At a Glance
- Round Trip: ~2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 800 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous
- Exposure: Significant
Straight Up the Canyon Wall
Weehawken Trail ascends the eastern wall of the Ouray canyon via a series of steep switchbacks, reaching a dramatic ledge section where the trail narrows to a few feet with a cliff face on one side and a steep drop on the other.
From the ledge you look almost straight down onto Main Street — the hot springs pool, the Victorian buildings, and the full grid of the historic district are visible in a single glance. On a clear day the view south extends all the way to the Red Mountain range.
Who Should Attempt This Trail
The exposure on the ledge section is significant and will be uncomfortable for those with a fear of heights. The ledge itself is wide enough to walk without extreme caution, but the drop below is real. This is not a trail for young children or leashed dogs.
Experienced hikers comfortable with exposure will find the payoff exceptional. The ledge is a sunrise or sunset destination — the low-angle light on the canyon walls in those hours is extraordinary.
Access from Downtown Ouray
The Weehawken trailhead is accessible from the east side of town, roughly a fifteen-minute walk from The Lumberyard Condos. The approach is on quiet residential streets before the trail proper begins.
Book your stay at The Lumberyard Condos via ouraycondos.com — central location in Ouray means every trail in this guide is within walking distance or a short drive.