlands. The shores of Ridgway Reservoir also have shoreline vegetation. The character of the county’s hot springs is notable, too: they do not have the strong sulfur smell found at many other hot springs.
Mining History and Cultural Life
The Ouray County Museum is housed in the former St. Joseph’s Miners’ Hospital. The building was constructed in 1886 and completed in 1887. The museum presents the history of mining, ranching, and railroads. Those interested in mining history will find another example in Ironton: founded in 1883 at the northern end of the Red Mountain Mining District, the town served as an important transportation hub as well as a staging and supply center. The Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour takes visitors into the underground workings of a mine that operated from the late 19th to the mid-20th century.
The region’s vibrant culture is also part of its character. Since 1983, the Ouray County Performing Arts Guild has brought music, dance, theater, and other events to Ouray and Ridgway. The San Juan Potters’ Guild offers technical workshops. The Labor Day Rodeo has been held since 1917; the Rodeo Association organizes it annually. At the nearby Ridgway Farmers Market, locals and visitors gather every Friday at Hartwell Park to share fresh food, music, and community. Seasonal details may change; check the market’s current notices before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Ouray, Montrose County, Pueblo, Summit, Kiowa, Chaffee, Weld, Prowers County.
For the main travel overview: Colorado.
