Wetterhorn Basin via West Fork Trail

This trip is for the lover of solitude and the appreciator of the unscathed backcountry. Wetterhorn Basin is in the heart of the beautiful San Juan Mountain range in Southwestern Colorado.With a 4WD high clearance vehicle start at the West Cimarron Trailhead at 10,750 feet (38.1117N -107.5533W), without, start 1.8 miles down the road at the 2WD pull off (there is a sign).Follow the West Fork T...

The Uncompahgre Wilderness stretches out through the mountains and forests of southwestern Colorado, with worn trails lingering beside abandoned 19th-century mines and crossing old alpine sheep pastures. Dragon's Back is the unofficial name for Point 12,968', a small but beautiful summit at the base of Wildhorse Peak. Horsethief Trailhead is located 20 minutes north of Ouray on a gravel road la...

At 14,309 feet, the summit of Uncompahgre Peak is the highest point in the entire San Juan range, but getting to it requires only good hiking skills, good physical shape, and a four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle to get to the trailhead. From Lake City, head west along the Alpine Loop about 5 miles to a turnoff (right) for Nellie Creek. The next four miles to the trailhead are extremely ...

Located within the picturesque town of Ouray, Colorado, Cascade Falls is what most city parks strive to be. This park and amazing waterfall are located on the edge of town along the longer 5+ mile Perimeter Trail and provides a place for picnics, relaxing, and further days hikes through connector trails. A quick .50 mile round trip hike begins at a parking lot. A small incline up to a great vi...

There are three different hot springs facilities to choose from in Ouray, notable for its proximity to the San Juan peaks. Orvis Hot Springs has seven pools, each ranging from between 98 and 112 degrees, with nice views to accompany your soak. Wiesbaden Hot Springs has a natural vaporcave, in addition to their pools. Ouray Hot Springs Pool, alternatively, is a more family-friendly option, with ...

While its nickname "The Switzerland of America" may have been invented by some overzealous marketers, Ouray, Colorado and the surrounding San Juan Mountains is a destination you won't want to skip. Expansive green valleys blanketed with wildflowers, distant snowcapped peaks, and hidden lakes will quench any explorer's thirst for beauty while crumbling ghost towns, precarious cliffside roads, an...