Ouray Perimeter Trail

The Ouray Perimeter Trail is one of the most distinctive hikes in Colorado — a 5.5-mile loop that completely circumnavigates the town of Ouray, climbing through cliffs, traversing suspension bridges, passing waterfalls and a hidden cave, and showcasing the dramatic amphitheater of San Juan Mountain peaks that gives Ouray its nickname: "the Switzerland of America."

Set at nearly 8,000 feet of elevation in a town surrounded by 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks, it's a hike that delivers an extraordinary amount of variety in a relatively short distance — and it starts and ends in one of Colorado's most charming mountain towns.

The Trail

• Distance: 5.49-mile loop
• Elevation gain: ~1,243 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route type: Loop
• Surface: Mix of dirt, rocky singletrack, scree, short tunnels, and suspension bridges

The Perimeter Trail is exactly what it sounds like — a complete loop around Ouray, accessible from multiple trailheads in town. You can start at the Visitor Center, Cascade Falls trailhead, the Box Canyon area, or anywhere along Highway 550 where the trail crosses — and hike it in either direction.

Most hikers complete the loop in 3 to 4 hours with stops at the major landmarks.

Major Landmarks Along the Loop

Cascade Falls — A 200-foot waterfall on the eastern side of town. A side spur from the trail brings you right to the base of the falls. Best after spring runoff and summer rain.

Baby Bathtubs — A series of natural granite pools carved out by the creek, just below Cascade Falls. The pools are smooth-walled, crystal-clear, and look like nature's own jacuzzi cluster. Stunning in person.

Box Canyon Falls & Park — A narrow slot canyon with the Canyon Creek waterfall thundering through it. The trail passes right alongside Box Canyon Park — a small admission fee gets you onto the canyon's catwalk for an up-close view of the falls. Bonus: the Box Canyon area is the home of the Ouray Ice Park in winter.

Suspension Bridges — Multiple suspension bridges along the trail span gorges and creeks. The longest is right above Box Canyon.

Short Tunnel — At one point on the western section, the trail passes through a short rock tunnel — another unique feature you don't usually find on a town hike.

Bear's Den (Cave) — A small cave / overhang along the trail. Worth a peek inside.

Views of the Amphitheater — The dramatic peaks of the San Juan Mountains ring the town. Throughout the loop, you'll get rotating panoramic views of the Amphitheater, Hayden Mountain, Twin Peaks, and the Sneffels Range in the distance.

Views of town — From multiple elevated sections, you'll have postcard views of Ouray's Victorian-era historic district below.

The Trail's Origin

The Perimeter Trail was envisioned and largely hand-built by Don Batchelder, a longtime Ouray resident who spent decades creating connections between existing trails, cutting new paths through cliffs, and building bridges to complete the loop. It's a labor-of-love trail that wouldn't exist without dedicated local effort — and a great example of small-town conservation in action.

Why It's Special

Most "town loop" trails are flat, paved bike paths. The Ouray Perimeter Trail is the opposite — a genuine mountain hiking experience that just happens to circle a town. You'll cross scree fields, climb cliff-cut switchbacks, pass through tunnels, hear thundering waterfalls, and end your hike back at a coffee shop or hot spring in downtown Ouray. There's nothing quite like it in the American West.

Seasonal Guide

• Spring (April–early June): Snow still lingers on shaded north-facing sections; some bridges and trails may be slippery. Cascade Falls and Box Canyon are at peak flow with snowmelt.
• Summer (June–August): Prime season — wildflowers, full waterfalls, and pleasant high-elevation temps. Storms common in afternoons.
• Fall (mid-September–October): Outstanding aspen color across the surrounding mountains, ideal hiking temps, fewer crowds
• Winter (November–March): Sections of the trail can be icy, especially around bridges and shaded cliffs. Microspikes essential. The Box Canyon and Ice Park areas are active in winter — and the trail makes a great winter walk if you're prepared.

Wildlife & Scenery

• Mule deer common along the trail and even in town
• Black bears present — make noise, store snacks well
• Marmots and pikas in the rocky upper sections
• Mountain bluebirds, hummingbirds, and Steller's jays throughout
• Wildflowers in summer — columbines, lupines, Indian paintbrush
• Mountain goats occasionally spotted on the surrounding cliffs

What to Bring

• Water — at least 2 liters; no reliable water on trail
• Sturdy hiking shoes — rocky and uneven in places
• Sun protection — exposed cliff sections
• Layers — temps can swing fast at altitude, especially with afternoon storms
• Trekking poles — helpful on the descents
• Camera — Cascade Falls, Box Canyon, and the suspension bridges are highly photogenic
• Bug spray in summer (mosquitoes near the falls)

Practical Info

• Location: Ouray, Colorado (multiple trailheads around the town)
• Elevation: Town sits at 7,792 ft
• Fees: Free for the trail itself; small admission to Box Canyon Park (~$5–8) if you want the up-close waterfall view
• Dogs: Welcome on leash
• Restrooms: Available at the Visitor Center and several trailheads
• Parking: Free street parking and small lots throughout town
• Best for: Hikers, trail runners, photographers, dog owners, day-trippers staying in Ouray
• From Durango: ~2 hours via Highway 550 (the famous "Million Dollar Highway")
• From Telluride: ~50 minutes
• From Montrose: ~40 minutes

Pair It With

Ouray is one of Colorado's best basecamp towns — pair the Perimeter Trail with:

• Ouray Hot Springs — historic municipal hot spring pool right in town, perfect after the hike
• Box Canyon Park — pay the small admission to walk the catwalk into the canyon
• Yankee Boy Basin (summer 4WD) — wildflower paradise above Ouray
• The Million Dollar Highway (US 550) — one of the most scenic drives in America, connecting Ouray to Silverton and Durango
• Bridge of Heaven — a longer, higher-elevation hike from Ouray
• Ouray Ice Park in winter for ice climbing or spectating

Why It's Worth the Trip

The Ouray Perimeter Trail is the rare hike that gives you waterfalls, caves, suspension bridges, and 13,000-ft peak views in one short loop — and lets you walk to a brewery, coffee shop, or hot spring at the end. For travelers exploring the San Juan Mountains, it's one of the best ways to spend a half day.