Hot springs are a must when in the area. "Ouray Hot Springs is the most famous of the hot spring areas in the region. Situated in a valley surrounded by tall mountain peaks, the five hot spring pools that make up the springs are complemented by water slides, a playground, and even a climbing wall, making this a great activity for the whole family".
Very short but beautiful walk
"Box Canyon Falls Park is a developed waterfall attraction situated in the “Switzerland of America”, Ouray. It showcases an 85 foot cascade of water down Canyon Creek. The waterfall is the climax of Canyon Creek, which spills thousands of gallons a water each minute over the falls. You can witness this breathtaking attraction both above and below the waterfall. It thunders down into a quartzite canyon narrowly surrounded by 100 foot walls".
We HIGHLY recommend taking the short drive to Telluride. This is our favorite place in Colorado, and one of the prettiest we have been in the entire United States. The adorable mountain town has a plethora of small shops, pubs, and eateries. Along with this, you can take the gondola up to Mountain Village. The view is breathtaking, and it is free!
We have done a lot of the Million Dollar Highway, and it is definitely the prettiest drive we have ever done. "The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway is a 235-mile loop that winds through the beautiful San Juan mountains in Colorado. Granted the prestigious title of National Scenic Byway, the San Juan Skyway is arguably the best and easiest way to take in the grand beauty of the San Juan mountains. From Ouray, visitors have access to two of the great stretches of the Skyway. Heading south from Ouray on the Skyway lies the Million Dollar Highway, aptly named both for its high cost to create and for the beautiful views it passes by. It eventually leads to Silverton after crossing Red Mountain Pass at 11,075 feet, and heading north leads to Telluride. Either way, this scenic drive is a great summer activity for exploring the natural beauty that surrounds Ouray".
Positioned near the spectacular views of the Alta Lakes, the now-abandoned mining camp of Alta still has many standing structures ready to be explored by any willing adventurer.
Of course we had to recommend a trail! We have not personally done this trail, but it is said to be stunning! There is a 6.3 mile option, an 8.2 mile option, and an 11 mile option. If you are REALLY looking for a challenge, there are plenty of 14ers in the area. We recommend Mt. Sneffels or Wilson Peak! If you are really looking for a challenge there are plenty of 14ers in the area. We recommend Mt. Sneffels and Wilson Peak! Along with that, there are some easier hikes as well, like Bear Creek Trail, Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail, and the River Trail. If you want anymore recommendations on trails, we have a lot!
Animas Forks This mining town used to be the largest of its kind at such a high elevation. Many of the structures are still standing, but the most notable of them is Thomas Walsh’s massive bay window home. Despite the town’s popularity before the 1920’s, avalanches were the main cause of its abandonment.
Scenic Drive, no 4 wheel drive needed.
Cafe
Gift shop
Boutique
Gift shop
Red Mountain Town, in its prime, had thousands of inhabitants and hundreds of buildings standing strong. Despite becoming a ghost town due to harsh winters, the town thrived as a mining town for many years.
Brewery/Restaurant