Your Guide To The Ouray Perimeter Trail

The Ouray Perimeter trail is an epic, and must do hike if visiting the town of Ouray for more than a couple days. This trail circumnavigates the town of Ouray and features epic views, tons of starting options, and even a path under a giant waterfall.

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Trail Map | Trails | Hiking In Winter | Camping | Weather | Directions | Pictures

Difficulty – Intermediate
Distance – 5.25 miles round trip (8.4 km)
Elevation gain – 2,340 feet (713 m)
Duration – 4-5 hours (book time)
Trailhead Location – Various trailheads possible (explained below)
Dogs – Allowed

Need To Know Information

• The perimeter trail can be accessed from various parking lots along the trail. There is plenty of parking at the Ouray Visitor’s center next to the Ouray hot springs. If you are staying in town, you can leave directly from your place and hop on the trail at the closest point.
• There is a small parking lot directly across the street from the hot springs as another great parking option.
• Doing this loop in either direction is great, we prefer clockwise!

My Experience

I have spent a fair bit of time in Ouray, and it wasn’t until our latest visit that we did a trail run from our AirBNB on the loop. It was amazing! Every time we visit moving forward, it will be on the list. In my opinion, the best part of the trail is where you can walk all the way under the waterfall, but there are tons of great views on the whole loop.

Me on the Ouray Perimeter Trail

Trail Map

Here is a link to the route that can be uploaded to your device.

Route Description

The below description covers key points on the trail starting at the visitor center and heading clockwise, but you do not need to start in the same spot, you can start from various other places.

• Starting Point (Visitor Center Trailhead): Begin at the Ouray Visitor Center on the northeast side of town. The trail quickly ascends to provide panoramic views of Ouray and the surrounding peaks.
• Cascade Falls: One of the first notable landmarks is Cascade Falls, where water tumbles down the cliffs. This area offers a beautiful photo opportunity and is a great spot to take a break. There is a trail that goes along the cliff edge and allows hikers to go right next to the falls. If you decide to do that, the rocks are wet, and hikers should use caution.
• Crossing The Uncompahgre: After Cascade Falls, the trail continues to climb to the southern end of Ouray. The trail features great views and goes along unique rock formations. Eventually the trail takes hikers on a trail and bridge crossing the Uncompahgre
• Box Cañon Falls: The trail leads to a suspension bridge above Box Cañon Falls, one of the highlights of the hike. The roaring waterfall is tucked into a narrow gorge, and the bridge provides a thrilling vantage point.
• Twin Peaks and Amphitheater Viewpoints: The western side of the loop offers views of Twin Peaks and the amphitheater, a natural bowl-like formation that cradles the town. These points are excellent for photography, particularly at sunrise or sunset.
• Final Stretch Back to Town: The last part of the trail descends through switchbacks and brings hikers back into Ouray, passing near historic mining relics and offering great perspectives on the town.

Hiking in Winter

This is a common backcountry skiing zone, but because of the extremely high avalanche dangers, this zone should only be done by those with experience in avalanche terrain. This is not a trail to be attempted by anyone without substantial winter experience. You can read the current avalanche forecasts on the Utah Avalanche Center website. Nearly every face of Kessler Peak has a very large avalanche slide path, and this is an area with several avalanche deaths.

Camping Information

Ouray is a town with a fair amount of AirBNBs, but also has nearby national forest land in the town limits that can be camped out. In addition, various dirt roads that lead to national forest land and Wilderness for camping. Review maps of the area to find spots.

Weather

Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:

Ouray, CO

Today
Sunny, with a high near 46. North northeast wind around 0 mph.

Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 27. East southeast wind 0 to 5 mph.

Monday
Sunny, with a high near 47. West wind 0 to 5 mph.

Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 27. South southeast wind 0 to 5 mph.

Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 47.

Directions

Additional Pictures

Crossing the Uncompahgre

Views at one of the highest points on the trail

Cascade Falls

Views from west end of Ouray Perimeter Trail