Colorado is a must-visit state for all adventure lovers. Known for its iconic mountain scenes, waterfall hikes, riverside camping, and charming small towns, Colorado boasts so many great places to visit, one of the very best being Ouray.
Located in southwestern Colorado, Ouray is a quaint small town offering local boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, hiking trails, waterfall views, and a base for many other outdoor activities. Here are the best things to do in Ouray, Colorado, so you can make the most of your time in this lovely small town.
As a frequent traveler to Colorado, Ouray is hands down one of my favorite places to visit here, so keep reading to find out why Ouray, Colorado, is so great.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links; we get a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of them. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Things to Do in Ouray, Colorado
1. Hike the Perimeter Trail
One of the most popular trails in the Ouray area is the perimeter trail, and with good reason. You’ll hike above the town for about 5 miles, and get to enjoy waterfalls, mountains, lake views, and some of the best views of the town of Ouray itself.
This trail can be steep and rocky, so make sure you wear proper hiking shoes and remember to bring plenty of water. You can park by the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, but try to arrive early as the lot fills up quickly.
Hiking is one of the best free things to do in Ouray, Colorado! There are so many trails to choose from ranging in length and difficulty, and there are plenty of dog-friendly trails too.
2. Soak in the Ouray Hot Springs
The perfect place to relax after a long hike is Ouray Hot Springs Pool. There are several pools here, ranging in temperature from 75° to 106 °F, and it’s set at the base of the mountains. So, not only is it relaxing, it’s also beautiful.
Adult tickets are about $30 per person. The cooler pools are so enjoyable in the warmer months, and the hot pools make for a perfect wintertime activity in Ouray.
3. Drive the Million Dollar Highway
Admire some of Colorado’s most scenic views from the Million Dollar Highway. This stretch of road begins at the southern end of Ouray and continues on for about 25 miles to Silverton, Colorado.
There are many pullouts along the way to stop and enjoy the views. You can also drive a smaller section of it and still find some gorgeous views. Near Ouray, you’ll find the “Switzerland of America” lookout point and Bear Creek Falls.
This iconic scenic drive is one of the best free things to do in Ouray, Colorado!
4. Walk Through the “Baby Bathtubs”
One of the easier hikes in Ouray is the Baby Bathtubs trail. This trail is the beginning of the Ouray Ice Park via Perimeter Trail. There is parking near the trailhead; you turn off the 550, or “Million Dollar Highway,” at the Amphitheatre Campground.
There are a couple of small parking lots along this road. If you cross the wooden bridge, you’ve driven too far. Once parked, you’ll walk over the wooden bridge and turn to the trail on the right. You can walk along the hiking trail, or you can walk to the creek, the “Baby Baths,” and get in the very shallow water. It’s cold! But it’s a scenic area on the water.
5. Admire the Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is a waterfall you can hike past on the Perimeter Trail, but you can also admire the falls without the long trek. There is a parking lot at the end of 8th Avenue, and you can walk the Lower Cascade Falls Trail, 0.3 miles, to admire the falls.
You can also walk from downtown Ouray to the falls if you’ve parked in town already. The walk up 8th Avenue is steep, but it’s much shorter than hiking the Perimeter Trail.
6. Shop Local
The town of Ouray is very quaint, with local boutiques and fun gift shops. This is a great place to find a Colorado souvenir. One of my favorite stores to browse here was Gator Emporium for fun knick-knacks. Cora Belle & Company is a great local clothing store with high-quality goods from brands like Cotopaxi and Kavu.
7. Slow Down with a Coffee at Mouse’s
Who’s down for an afternoon coffee break? I always am! The best place to get coffee and tea in Ouray, Colorado, is at Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee.
Located right on Main Street, this coffee shop serves amazing coffee despite being in a small town nestled in the mountains, and their pastries and chocolates make the perfect treat after a hike. You can also grab a refreshing ice cream here in the summer months.
If you’re a coffee snob like me, check out my favorite coffee shops in Winter Park and Estes Park, CO.
8. Find Your Next Read at Ouray Books
If you’re a fellow reader, you can’t miss the cutest bookstore, Ouray Books, while in town. They have a great selection of fiction, nonfiction, popular titles, local authors, and Colorado guidebooks.
Get your book stamped so you always remember where you bought it; they make great souvenirs. Make sure you say hi to the four-legged store manager, Molly the Corgi!
Fellow readers, check out my top picks for books to read on a plane!
9. Hike to the Ouray Ice Park
Another popular trail to hike in Ouray is the Ouray Ice Park Perimeter Loop. At 1.9 miles, it’s an easier trek than the previous perimeter loop with just as great views. The Ouray Ice Park turns into an ice climbing wonderland in the winter, but in the warmer months, you can hike around it for scenic views of the Uncompahgre River.
If you enjoy hiking, plan a trip to Estes Park, Colorado, and visit Rocky Mountain National Park!
10. Walk Along the Uncompahgre River
One of Ouray’s prettiest features is the Uncompahgre River flowing through the town. It’s hard to miss the river when you’re exploring the town, but the best way to admire it is to hike the Uncompahgre River Walk Loop.
The trail is about 2.5 miles long, and it’s very flat, but you can also hike as much as you please and turn around at your convenience. You’ll get to admire scenic river views from the start, and the mountains in the background make this trail one of the best in Colorado.
11. Enjoy Box Cañon Falls Park
If you’re a fan of chasing waterfalls, then Box Cañon Falls Park needs to be on your list of things to do in Ouray, CO! This park offers multiple trails, an 85-foot waterfall, and picnic spots. There is an entrance fee (about $7 per person), and it’s not dog-friendly.
12. Boost Your Adventure on the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata
If you’re feeling more adventurous, Ouray is a great place to check off a via ferrata. This excursion is like a mix of hiking and rock climbing. You’ll go with an experienced guide who will teach you how to traverse the via ferrata trail.
You must book your via ferrata excursion in advance with Basecamp Ouray, and while this is a more expensive activity, it’s well worth it for the memories you’ll make on this adventure.
There are other via ferrata options in the Ouray area, but I recommend Basecamp Ouray as the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is on private land and therefore much more serene and personal. You’ll get to admire views most people never will!
13. Drive to the “Switzerland of America” Point
Just outside of Ouray, you’ll drive past the pullout for the “Switzerland of America” point at the southern end of the town. It’s a must-stop as you can get great photos of Ouray below you on one side, and the beautiful mountains towering to the other side.
14. Grab Drinks at Ouray Brewery’s Rooftop
What’s a day of hiking and exploring a mountain town without a cold beer to cap it off? Enjoy your evening in Ouray with drinks and snacks at Ouray Brewery. This place is popular, so make sure you’re willing to wait, or plan to enjoy an early dinner here.
This brewery has rooftop seating so you can admire the mountain views and overlook the town, all while sipping on a cold beer.
15. Go On a Scenic Jeep Tour
Ouray, Colorado, is one of the most popular places to go on a Jeep tour. This is a really fun way to explore the area with various tour options and private tour options. There are many Jeep tour companies in the area, but I highly recommend Switzerland of America Jeep Adventures.
Make sure you book your tour in advance to ensure availability! You can also rent your own UTV or Jeep if you would rather tour the area by yourself. Make your bookings with SoA Jeep Adventures.
In Conclusion: Top Things to Do in Ouray CO
If you’re wondering, “Is Ouray worth visiting?” the answer is a resounding yes! This charming mountain town boasts scenic views, hiking trails, jeep touring, via ferrata, local shops and restaurants, and a scenic river walk.
There are many great things to do in Ouray, CO, but these are hands down the best. Get your hiking boots on to explore the natural beauty of Ouray. Shop in town to support local businesses and find the best souvenirs.
Grab a coffee and ice cream at Mouse’s. Sip on cold beers at Ouray Brewery, and soak in the hot springs pools while admiring the mountain views. Ouray is a must-visit town in Colorado! Save this travel guide for your own adventure or send it to a friend who is in need of a mountain escape.
