Chasing Waterfalls and Mountain Views: A Weekend Adventure in Ouray

Ouray had been on our adventure list for a while, and finally, Bill and I made the trip! Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is often called the “Switzerland of America,” and after just one weekend, I completely understood why. Towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking canyons made this one of the most scenic trips we’ve taken together.

For our stay, we checked into Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs, a peaceful retreat nestled against the mountains, complete with hot springs grotto. It was the perfect base for our adventures—comfortable, cozy, and best of all, a hot soak waiting for us at the end of each day.

Day 1: Waterfalls, Trails, and Hot Tubs

Ouray welcomed us with the sound of rushing water—so many waterfalls from the snowmelt that I lost count. The whole landscape felt alive, with streams spilling over cliffs, feeding the lush greenery of late spring.

Box Cañon Falls: The Roaring Heart of Ouray

No visit to Ouray is complete without experiencing the raw power of Box Cañon Falls. This breathtaking natural wonder is where Canyon Creek forcefully carves its way through a narrow quartzite canyon, plummeting 85 feet into a deep, echoing chasm. Tucked within Box Cañon Park, this geological marvel feels like nature’s amphitheater, with towering rock walls amplifying the thunderous roar of the falls.

A Natural Amphitheater of Sound and Mist
The moment we stepped into the canyon, we were surrounded by the booming echoes of rushing water, bouncing off the sheer cliffs. A metal walkway clings to the rock face, guiding visitors into the cavern-like gorge, where the mist from the falls cools the air. The sight of water surging through the tight canyon walls, crashing relentlessly into the basin below, was both humbling and exhilarating—a reminder of nature’s raw power.

Box Cañon’s Trails and Overlooks
Beyond the falls themselves, Box Cañon Park offers a few short but rewarding trails that provide different perspectives of this dramatic landscape:

Lower Falls Walkway – A quick, easy stroll along the elevated metal path takes you directly into the heart of the canyon, offering an intimate, up-close view of the falls.
High Bridge Trail – For those craving a bird’s-eye view, this moderate trail climbs above the gorge, revealing stunning panoramas of Ouray, the rugged San Juan Mountains, and the narrow canyon far below.

Standing on the High Bridge, looking down at the sheer rock walls with the waterfall roaring beneath us, we couldn’t help but feel completely immersed in the wild beauty of Ouray.

Stepping Onto the Ouray Perimeter Trail

Leaving Box Cañon Falls, we immediately stepped onto the Ouray Perimeter Trail, a spectacular 6-mile loop that encircles the entire town, weaving through forests, crossing bridges, and climbing to incredible viewpoints high above Ouray. This trail truly gives you a 360-degree experience of the area, with constantly changing scenery that kept us excited for every turn ahead.

The first stretch of the trail led us along the cliffs, where we had panoramic views of Ouray, framed by the dramatic peaks of the San Juan Mountains. The narrow, winding path hugged the rock face before descending into a dense pine forest, offering welcome shade as we continued our journey.

Ouray’s Baby Bathtubs: Nature’s Rock Pools

One of the most unique stops along the trail was the Ouray Baby Bathtubs, where the rushing creek has carved smooth, water-filled potholes into the rock, creating natural plunge pools. Though tempting, a few cautious toe-dips quickly confirmed the water’s icy bite, so we opted to stay dry and simply admire the crystal-clear pools as they swirled through the smooth rock formations, shimmering in the sunlight.

Cascade Falls: A Grand Finale

As we neared the end of the trail, we were greeted by the thundering 270-foot drop of Cascade Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls in Ouray. Watching the powerful stream tumble down the sheer cliffside, creating a fine mist that cooled the air around us, was mesmerizing. After a long hike, standing beneath this towering cascade felt like the perfect reward—a final, breathtaking reminder of why Ouray is one of the most magical mountain towns in Colorado.

Unwinding at Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs

After a full day of exploring, we made our way back to the Twin Peaks Lodge, grabbed some food along the way, and relaxed in the hot springs, letting the natural mineral waters ease our tired legs. Nothing beats ending a day of hiking with a soak.

Day 2: The Million Dollar Highway & Silverton

Driving the Million Dollar Highway

The next day, we set out on one of the most legendary scenic drives in the country—the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550). The narrow, winding road hugged the cliffs, revealing jaw-dropping drop-offs and spectacular scenery around every bend.

We made a quick stop at Bear Creek Falls, where a powerful 150-foot waterfall plunged into the gorge right beside the highway. The force of the water was incredible, sending mist into the air as it crashed onto the rocks below.

At the same stop, we stood in awe of Ralston Creek Falls, a breathtaking 450-foot ribbon of water tumbling down the rugged cliffside. Its delicate yet powerful descent created a mesmerizing contrast against the jagged rock, almost as if liquid silver was being poured from the sky. The sheer height of the waterfall made it feel otherworldly, vanishing into the depths of the canyon below, where its final destination remained hidden from view.

A Step Back in Time: Silverton

Arriving in Silverton felt like stepping back in time, where the spirit of the Old West meets endless outdoor adventure. Nestled in a high alpine valley, this historic mining town still radiates its rugged frontier charm. We wandered along the dirt roads of the historic district, admiring the well-preserved 19th-century buildings and soaking in the town’s timeless character. Just as we arrived, the legendary Silverton-Durango train pulled into the station, its whistle echoing through the valley—a perfect welcome to this living piece of Colorado’s Wild West history.

For lunch, we grabbed a bite at The Shady Lady, a saloon-style eatery in one of the town’s most historic buildings. The atmosphere was fun, the food was great, and it felt like the perfect way to experience Silverton’s Wild West past.

Day 3: Curecanti National Recreation Area & Redstone

On our final day, we set out for a scenic drive along Highway 92 & 133, making stops at some of the most stunning overlooks in Curecanti National Recreation Area. This vast, untamed landscape follows the deep, winding canyons carved by the Gunnison River, offering a mix of towering cliffs, shimmering reservoirs, and rugged wilderness.

Exploring Curecanti National Recreation Area

Stretching for 41 miles along the Gunnison River, Curecanti National Recreation Area is home to three major reservoirs—Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal—all nestled within dramatic canyon landscapes. The area has some of the best views in Colorado hidden along its winding backroads and scenic overlooks.

We stopped at Pioneer Point, a breathtaking overlook where we could see the Curecanti Needle, a striking 700-foot rock spire that juts up from the canyon floor. This dramatic rock formation was once a famous landmark along the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, standing as a sentinel over the steep, sheer walls of the Black Canyon-like gorge.

Driving deeper into the recreation area, we were mesmerized by the sheer scale of the Gunnison River, which cuts through layers of ancient rock, creating towering cliffs and winding waterways that look almost untouched by time. At Hermits Rest Overlook, we took a moment to soak in the views—deep canyons stretching endlessly into the distance, with the river glistening far below.

While we didn’t have time to explore the hiking trails leading down into the canyon, we made a mental note to return and tackle one of the steep descents to the Gunnison River, where adventure meets solitude in the depths of this awe-inspiring landscape.

We took our time, exploring the different overlooks, marveling at how the Gunnison River has carved through the rock over time. The views from Hermits Rest were especially stunning, with the deep canyon stretching endlessly before us.

Redstone: A Step Back in Time

As we continued along Highway 133, we found ourselves in the quaint mountain town of Redstone, known for its rich mining history and unique architecture. Nestled in a picturesque valley along the Crystal River, Redstone feels like a living museum of Colorado’s industrial past, with historic buildings and fascinating remnants from the coal mining boom of the late 19th century.

The Historic Redstone Coke Ovens

One of the most intriguing stops in Redstone was the Historic Coke Ovens, a row of beehive-shaped stone structures that once played a crucial role in fueling Colorado’s early steel industry. Built in the 1890s, these nearly 200 ovens were used to refine coal into coke, a high-carbon fuel needed for smelting iron ore.

Standing before them, it was easy to imagine the days when these ovens were ablaze, filling the valley with smoke as miners and steelworkers toiled to fuel the expanding railroad and steel industries. Now preserved as a historic site, the ovens stand as silent witnesses to Redstone’s industrial past, their weathered stone exteriors blending into the rugged mountain backdrop.

Hayes Creek Falls – A Hidden Gem in Full Flow

Before leaving Redstone, we made a quick stop at Hayes Creek Falls, a small but beautiful roadside waterfall along Highway 133. We were lucky to catch it in full force, thanks to the spring runoff, which had transformed the falls into a rushing cascade of white water. The powerful flow sent mist into the air, and we stood for a while, simply taking in the sound of the water tumbling over the rocks. Though not as massive as some of the waterfalls we had seen earlier in the trip, its raw energy and the surrounding lush greenery made it feel like a hidden oasis—a perfect final stop before heading home.

Final Thoughts: A Journey Through Time and Nature

This trip had everything—majestic waterfalls, unforgettable hikes, historic towns, scenic drives, and moments of pure serenity. Every turn revealed something new, whether it was the thunderous roar of Box Cañon Falls, the breathtaking views from the Ouray Perimeter Trail, or the winding roads of the Million Dollar Highway.

Staying at Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs added a special touch to the adventure. After long days of hiking and exploring, sinking into the mineral-rich waters while gazing up at the surrounding peaks felt like the perfect reward. It wasn’t just a place to rest—it was part of the experience.

But even after three packed days, it still feels like we’ve only begun to uncover the magic of this region. The towering peaks of the San Juans, the deep canyons of Curecanti, and the hidden trails that snake through history all call us back. Next time, we plan to take the adventure even further—maybe venturing off-road on one of the legendary jeep trails, climbing higher into the mountains, or exploring more of the rugged backcountry.

One thing is certain—this won’t be our last trip to Ouray.

Have you been to Ouray? What was your favorite stop? Let me know in the comments!