Ouray Colorado

Wildflower News

July 22nd, 2008

Wildflowers in Yankee Boy Basin are about a week to ten days out from peak ... there are a lot of buds up there and they should be "popping" soon!

Blog Headlines

• Yankee Boy Basin Wildflower Update
• Chamonix, Zermatt, and Grindelwald
• Rainbows of color in the alpine basins!!!
• fun in the summer snow
• Zermatt Climbing
• Gilpin Peak North Face Couloir
• Dallas Peak South Face Couloir
• Bicycle Tour of Colorado Comes to Ouray
• Teakettle South Couloir Climb

Welcome to Ouray - the alpine hiking capital of the US! You may find the terrain in the Ouray area to be generally steeper than in most other areas, so hiking time for various distances may be different than you are accustomed to. From the short stroll up Cascade Falls, a good first-time introduction to area hiking, to the challenge of the Horsethief/Bear Creek Loop Trail, the region has something for hikers of all interests and abilities.

Stay for several days in Ouray and enjoy many hikes with a variety of difficulty. Whether you are an experienced or novice hiker, you should gradually allow yourself to become acclimated to the elevation before taking strenuous hiking trips. Jogging or walking at lower elevations prior to coming to Ouray, or just starting out here with a couple of short hikes, will help significantly. Don't hike alone. If you do, however, always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. It is extremely important that you report back to this person when you return so that the Ouray Mountain Rescue isn't called out unnecessarily.

A Ouray hiking guide is available for download or you can find it at the Visitor Center in Ouray.

The Ouray Trails Group, a local non-profit, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, has developed and maintains over 76 spectacular hiking trails in the area. The region provides trails for all experience levels, ranging from easy, shorter hikes to longer and more challenging ones. OTG publishes a detailed map and guide to these trails, which may be purchased locally for $7.

Twelve trails lead out from within Ouray city limits. The spectacular Cascade Falls trail (.5 mile round trip) is actually a city park. This is an easy half-hour hike on a well-maintained trail. Another easy hike is the .6 round trip trail along the Baby Bathtubs, an impressive canyon with hollowed out rock formations (Portland Creek). This is an excellent hike for youngsters. Children can dip their toes into the water and play in the colorful rocks of the streambeds.

For the more experienced hiker, head out on the 4.9 mile (5-6 hr), more strenuous hike to the Chief Ouray Mine–Upper Cascade. Or lace up your hiking boots, load your pack and head out of town for an 8.4-mile (7-8 hr.)round-trip hike up the Horsethief Trail to the Bridge of Heaven. Elevation reaches 12,700 feet.

Some of the most popular local trails are in the Amphitheater east of Ouray, up the Blue Lakes 45 minutes west of Ridgway, Camp Bird Road (CR361) trails, Dallas, Twin Peaks and Silvershield near Ouray. Other opportunities for finding high and remote backcountry trails are nearly limitless. Most hikers know this terrain is generally steeper than that in other mountain ranges in Colorado, so hiking times for various distances may be slightly different than what you are accustomed to elsewhere.

Mountain weather changes quickly. Be sure to bring extra sweaters and jackets and don’t forget rain gear. Afternoon showers in the high country are common in the summer. Remember to wear sunglasses and sun block to protect yourself from the sun’s rays at this high altitude. It is always a wise choice to check on trail conditions before heading out into the high country. A detailed list describing local trails and current conditions can be found at the Ouray Trails Group website.

Visitors should consider purchasing a Search & Rescue Card. For only $3.00 a year or $12.00 for five-years, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts are covered by the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Fund (COSAR). This fund reimburses counties for large costs associated with backcountry rescues. These cards are available at Ouray Mountain Sports.

Remember to protect these trails: “Take only pictures, and leave only footprints."

Many of the area hikes are relatively difficult compared to most flatland trails. The Hiking Trails of Ouray County, a customized area topographical map and guide, is an excellent source for detailed information regarding the difficulty level, attractions, hazards and location of the trailhead for each of our area hikes. This map is issued by Ouray Trails Group.

Some hiking trails cross private property. Be sure to respect this land by staying on the trail. Pack out garbage and leave old buildings, flora and fauna undisturbed. Leave only footprints.