Ouray Live Cam

Surrounded by the mountains it is only natural to want to go exploring. There are many trails from each of the mountain towns that reward the day hiker or the hardened back packer.

The ultimate challenge is perhaps the Colorado Trail which links Denver and Durango passing through the heart of the Rockies. This trail is very challenging in parts but offers many opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers to enjoy some solitude and alpine scenery. Further long distance adventures are to be had on the Highline, Bear Creek and Calico trails, each exploring a different area within the San Juan National Forest.

The Uncompahgre Riverway runs the 65 miles or so from Ouray to Delta along the Uncompahgre River. It is under construction but already has several extended sections ideally suited to leisurely exploration and recreation.

For shorter forays into nature try some of these destinations.

A particularly nice half day can be spent exploring the beaver ponds and trail to Potato Lake off the San Juan Highway between Durango and Silverton. Here are some others:

Box Canyon Falls (Ouray / short hike) - a 280 ft waterfall crashing into a cave before rushing down into Box Canyon below.

Bridal Veil Falls (Telluride / hike or bike) - even taller at 365 ft, the Bridal Veil falls are one of Colorado's finest. The best time to go is spring with wild flowers lining the route in abundance.

Red Mountain Pass (Silverton / hike or bike) - explore the ghost towns or just soak up the view along the backroads in the area.

Ridgway State Park - (Ridgway / hike or bike) - 15 miles of trails skirt Ridgway Resevoir.

In truth, there is little that you can do wrong in the San Juan's by stopping wherever takes your fancy and following a trail.

Winter Fun

When the snow comes the San Juan's become a winter wonderland for sports and recreation. The ski resorts in the area offer world class skiing with fabulous snow without the prices attached to the mega-resorts. The area also benefits from other attractions such as hot springs, ice lakes, cross country trails and ice climbing.

Telluride - This victorian mining town at the head of a dramatic valley is now a key ski desitnation. The town boasts the world's longest ski lift ride and over 60 runs as well as plentiful cross country trails.

Purgatory - With award winning snow and 75 runs, the Purgatory ski area serves Durango and the outlying regions. The resort has a good reputation for quality skiing and a fun atmosphere.

Wolf Creek - On the Eastern edge of the San Juan's near Pagosa Springs, this area gets more snow than anywhere else in the state. It is also cheaper than many of the other resorts.