Ouray ColoradoOuray Colorado

Hiking

Hiking Welcome to Ouray - the Alpine Hiking Capital of the US! You may find the terrain in the Ouray area to be steeper than in most other areas, so hiking time for various distances may be different than you are accustomed to. From the short stroll up Cascade Falls to the challenge of the Horsethief/Bear Creek Loop Trail, the region has something for everyone!

Stay for several days in Ouray and enjoy many hikes with a variety of difficulty. Please allow yourself to become acclimated to the elevation before taking strenuous hiking trips. Jogging or walking at lower elevations prior to coming to Ouray, or just starting out here with the Perimeter Trail, will help significantly. Don't hike alone. If you do, however, always tell someone where you are going and report back to this person so that the Ouray Mountain Rescue isn't called out unnecessarily.

A Ouray hiking guide is available for download or you can find it at the Visitor Center in Ouray.

Mountain Stream The Ouray Trails Group, a local non-profit, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, has developed and maintains over 76 spectacular hiking trails in the area. The region provides trails for all experience levels, ranging from easy, shorter hikes to longer and more challenging ones. OTG publishes a detailed map and guide to these trails, which may be purchased locally for $7.

Mountain weather changes quickly and the altitude of our area puts you closer to the sun. Be sure to bring a warm fleece or jacket and don’t forget RAIN GEAR. Sunglasses, sun block, a good hat or visor will be your best friend. Pack plenty of water and pack snacks. It is always a wise choice to check on trail conditions before heading out into the high country. A detailed list describing local trails and current conditions can be found at the Ouray Trails Group website.

Give your self and your travel group a piece of mind by purchasing a Search & Rescue Card. For only $3.00 a year or $12.00 for five-years, you are covered by the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Fund (COSAR). This fund reimburses counties for large costs associated with backcountry rescues such as helicopter air lifts. These cards are available at Ouray Mountain Sports and the Ridgway State Park.

Remember to protect these trails: “Take only pictures, and leave only footprints."
Pack out garbage and leave old buildings, flora and fauna undisturbed. Stay on the trail! I

Many of the area hikes are relatively difficult compared to most flatland trails. The Hiking Trails of Ouray County, a customized area topographical map and guide, is an excellent source for detailed information regarding the difficulty level, attractions, hazards and location of the trailhead for each of our area hikes. This map is issued by Ouray Trails Group.

Trail Condition Updates as of June 4, 2009:

Most lower trails are open and clear.

June 4: Bear Creek is clear to tree line; Alpine Mine is clear to the overlook.
June 1: Wehawken is clear to the creek; Twin Peaks and Old Twin Peaks are clear to the top; and Corbett Canyon is clear.
May 27: Oak Creek Loop is clear of trees. There is still snow from the Corbett Canyon trail junction to the overlook.
May 21: The Alpine Mine trail is clear of trees and snow nearly to the mine. Snow from there on up. Work was done on the Sutton trail up to the overlook. Additional steps were placed, and repairs made on the wall to the overlook.
May 19: The Dallas/Corbett loop is clear of trees and fine for hiking, even though there is still more work to be done.