At a Glance
- Distance: 6.2 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs: Welcome on leash
- Access: Multiple trailheads in town
- Views: 360° of Ouray and canyon
A Complete Circle Around Ouray
The Ouray Perimeter Trail is a 6-mile loop that begins and ends in town, circling the entire Ouray valley at elevation and providing views into the canyon from above. The trail accesses terrain that most visitors never see — the upper canyon walls, the ridgeline above the hot springs, the eastern slopes looking back toward the Amphitheater — giving a fundamentally different perspective on the town and landscape.
The route has multiple access points throughout Ouray, so you can start from wherever is convenient. From The Lumberyard, the nearest trailhead access is under 10 minutes on foot. The full loop takes 3–4 hours at a moderate hiking pace.
Views and Wildlife
The Perimeter Trail's elevation puts you above the treeline in several sections, with views extending across the full Ouray valley and toward the surrounding range. On clear mornings, the light on the canyon walls from the trail above is some of the finest available without a technical climb. Mountain goats are occasionally spotted on the upper slopes near the trail.
The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout. It's an ideal activity for the first or second morning of an Ouray visit — it provides context for the landscape you'll be exploring the rest of the trip.