OURAY HIKING ADVENTURES

HIKES - SHORT AND SWEET

Box Cañon Falls Trail
Distance: 1/2 mile
Hiking Time: less than 1 hour
If you haven't seen Box Cañon Falls, consider it a must. After you've been into the canyon and seen the falls itself, you have the option of climbing a series of stairs and then following a 1/4-mile trail to a bridge far above the canyon. The views from there are spectacular

Getting There: The entrance is two blocks up hill at the west end of Third Avenue. During the summer months there is a small fee to see the falls but it is worth twice what they charge.
________________________________________________

SAN JUANMOUNTAIN GUIDES, LLC
970.325.4925
www.ourayclimbing.com
Rock Climbing. Ice Climbing. Mountaineering. Backcountry Skiing.
________________________________________________

Lower Cascade Falls Trail
Distance: 1/4 mile
Hiking Time: 45 minutes round-trip
Cascade Falls is the waterfall in the northeast corner of Ouray, visible from almost any location in town. The hike to the base of the falls is worth the time and effort. Children love this short hike.

Getting There: You can reach the falls by hiking uphill from Main Street on 8th Avenue.

Portland Trail
Distance: 3.8 miles
Hiking Time: 3 hours
This trail is easy and great to do with children. The trail follows Portland Creek that meanders through the basin above the Amphitheater.

This trail makes a tour of this beautiful, rolling basin and gains only 900 feet along its various ups and downs. The trail ends in the campground. From there, walk downhill on the paved campground road to your car.

Getting There: The trailhead starts a short distance up the dirt road just after you turn onto the Amphitheater Campground road. Park your car at the base of this dirt road and hike to the trailhead.

HIKES-LONGER / MODERATE

Oak Creek Trail to the Creek Crossing
Distance: 3.6 miles
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Both the Oak Creek and Twin Peaks Trails follow the same path for the first mile. At the point where they split, take the left fork, following signs saying Oak Creek Trail. After branching off, you reach this picturesque canyon after one-half mile, and the Falls shortly thereafter. For a moderate hike return once you reach this creek crossing.

Getting There: From Oak Street, on the west side of town, walk straight up Queen Street. Follow the road as it curves slightly to the right.

HIKES-DIFFICULT / TECHNICAL

Twin Peaks Trail
Distance: 6.4 miles
Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
This hike is extremely deceptive. It starts out rather mildly, following the same path as the Oak Creek Trail. After it splits off, it can become extremely demanding, challenging even the most avid hiker. It can be windy and cold at the top so be sure to take a jacket along for protection. Many of the published aerial photographs of Ouray have been taken from this spectacular vantage point.

Getting There: From Oak Street, on the west side of town, walk straight up Queen Street. Follow the road as it curves slightly to the right.

This is just a sampling of a few of the many hiking trails in Ouray County. For more information on hiking in Ouray please stop by the Ouray Visitors Center, located at the entrance to the Hot Springs Pool, or pick up a guidebook at several shops in town.