Million Dollar Highway and Hiking in Ouray
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The Million Dollar Highway takes you between Ouray and Silverton
Million Dollar Highway: Your Road to Ouray Hikes and Outdoor Adventure in 2024
If you're a fan of nature and adventure, then there's no better place to go than Ouray.
This gorgeous town in Colorado is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and features world-class hiking trails that are just waiting to be explored.
Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, there's a trail here that will suit your skill level and leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready to discover the beauty of Ouray!
Let’s get our bearings first.
Pull on your hiking boots and explore the stunning mountains around Ouray Colorado
Where is the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado?
The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado takes you south from Ridgway, through Ouray, then on to Silverton and Durango. Famously known as one of the most dangerous and scenic highways in America, US Highway 550 was cut from the side of a mountain and twists and turns through endless, priceless, breath-taking views.
With all of the old mining towns sprinkled along the way, rumor has it there are gold flecks in the road, adding fame to the Million Dollar Highway.
Located in a steep valley of the San Juan Mountains, the elevation of Ouray Colorado stands at 7,760 feet.
This historic town was first established as a mining camp in 1876.
Let’s not forget Ouray is also a great place to see Colorado’s gold rush of fall colors in thick Aspen groves dotted throughout the valley.
Hiking in Ouray offers some of the best Colorado trails.
Ouray: The Hiking Hub of Colorado
The town of Ouray, Colorado sits between Ridgway and Silverton along US Hwy 550 in a fabulous box canyon and showcases numerous waterfalls along this part of the Million Dollar Highway.
With its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of trails, it's no wonder that Ouray has become known as the hiking hub of Colorado. From relaxed strolls to challenging treks, there is something for everyone here.
Hiking to waterfalls and turquoise blue lakes amid jagged mountaintops, there are so many things to do in Ouray in the gorgeous San Juan Mountains.
Naturally, there are more great hikes nearby as well, so we share all our favorites in the area.
Ouray is also the self-proclaimed Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado and Switzerland of America.
Besides some of the best spots for camping in Colorado and hiking, you’ll add soaking in hot springs, mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoning, jeep rides to old ghost towns, rafting, and fishing to your adventure list.
Park yourself in Ouray along the Million Dollar Highway for a week and get lost in adventure every day. At night, head into this cool mountain town for great eats and drinks along a vibrant historic main street.
Read on to see why you should base yourself in Ouray Colorado along the Million Dollar Highway for unforgettable hiking and outdoor adventures.
Let’s Talk.
Pick our brains about hiking trails in Colorado. Book a 30 or 60 minute call with us to gather knowledgable advice and tips.
Hikes in Ouray Colorado
Plan Your Hike
Before setting out on a hike in Ouray, it's important to plan your route and prepare for the day and the conditions you may encounter. Including:
Check the weather forecast and trail conditions, and bring appropriate gear such as sturdy footwear, layers of clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water and snacks.
Consider your physical fitness level and choose a trail that matches your abilities, especially if you're new to hiking or are traveling with children or pets.
Don't forget to let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return.
Bring along maps or a GPS device.
By preparing for hiking in Colorado, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable hiking experience while taking in the stunning scenery of Ouray's mountains and valleys.
Prepared for hiking in Ouray with kids: water reservoirs, hats, sunscreen, snacks, and proper hiking footwear.
LOWER CASCADE FALLs
Trail Length: 0.2 miles Elevation Gain: 75 feet Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Easy
You can’t miss the easiest Ouray hike. You can literally reach this towering waterfall from Main Street.
The quick hike to Lower Cascade Falls is short, but you will huff-and-puff on your way up there. Just when you’re ready for a breather, you’re there.
This waterfall will be most powerful in early summer — enjoy your time standing in the spray and snapping photos.
While it is a short hike up, you are to wear good tennis shoes, Chacos, or hiking shoes.
The trailhead is reachable from town - just park on the far east end of 8th street.
PRO TIP: If you’re camping in Ouray at Amphitheater Campground, you can also hike .7 miles down to Lower Cascade Falls. Just be prepared for a difficult hike back up, gaining 742’ in elevation back to the campground. (598 8th Ave, Ouray, CO)
Lower Cascades Falls is a fun short hike in Ouray, Colorado
BABY BATHTUBS TRAIL
Trail Length: 0.6 mile Elevation Gain: 300 feet Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Easy
More of a fun scramble and a fun place to cool off, bring your swimsuit and water shoes or sandals in addition to water and snacks.
The Baby Bathtubs Trail is part of the much longer, tougher Ouray Perimeter Trail. This trail includes beautiful rock formations and colors, small pools of water, several small cascading falls, and a mini slot canyon.
This “hike” is the perfect way to cool off after a longer hike or outdoor adventure, especially on a hot summer day. Your kids won’t want to leave. Give yourself at least an hour to enjoy Baby Bathtubs.
To reach the small parking area and the trailhead, drive as if you’re headed up to Amphitheater Campground, and you will see it just off the righthand side of the road before the campground. (Amphitheater Campground Road - Ouray, Colorado)
Baby Bathtubs Trail near Amphitheater Campground is a short Ouray hike
Chief Ouray Mine via UPPER CASCADE FALL
Trail Length: 4.3 miles Elevation Gain: 1883 feet Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
If you're looking for a moderate hike with breathtaking views, head to this Colorado trail taking you to the Upper Cascade Falls. This hike offers stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding mountains. Eat a hearty breakfast before one of the more challenging Ouray hikes listed here. The arduous hike to see Upper Cascade Falls, followed by the Chief Ouray Mine promises fantastic vistas and the chance to explore the bunk house of a cool old mine.
Yes, it’s a steep climb, but our kids and teens hiked it (ages 11-18). And so can you if you’re a fairly active person.
Note that when you continue on from Upper Cascade Falls to Chief Ouray Mine, the trail includes some cautious hiking along some ledges. After you take a break at the Upper Cascade Falls (1.9 miles into your hike) walk the trail past the waterfall to reach Chief Ouray Mine.
Watch your step. We do not recommend taking younger children towards the mine, especially if they won’t heed your voice.
When you reach Chief Ouray Mine, walk straight through the old bunk room and imagine if these walls could speak. Then continue just outside to see the remnants of the mine.
This Ouray hike is labeled hard due to a big elevation gain in a short amount of time. Give yourselves lots of time. In the summer, start your hike in the morning to avoid the hot afternoon sun. Bring a picnic lunch or lots of snacks and plenty of water.
Give yourself 3-4 hours for the hike with kids so you can enjoy the falls, check out the mine, and take lots of pictures. Park in the Amphitheater Campground parking lot to hop on trail #213. (Amphitheater Campground - Ouray, Colorado)
This hike is also featured in our 17 Best Hikes in Colorado.
BOX CANYON Waterfall PARK
Trail Length: < 1 mile Elevation Gain: 200 feet Route Type: Combination of loops and out and back Difficulty: Easy
If you're looking for a family-friendly hike with waterfalls and picturesque valleys, put Box Canyon Falls Park on your list. This popular rocky park showcases a spectacular waterfall with an entrance fee ($5 adults, $4 kids).
Box Canyon Falls is the result of Canyon Creek narrowing and shooting thousands of gallons of water per minute over the falls. This gorgeous 285 foot waterfall crashes into a narrow box canyon.
The best part is you can witness the falls from above and below inside a canyon boxed in by 100 foot tall walls.
There are three short hikes to take in the park: Falls Trail, High Bridge Trail, and the Native Plant Loop. The park is located on CR361 off Hwy 150 on the south side of Ouray. Once you are on CR361 / Box Canyon Road, you will drive 1/4 mile to the visitor center parking area. (CR 361 / Box Canyon Rd - Ouray, Colorado)
Box Canyon Falls is one of the easy Ouray hikes to do with kids
Waterfall hikes on Colorado Trails
Love hiking to waterfalls in the Rocky Mountains? We rounded up our favorite 27 of the best Colorado Waterfall Hikes — from towering falls nearly 300’ tall to cascades to Baby Bathtubs — there are hikes listed for every ability. Roadside treks to challenging day hikes, what is your favorite?
Hop over here after Ouray hikes
Ouray Hot Springs Soak your cares away in these amazing hot spring fed pools and hot tubs, complete with play areas for kids of all ages and adults only terrace. 1220 Main St.
Colorado Boy Southwest Pub Excellent brick oven pizzas, expertly crafted margaritas, and award winning craft beer. 515 Main St. Ouray, Colorado
Mouse’s Chocolates and Coffee A pick-me-up and the perfect way to celebrate your hike. 520 Main St. Ouray, Colorado
Taco Del Gnar in Ridgway Worth the 15 minutes drive north for the sauciest tacos around. Try the Bulgogi Steak or Belly Up tacos. 630 Sherman St. - Ridgway, Colorado
Hikes Near Ouray
Blue Lakes Trail
Trail Length: 8.2 miles Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Hard
For those seeking an all-day adventure, consider the Blue Lakes Trail - this difficult trail takes hikers on an 8 mile journey through towering peaks and crystal-clear lakes. The trailhead is a short trip from Ouray, and it’s one of our all-time favorite hikes in the San Juan Mountains.
This more challenging Ouray hike carries you to three mesmerizing turquoise alpine lakes in the majestic Mountain Sneffels Wilderness.
Labeled hard due to length and elevation gain, head out on this hike with active older kids and teens.
You will encounter water crossings, so pack some water sandals if you like. Amazing 360 views will have you pulling out your camera at every turn.
CoHH Tip: You'll also pass the popular Blue Lakes Hut, sitting up on a hill above the trail. This hut must be reserved ahead of time for hikers, skiers, or mountain bikers planning an overnight.
Don’t give up hiking all the way to the third lake. The top two lakes have the best views — you won’t regret it!
Blue Lakes Trail is one of the Best Hikes near Ouray.
PRO TIP: Pack the right daypack for your hike. We love Osprey’s Packfinder tool - they make some of the world’s best daypacks and overnight backpacks, in our combined 50+ years of hiking and backpacking experience. And they have great customer service.
Tips for the Blue Lakes Trail
Hit the trail by 8 am to avoid people and afternoon thunderstorms. Note that you start hiking at 9,030 feet and end above tree line at the third lake at well over 11,000 feet.
Allow at least 5-6 hours for this hike with kids and pack lots of water (2 Liters each), a picnic lunch, snacks, rain jacket and your pullover. You’ll want good sturdy daypack for this fabulous hike that our kids have dubbed their Colorado fave.
From Ouray, head to north to Ridgway, then take Hwy 62 East to Dallas Creek Road for 14 miles to the Blue Lakes Trailhead. Driving a 4x4 is helpful for those last 14 miles.
RELATED READING: Beginners Hiking Tips — Great reminders for Colorado natives and novices alike.
Bear Creek Trail
Trail Length: 5.1 miles Elevation Gain: 1,092 feet Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Moderate
For experienced hikers who want a challenge, the Bear Creek Trail is a good pick - it's steep and rocky but offers gorgeous views of alpine tundra and wildflowers.
Take a day trip to Telluride from Ouray and add this hike to the fabulous Bear Creek Falls through aspen meadows and pine groves.
Ouray to Telluride are just 49 miles apart and the drive showcases bright fields of wildflowers in summer.
Bear Creek Trail rises over 1000 feet in elevation where you earn an amazing view of the 80-foot upper Bear Creek Falls. You can also add on hiking mileage by continuing on the Wasatch Trail via the rugged cliffs of Bear Creek canyon.
Find the trailhead at the end of South Pine Street in downtown Telluride. Allow 2-3 hours for this hike.
In the winter, hikers should bring microspikes, poles, or snowshoes to complete this trail.
Refuel after the hike with delicious burgers and brews at Smuggler’s Union Restaurant and Brewery in Telluride (225 S Pine St). If your gang is hungry for pizza, try Brown Dog Pizza (110 E Colorado Ave) or High Pie Pizzeria & Tap Room (100 W Colorado Ave).
Bear Creek Trail in nearby Telluride
Bridal Veil Falls
Trail Length: 2.0 miles Elevation Gain: 826 feet Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Moderate
Also worth a day trip from Ouray to Telluride, this marvelous hike is along the brand new trail to Bridal Veil Falls.
While it’s certainly no secret, this popular Colorado trail is well worth the effort.
Prepare yourself for quick elevation gain on this new trail lined with switchbacks. You’ll enjoy this much more scenic route, compared to the old way along the OHV road.
Plus, you’ll find a couple more waterfalls along the new trail.
Bridal Veil Falls takes the cake at 365’ tall.
The trail is quite rocky so appropriate hiking footwear is encouraged. You can also add on other hiking trails for a longer trek.
NOTE: The trail is closed from December to April because of potential avalanches.
RELATED READING: Unwind and Rekindle in Telluride and these Top Romantic Getaways in Colorado
Animas Fork Ghost Town near Silverton
Animas Fork Ghost Town
Trail Length: 12.3 miles Elevation Gain: 2,050 feet Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Moderate
While we’re talking about the Million Dollar Highway and Ouray hiking, we’d be fools to not mention the off-road trail to Animas Fork Ghost Town.
In May through October, do not miss driving the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to Silverton. Rent or drive your own 4X4 vehicle or ATV for the OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) trail to the historic Animas Fork Ghost Town.
From the historic town of Silverton, drive the 12.3 long, bumpy Animas Fork Road straight to Animas Fork Ghost Town. Yes, some people hike this, but most drive and ATV or OHV there.
Sitting at nearly 11,200 feet, the Animas Fork mining town was alive from the early 1870s to the early 1920s, reaching a population of 450 by 1885. Hike around what’s left of the mine and the town.
Animas Fork used to be home to 30 residences, a hotel, general store, saloon, jail, and a post office. Walk through and around each of these, catch up on mining history and imagine the tough men, women, and children that lived here.
CoHH Pro Tip: Add a short, quick hike in the same area to South Mineral Creek Falls, also featured in our Favorite Colorado Waterfall Hikes. From Silverton, drive the Million Dollar Highway (US 550) for two miles north toward Red Mountain Pass and Ouray; then bear left onto Road 7 and follow it for 4.6 miles to the culvert crossing of Clear Creek and park where you find adequate space.
Head back to Silverton for an afternoon treat at the Coffee Bear — there’s an adult only rooftop patio. Send the older kids and teens in search of ice cream.
Handlebar’s Food & Saloon is also a treat. You’ll find these all on Greene Street, running through the middle of town.
After all your Ouray hiking, take a Jeep out on some off road adventures
More Outdoor Recreation in Ouray
No matter what your experience level is, you'll find a hiking trail in Ouray that suits your skills and leaves you in awe of nature's beauty.
But there’s even more adventures to be had along the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado.
Adrenaline junkies must try the new Via Ferrata in Ouray. A top-notch team of climbers, guides, engineers, and rigging geniuses crafted this route through the incomparable Uncompahgre Gorge.
Where to Stay in Ouray
In Ouray, you are in the middle of some of Colorado’s best mountain towns for outdoor adventures, like Silverton, Ridgway, and Telluride.
Ouray to Telluride - 49 miles
Ouray to Silverton - 23 miles
Ouray to Ridgway - 10 miles
Play during the day, hit up downtown or the hot springs at night, then rest easy in a sweet vacation rental.
Ouray is a great place to base yourself - choose between quaint cabins or sweet condos.
Camping in Ouray Colorado
Amphitheater Campground
Camping in Ouray doesn’t get much better than Amphitheater Campground.
Our number one choice for tent camping, Amphitheater Campground is located on the southern edge of town overlooking the box canyon and the town.
Several campsites here have fantastic views into the canyon.
Vault toilets, water spigots, firewood for sale, and super kind campground hosts help you feel right at home.
Amphitheater Campground is best for smaller RVs and tent camping in Ouray. It’s best to make a reservation online ahead of time. Or try your luck at grabbing one of their first-com, first-serve campsites — easier to do on a week day.
Directions: Head south out of Ouray on State Highway 550 for a 1/2 mile. Turn left at Amphitheater Campground sign drive about 1 mile up to the campground.
Amphitheater Campground leads you straight to some of the best Ouray hiking
Camping Along the Million Dollar Highway
There are many private campgrounds along the Million Dollar Highway, as well as dispersed camping and forest service campgrounds near Ouray and Silverton, CO.
More great places for camping in Ouray and nearby:
Ouray KOA Holiday
Ouray RV Park & Cabins
Ridgway State Park
Uncompahgre National Forest — Just south of Ouray at the first switchback, CR 16, turn left if traveling south
Ironton Park dispersed camping in the Uncompahgre National Forest — Top of Red Mtn pass turn left onto CR-20 Ironton, CO if traveling south
Ophir Pass dispersed camping in the San Juan National Forest, Forest Road (FR) 679
Kendall Camping Area in San Juan National Forest along FR 585 in Silverton
Molas Lake Campground in Silverton
Anvil Campground off FR 585 near Silverton
South Mineral Campground off FR 585
Golden Horn Campground also off FR 585
Never camped in Colorado before? Check out our Guide to Camping in Colorado.
Camping in Ouray, as well as hiking, hot springs, off-roading and many more outdoor pursuits, make it easy to see why this town along the Million Dollar Highway claims to be the outdoor recreation capital of Colorado.
Consider an epic road trip through all four Colorado national parks and include Ouray on the loop. Enjoy your time in Ouray, the Switzerland of America — you won’t be disappointed.
YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ:
17 Best Colorado Hot Springs Calling Your Name
10 Romantic Getaways in Colorado
17 Colorado Natural Hot Springs
Paddleboarding in Colorado: The Best Spots in the State
