One Day In Ouray, Colorado: Easy Day Trip Itinerary

Ouray is one of the many stunning towns in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. This remote region is known for outstanding mountain views and just about any adventure you can think up. There’s excellent Jeep and 4×4 routes, gorgeous hikes, rock climbing, via ferratas, and more.

A stop in Ouray is a must for many exploring the region. I stopped in Ouray as part of a summer road trip and loved visiting this town (despite living in Colorado, it took me years to finally get here!). Ouray has a ton to offer, and a longer stay is best, but I understand it’s not alway possible.

So, if you’re planning a quick trip to Ouray and wondering what to do, below is an easy one day Ouray itinerary based on my visit.

Waterfall coming out of chasm below highway with mountain peak views in background. Bear Creek Falls Scenic Overlook, Million Dollar Highway, near Ouray, Colorado. — One day in Ouray, Colorado

Colorful and brick buildings of mining-boom era lining street, with huge rocky mountain cliff in background on sunny summer day. Main Street, Ouray, Colorado. — One day in Ouray, Colorado

Table of Contents

What To Do With One Day In Ouray: Day Trip Itinerary

Drive The Million Dollar Highway

If visiting Ouray for just a day, it’s very likely you’re stopping through via the Million Dollar Highway.

The Million Dollar Highway is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States. The famed portion of this route stretches 25 miles along US 550 between Silverton and Ouray.

It’s characterized by hair-raising sharp turns and steep drop-offs with no guardrails. But nonetheless, it’s extremely popular, which is a testament to the beauty found along this route.

If arriving to Ouray from the south, Durango or Silverton, you will follow the Million Dollar Highway. Those coming in from the north or from Telluride, consider adding this scenic drive to your day itinerary. It takes about 2 -3 hours to drive from Ouray to Silverton and back. It’s worth driving just a bit if that’s all you have time for.

For more information, check out Driving The Million Dollar Highway: The Best Stops

Red Mountain Overlook old mine san juan mountains million dollar highway us 550 colorado — The Million Dollar Highway – just south of Ouray

bear creek falls overlook million dollar highway us 550 near ouray colorado — The Million Dollar Highway – just south of Ouray

Box Canyon Falls Park

One of the most popular things to do with a day in Ouray is visit Box Canyon Falls Park. This spot is so beautiful! The park’s main feature is a 285-foot waterfall powering through a super narrow quartzite chasm which eventually meets up with the Uncompahgre River.

Aside from an area of outstanding natural beauty, it offers wonderful hiking trails and is easily accessible from the town of Ouray.

If that’s not enough, this is a magical place to bird watch. Keep an eye out for the Black Swifts, a colony of these rare birds nests here in summer under the close watch of ornithologists and bird lovers.

Give yourself about an hour here. I recommend arriving early if possible, it can get quite crowded.

box canyon falls park ouray colorado — Box Canyon Falls Park

box canyon falls park narrow canyon ouray colorado — Box Canyon Falls Park

Hike The Perimeter Trail

Box Canyon Falls Park connects to the High Bridge and the Perimeter Trail. We hiked a small portion of this trail before heading back into town.

If you’re up for a full hike, I recommend following the entire Perimeter Trail. This hike is extremely popular, it encircles Ouray, with excellent views along the way.

The trail is a 5.4 mile loop, with 1,500 foot elevation change, rated moderate. Take the moderate rating with a grain of salt, this hike is surprisingly difficult, with many ups and downs and steep drop-offs. It’s also very exposed to sun, so you’ll need sun protection and plenty of water.

Plan for about 3 hours to complete the hike.

Note: Those up for a big adventure, consider traversing the Ouray Via Ferrata through the Uncompahgre Gorge instead. There’s three stunning routes to choose from, you’ll need to budget 3 – 5 hours for this excursion.

perimeter trail hiking ouray colorado summer — Hiking the Perimeter Trail in Ouray

Hike Lower Cascade Falls

After following a bit of the Perimeter Trail, make your way through town and over to Lower Cascade Falls.

(Those sticking to the Perimeter Trail, you can access this waterfall from the Perimeter Trail as well.)

It’s a short but fairly steep hike from town to the falls, once here, visitors are able to walk right up to the base. It’s a great spot to rest and enjoy a snack.

Since the waterfall is so close to town, you only need about 30 minutes for this excursion.

lower cascade falls ouray colorado hike — Lower Cascade Falls

Walk The Shops On Main Street

After visiting the waterfalls, walk the shops along Main Street. There’s a lot to check out here, like boutique shops, art galleries, outdoor gear stores, souvenir shops, and more. All of which are tucked into extremely photogenic historic buildings.

Main Street is part of the Ouray Historic District, the buildings here are 100+ years old and built in elaborate Italianate and Victorian styles. This is a very uncommon building style for Colorado mountain towns, you’ll find yourself stopping for lots of photos.

We spent about an hour and a half walking around and browsing the shops, but you could easily budget more or less time depending on your preferences.

shopping downtown ouray colorado historic district — Downtown Ouray

Historic brick building with ornate details, domed tower, and arched windows backed by dramatic mountain views on a sunny summer day. Main Street, Ouray, Colorado. — Downtown Ouray

Ouray Alchemist Pharmacy Museum

If time permits, consider touring the Ouray Alchemist Pharmacy Museum, located in downtown Ouray.

Owned by two registered pharmacists, this museum provides a wonderful account of historical medical necessities to deal with various ailments. Everything from altitude sickness to personal hygiene!

Tours are provided and usually last around two hours where you can learn about the oddities surrounding the pre-modern world of alchemy. Don’t forget to check out the oldest prescription ever written in Colorado!

Grab Drinks & Dinner At Ouray Brewery

Next, head to Ouray Brewery for an early dinner.

This beloved brewery has a rooftop deck with great views, plus cold beer and delicious food. As a result, the line to get into this place can get quite long, which is why I recommend you eat at an off time.

The views, burgers, and vibes are all great and I say it’s worth the wait to eat here, but I really recommend avoiding peak hours, especially if you only have a little time in Ouray.

Burger lunch on rooftop deck overlooking Main Street and mountain views on sunny summer day. Ouray Brewery, Ouray, Colorado. — Ouray Brewery rooftop views

rooftop bar views of downtown ouray from ouray brewery colorado — Ouray Brewery rooftop views

Ouray Hot Springs

Finally, wrap up your day in Ouray relaxing at at Ouray Hot Springs, one of the town’s most famous attractions.

These are developed hot springs, meaning they look like a typical pool, but still offer the healing properties of natural hot springs.

The complex has various pool options, including lap pools, kid areas, and adult-only pools. No matter which pool you’re in, the views are incredible.

I recommend visiting around sunset in summer, it’s quite hot during midday. Plus, this is the perfect place to wrap up your day in Ouray!

Tip: Bring your own towel to avoid a fee and bring quarters if you wish to use the lockers.

For a full list of hot springs in Ouray, check out The Best Hot Springs In Ouray.

Large developed hot spring pools full of people, with hot springs overlooking huge mountain peaks on partly cloudy summer evening. Ouray Hot Springs, Ouray, Colorado. — Ouray Hot Springs

Additional Things To Do During A Ouray Day Trip

Have more time? Or wish to mix up the itinerary a bit? Below are additional things to do in Ouray:

Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour – tour a former silver and gold mine.
Wright Opera House – catch a show or event at this historic Opera House built in 1888.
Ouray Via Ferrata – experience the beauty of the Uncompahgre Gorge from high above on this adventurous climbing route.
Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodging – four words: vapor cave hot springs.

For more ideas, check out: Top Things To Do During Summer In Ouray.

Things To Do In Ouray In Winter Or Spring

The above itinerary is best followed in summer or fall. Planning a visit in winter or spring? Consider adding one of the following attractions to your itinerary instead:

Stop by Ouray Ice Park to watch the ice climbers.
Soak in snowy outdoor hot springs.
Enjoy ice skating or snowshoeing.

Getting To Ouray

If visiting Ouray for just a day, I assume you’re coming in from a nearby town as part of a road trip.

Below is the distance to Ouray from some of its neighboring towns:

Ridgway – 15 minutes (10 miles) to Ouray
Silverton – 45 minutes (23 miles) to Ouray
Telluride – 1 hour, 5 minutes (50 miles) to Ouray
Durango – 1 hour, 45 minutes (70 miles) to Ouray
Grand Junction – 1 hour, 55 minutes (95 miles) to Ouray
Lake City – 2 hours, 35 minutes (118 miles) to Ouray via highway. (Lake City is also accessible from Ouray via various Jeep routes – the distance is much shorter, roughly 30 miles, but it will take longer than driving the highway. The Jeep routes are for high-clearance vehicles and experienced off-roaders only).

For most, getting here is pretty straight forward, it’s likely you’ll follow a 2-lane highway the entire way.

If driving in from south of Ouray (around Durango or Silverton), you will be driving US 550, portions of this highway have very steep drop-offs with no guardrails. Check out road conditions at Colorado Department of Transportation.

Those coming in via Jeep and 4×4 routes, you’ll be in good company, Ouray is nicknamed the “Jeep Capital of America.” There are a lot of 4×4 enthusiasts passing through during summer.

Blue Jeep driving winding mountain road on sunny summer day with pine trees and mountain views in background. Million Dollar Highway US 550 near Ouray and Silverton, Colorado. — Driving the Million Dollar Highway just south of Ouray

Getting Around Ouray

Once in Ouray, there’s quite a bit visitors can see without a car, the town is small and easily walkable.

In fact, the entire one day itinerary above can be done without a car, with the exception of the Million Dollar Highway.

Where To Stay In Ouray

There are numerous hotel options in Ouray, most are small and of the boutique variety, chain hotels are very limited. If only staying for a day, it’s advantageous to book a hotel in downtown Ouray.

We had a lovely stay at a small hotel in downtown Ouray, Ouray Inn. It’s a great budget-friendly option in a central location, we were within walking distance of many restaurants and attractions such as Box Canyon Falls and Ouray Hot Springs.

Hotels book out in advance and many require a minimum stay during peak season. The minimum stay requirement may be troublesome for those only visiting for a day. It’s worth calling a hotel to see if they’ll make an exception — an exception is much more likely for those visiting on a weekday or towards the end or beginning of peak season.

A few centrally-located hotels in Ouray are:

For lots more information, check out Ouray Hotels: Best Places To Stay.

For information regarding camping in Ouray, head over to Visit Ouray Camping.

wildlife deer oustide hotel ouray inn ouray colorado — A deer outside our hotel at Ouray Inn

One day in Ouray is hardly enough, there’s so much to do here! But this itinerary should check off some of the town’s most beloved attractions. I hope you enjoy your quick trip to the “Switzerland of America” and have the best time!

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more information? Head on over to Visit Ouray or check out my additional Ouray and Colorado guides below!

One Day In Ouray, Colorado: Easy Day Trip Itinerary