At a Glance
- Avg High: 44°F / 7°C
- Avg Low: 18°F / -8°C
- Ice Park: Open through mid-March
- Crowds: Very low
- Hot Springs: Open daily
- Roads: Some 4WD roads still closed
The Season's Final Act
March in Ouray is transitional in the best sense. The ice park typically remains open through mid-March, sometimes longer in cold years — giving late-season ice climbers one last window before warm temperatures close the canyon. Snow on the high peaks is still deep and dramatic. The town is quiet. The light is changing.
For non-climbers, March is one of the best times to experience Ouray with almost no crowds. The restaurants are open, the hot springs are running, and the landscape has the stark beauty of late winter without the January cold.
Spring Signs in the San Juans
By late March, the first hints of spring arrive in Ouray's canyon. The Uncompahgre River begins running faster as higher elevations start to melt. Birdsong returns to the river corridor. Days stretch noticeably longer. The peaks are still white, but the air quality changes — that particular Rocky Mountain clarity that comes with the first real warmth.
4WD roads at lower elevations begin to open in late March in mild years. Yankee Boy Basin and the high passes remain closed under snowpack, but the approach roads to intermediate elevations sometimes become accessible for early-season exploration.
Value and Availability
March is one of the most affordable months to visit Ouray. Peak winter demand has passed, summer hasn't arrived, and the town is in a quiet rhythm that feels authentic. If you're flexible on dates and want Ouray without the crowds or the peak prices, early-to-mid March delivers exceptional value.