Ten Things to Do in Ouray

My recent getaway to Switzerland was nothing short of spectacular. Wildflower valleys, snow-capped peaks, charming alpine villages — it was easy to become enchanted. The direct flight back to Denver was bittersweet and very soon, I was missing that crisp mountain air.

So I thought, where better to travel next than the “Switzerland of America?” The southwest town of Ouray has long touted this nickname, and based on my experience, it’s a fitting comparison (aside from the lack of Swiss cuisine, unfortunately).

But with via ferrata and canyoning routes, rushing waterfalls and steaming hot springs, there are several similarities to enjoy sans passport. Here are ten of the best things to do in Ouray and why you should plan a road trip there.

Ouray Via Ferrata
280 County Road 361
Translating from Italian to “iron way,” via ferrata were first established in the Alps in the early 19th century. These former military passages made from steel cables, rungs and ladders now serve as daring cliffside obstacle courses. Ouray is home to four via ferrata, including the beginner-friendly downstream route and the more challenging upstream route in the Uncompahgre Gorge. These free sites are open from May through October. Traverse them solo or book a guided experience with one of several local guides.

Box Cañon Falls Park
30 Box Canyon Road
Roaring through a narrow quartzite canyon on the southwest corner of town, this 285-foot waterfall is the third-tallest in Colorado. Take in the torrent from a suspended walkway and the switchback staircase that leads to the base of Box Cañon Falls. Another short but steep walk continues to a bridge where you can view the site from high above. Watch for the rare black swifts that build nests near the attraction, which is open from May through early November. Tickets cost $7 per adult and $5 per youth ages four to seventeen.

Ouray Perimeter Trail
1001 US-550
The Ouray Perimeter Trail makes a 5.4-mile loop in the rugged cliffs surrounding the town and passes several iconic sites. These include the aforementioned Box Cañon Falls, Cascade Falls and Baby Bathtubs, where hikers can splash in the shallow creek. It also meanders past Ouray Ice Park, which draws thrill-seeking climbers in the cold months. The full loop is best hiked outside of winter, given exposed sections, but several entry points allow for shorter excursions year-round.

Million Dollar Highway
Ouray to Silverton
Few places showcase the state’s stunning autumn leaves like the Million Dollar Highway. This 25-mile segment of the San Juan Scenic Byway connects Ouray to Silverton. With narrow lanes, sharp bends and steep cliffs without guardrails, this road is often regarded as one of the most dangerous in the country. But rest assured, it’s not as extreme as some may lead you to think. Drive it on a clear day and use the countless pull-offs to admire the scenery.

Ironton Townsite
County Road 20D
Ironton Townsite is a popular stopping point along the Million Dollar Highway and one of many ghost towns in Colorado. Set on the north end of the Red Mountain Mining District, this once-wealthy community comprised roughly a thousand residents. Peer into several of their former homes, which, despite severe weather at 9,800 feet, have remained standing since the late 1800s. Interpretive signage provides greater insight into this free and fascinating attraction.

Ouray Alchemist Museum
533 Main Street
Discover more Wild West history at the Ouray Alchemist Museum, where retired pharmacists Curtis and Nancy Haggar have recreated a frontier apothecary. Across the last five decades, the husband-and-wife duo have amassed hundreds of artifacts, including the oldest prescription in Colorado, hand-blown pharmacy bottles with their original drugs and a decorative leech jar from the 19th century. Intriguing and in-depth, its two-hour tours are priced at $20 per person and are available daily by appointment.

Ouray Hot Springs
1220 Main Street
Ouray is home to four Colorado hot springs, though none offer greater variety than this site. It features several sulfur-free soaking pools, plus waterslides in the summer months. While popular among families with children, an adults-only area offers peaceful relaxation and steamy temperatures reaching up to 106 degrees. Cool off with a quick plunge in the lap pool and purchase an all-day pass for $30 per adult and $18 per youth ages three to seventeen.

Bachelor Syracuse Mine
95 Gold Mountain Trail
Offering one of the best mine tours in Colorado, this underground attraction allows visitors to venture 1,500 feet into Gold Mountain. True to its name, prospectors struck a mother lode of gold and silver at this former claim. Learn of their risky and tedious efforts on this guided experience, then pan for precious metals outside the Bachelor Syracuse Mine. Available from early May to mid-October, tours cost $25 per adult and $12 per child ages four to twelve.

Ouray Ice Park
280 County Road 361
Perhaps the town’s greatest claim to fame, this free ice climbing park is the largest in the world. More than 200 man-made routes span nearly two miles within the Uncompahgre Gorge and draw thousands of global visitors. Many plan a visit during the annual Ouray Ice Festival, which is set to take place from January 22 to 25, 2026. Watch heart-pounding competitions and learn the ropes during clinics led by local outfitters.

Canyoning Colorado
630 Main Street
Ouray boasts some of the best canyoning in the state and arguably, the entire country. Fast-flowing waterfalls add to the adrenaline rush, even on beginner routes like Angel Creek. Rappel on the edge of icy cascades, navigate overhangs and downclimb through scenic slots on guided adventures with Canyoning Colorado. Its nine tour options cater to all ability levels and start at $145 per person.