Little Switzerland of America
Ouray, CO is one of the best kept secrets in the continental US. Despite its picturesque location, plethora of outdoor activities, and great places to get food and drinks, it remains a quiet town nestled in the San Juan mountains; reminiscent of a town picked right out of the Swiss Alps. Ouray is on one end of the Million Dollar Highway that stretches approximately 25 miles to Silverton, CO. On this drive, you'll be slow speeds, negotiating tight turns and winding your way through the mountains, soaking in some of the best views in the country.
Also known as the "Jeeping Capital of the World", Ouray is renowned for many of it's offroad trails such as Black Bear Pass, Imogene Pass, Corkscrew Gulch, etc. Come June when the snow has melted and the Ouray and Silverton crew begins to plow the roads, access to the high mountain roads opens and you can drive the open trails next to snow drifts taller than your vehicle. Our personal favorites are Corkscrew Gulch and Engineers Pass.
Corkscrew Gulch
Starts inside of Ironton as Highway 550 hits the first straight away after leaving Ouray. Turn left, and continue into the woods, a small wooden sign leads the way. The trail switchbacks through the trees before exiting into bare land. The trail then winds back into the woods and crosses a few streams. There is a restroom before the big climb to the top of the pass. The next part is the money of the trail, the road switchbacks its way up the mountain to the top of the pass. Its not technically difficult, but its steep, exposed, and the switchbacks can be tight. Take your time! You can park at the top, walk around, take pictures, enjoy the sights. Off roading after all is about getting to these places. The descent takes you down the backside and through various mining towns. I recommend a map to navigate the many trails back here. This will exit in Silverton
Engineers Pass
This trail can be completed in multiple ways, we have always gone Silverton to Animas Forks because trails were not completely open yet. The trail is easy, and picturesque as it climbs higher into the mountains. The best part is the 4 miles leading up to O Point!
Try hiking the Ouray Perimeter Trail, or walking to the bottom of Box Canyon. Rent a jeep and explore Yankee Boy Basin or Corkscrew Gulch, or drive over to Silverton and enjoy some BBQ at a TV destination. No matter what you choose, you're bound to have a great time! It's a great alternative to the larger towns such as Telluride and will immerse you in a culture slowly being lost.
Our typical day in Ouray starts off with breakfast and coffee at a local shop and warming up in the sunshine before getting some ice and packing up some food for the trails. We exit Ouray on Highway 550 and watch all the tourists at each viewpoint and remember the first time that we drive the Million Dollar Highway. You'll pass offshoots and hidden parking areas that travelers and locals explore, leading each person to their own personal little slice of Colorado. After exploring, we come back to Ouray and get dinner and drinks at one of the many options and enjoy the sunset with a cold Ouray brew. Then back to the hotel to soak in the natural hot springs. One of the great things about Ouray is that its far from any city lights, as a result, you can often see the stars in ways that us city folk are not fortunate enough to see on a regular basis. Go! Explore! We promise you'll enjoy it! See what unspoiled America looks like and aim to help preserve it!
RECOMMENDATIONS:
LODGING:
Box Canyon Lodge
- Natural Hot Springs in Wooden Barrels
- Including Breakfast at Roast and Toast
Eats:
Maggie's Kitchen - Burgers
Brickhouse 737 - American Fare
Thai Chili Ouray - Thai/Asian Cusine
Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewing - Ouray's Finest