At a Glance
- Perimeter Trail: 6 miles
- Bear Creek Trail: 9 miles RT
- Cascade Falls: 1.6 miles RT
- Elevation Gain: Up to 3,000 ft
Best Hikes from Downtown Ouray
The Ouray Perimeter Trail is the signature hike — a 6-mile loop that climbs above the canyon rim for 360-degree views. Elevation gain is about 1,200 feet; plan 3–4 hours. The trail is well-marked and can be hiked in either direction.
Cascade Falls Trail (1.6 miles RT) is the most family-friendly option — gentle grade, shaded, and ends at a dramatic 285-foot waterfall. Box Canyon Falls is even shorter (0.5 miles) and leads inside a narrow rock gorge.
Intermediate and Advanced Hikes
Bear Creek National Recreation Trail climbs 9 miles one-way through a dramatic canyon to the Yellow Jacket Mine at 11,000 feet. The trail follows a historic pack route carved into sheer canyon walls — exposure is significant but the engineering is stunning.
The Blue Lakes Trail near Mt. Sneffels (accessible from Ridgway) is one of the best alpine lake hikes in the San Juans — turquoise lakes below 14,150-foot Sneffels, with wildflowers at peak in late July.
Hiking Base at The Lumberyard
The Lumberyard Condos sits 2 blocks from the Perimeter Trail trailhead — you can be on the trail in 5 minutes from your front door. The full kitchen means you can prep trail lunches every morning without restaurant delays.
Book your hiking trip to Ouray directly at ouraycondos.com. The hosts can suggest trail conditions and recent trail reports for each route.