VisitOurayCo
Learn How You Can Do Ouray Right
Ouray, Colorado, United States
Ouray, Colorado, known as the "Switzerland of America," is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its pristine beauty and unique cultural heritage make it a must-visit spot for travelers from all around the world. However, with increasing tourism and human activity in the area, it's important to recognize the significance of treating Ouray with respect and responsibility. As visitors, we have a duty to preserve and protect this beautiful landscape for future generations. By adopting sustainable practices and minimizing our impact on the environment, we can ensure that Ouray remains a treasured destination for years to come.
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1) Be Patient and Kind
Practice patience and kindness in Ouray, where life sometimes moves at a different pace.
Ouray, Colorado, United States
Ouray is a special place and we're pleased to share it with visitors who appreciate our natural beauty, slower pace and friendly vibe. When you're visiting Ouray, we invite you to slow down, breathe in the clean mountain air and put a smile on your face. After all, you're visiting one of the most beautiful places on earth! A little kindness and patience go a long way if service is a little more relaxed than you're used to, traffic moves slowly in town or parking is tough to come by. And yes, we know the views are A-MAZE-ING but please pull over to take that prize-worthy photo!
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2) Choosing a Campsite
Be a happy camper! Camp on durable, previously used sites, and leave only memories.
Ouray, Colorado, United States
Ouray and the surrounding San Juan Mountains afford campers of all types an opportunity to experience breathtaking scenery, incredible night skies and endless opportunities for exploration. Exceptional camping options range from dispersed camping to designated campgrounds, even full-service RV parks. Designated camping spots and full-service RV parks fill up when the temperatures warm-up, so make your reservation online ahead of time. Dispersed camping is free primitive, first-come, first-served camping available on public lands such as those managed by the US Forest Service. Tips on choosing the best dispersed campsite? Check regulations before you leave home, and camp only in previously camped in areas that are 100 feet or more from water. Plan to be entirely self-reliant as services and facilities such as trash cans and trash removal, tables, fire pits and toilets are not provided. Campers must be prepared to use only the areas that are previously impacted by camping, and pack out everything they brought in - that means all trash and human and dog waste.
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3) Know Before You Go
The climb is better when you know the ropes.
Ouray, Colorado, United States
Are you new to adventuring in the mountains? Many of the adventures in and around Ouray require a high level of technical skills, proper equipment, physical fitness and knowledge of the area. Your best bet? Hire a guide from one of our many highly skilled guide services!
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3b) Know Before You Go
Plan ahead for maximum peace and minimum peeps.
Ouray, Colorado, United States
Let's face it, like many special places, Ouray is being discovered! You can still enjoy a trip in the mountains with preparation and planning. If you're seeking solitude, plan to visit during less busy times, such as during the week in peak summer season, and consider Ouray for a spring, fall or winter trip. If exploring the backcountry is on your to-do list, have a Plan B if you show up and the trailhead parking is full. Avoid parking on the roads or blocking trailhead access as this can hamper rescue efforts.
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4) Pack It In, Pack It Out
Pack out what you packed in, yep - even the poop.
Ouray, Colorado, United States
The mountains surrounding Ouray are rugged and wild, and we need your help to keep them this way. Keep in mind you might not find services you're used to, like restrooms and trash cans. Be prepared to pack out everything you pack in, including trash, human waste and dog waste. Plan a visit to the Ouray Visitor Center before your adventure for human and dog waste bags and proper backcountry poop etiquette.
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5) Respect the Trail
Keep your wheels on the road and a smile on your face.
Ouray, Colorado, United States
OHVs are incredibly popular in Ouray as they allow us to travel faster and further into the backcountry and explore areas that take more human-powered effort to get there. With this privilege comes the responsibility to be considerate of fellow wheeled and non-wheeled adventurers, wildlife, and the fragile high alpine ecosystem. Before heading out, be sure to check in with local tour and rental shops for current trail conditions and always follow the Stay the Trail etiquette.
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6) Slow Down and Enjoy
Enjoy the drive - Ouray and all its splendor will be here no matter when you arrive.
Ouray, Colorado, United States
Whether you're driving to Ouray from the east, west, north or south, you'll encounter mountain passes, summer construction projects, and frequent changes in weather and road conditions. We encourage you to plan ahead and understand that 30 miles in the mountains will likely take much longer than 30 minutes. Pack water, snacks and plenty of layers for stopping at those incredible high alpine vista points. Traveling in the mountains is a good time to take it slow, revel in the scenery and give other drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and wildlife plenty of space. Once you're in Ouray, enjoy this beautiful and historic town by parking your vehicle in a designated spot and exploring on foot. All the better to get the perfect, prize-winning photo!
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7) Be Prepared for Winter
Make sure you and your car are winter ready. Check the weather and load up on essentials.
Ouray, Colorado, United States
Driving through Colorado’s high country offers unique challenges no matter what season you're visiting. Check CoTrip.org before you pack up the car and Follow Colorado Department Of Transportation (CDOT's) helpful mountain driving tips and get to Ouray safely. The views will still be here! Colorado has Passenger Traction and Chain Law in effect from September through May so make sure your tires have adequate tread. Be aware of changing weather conditions and always check road conditions before heading out. Make sure you and your vehicle are ready for mountain travel by packing the essentials, as recommended by CDOT: Sturdy scraper/snow brush/snow shovel to clear snow Flashlight with extra batteries or crank-powered flashlight Blanket or sleeping bag Gallon jug of water First aid kit and essential medications Tire chains and tow strap Jumper cables Flares/reflectors to signal for help and warn other motorists Battery or crank-powered radio to listen to emergency broadcasts Once you're in Ouray, Slow down, give other drivers and pedestrians plenty of space and be mindful of parking. Try not to park on a slope that might be difficult to back out from. If you do get stuck, don’t worry, it has happened to the best of us. Try the Ouray Way to get unstuck: carry Auto Socks with you in the winter. They're like tire chains, but more portable and easier to manage.