Spring is around the corner and the summer vibes will soon follow. With its penchant for natural sights, Ouray, Colorado is one of the best places to spend a summer vacation. If you want to get a feel for the flora and fauna, a hiking experience on the six-mile Ouray Perimeter Trail may be just the solution.
The Perimeter Trail in Ouray offers a unique combination of landscape, scenery, a quartet of waterfalls, several bridges, up-close geology, and a concealed troll. Hiking takes up to five hours and requires about 1,600 feet of elevation gain and loss. Trekking poles and decent boots are particularly recommended. On the east side of US 550, across from the Ouray Visitors’ Center, the trail kicks off. There is free parking by the back of the Visitor’s Center.
Until you hit Pinecrest Road, you have the choice of returning to town, but there remains much to see. The Perimeter Trail leads down into Oak Creek Canyon, which is steep and rocky. Ascend the stairs at the Oak Creek bridge and take the trail to exit the canyon and reach Henn’s Overlook, another fantastic viewpoint. From this spot, follow the signs and the path downhill to get back to where you started.
The fact that the Perimeter Trail is always at least 500 feet vertically or 12 miles horizontally from Ouray’s city limits is a common attribute. As a result, there are many points along the trail’s course where hikers can exit and return to town without the need to complete the trail in its entirety. On the diagram, some of those access points are labeled.
Should you wish to experience Ouray Perimeter Trail, we provide Ouray Colorado lodging accommodations. Our rooms are comfy and we can guide you on where to go to experience the “Switzerland of America” and all that it has to offer.