The Best Camping in Ouray

The Uncompahgre Wilderness stretches out through the mountains and forests of southwestern Colorado, with worn trails lingering beside abandoned 19th-century mines and crossing old alpine sheep pastures. Dragon's Back is the unofficial name for Point 12,968', a small but beautiful summit at the b...

Bear Creek Trail, which leads to Grizzly Mine, is located just 2 miles outside of Ouray, Colorado on Highway 550 immediately following the first tunnel. There's two parking lots, a large one and a small one, the trail leads from the small parking lot over the tunnel and highway. There are no bath...

California Pass’s summit is a jaw dropping 12,960 feet above sea level. A long way from the valley floor, California Gulch, but, as drivers start their trek, the valley floor starts to shrink and gives way to steep climbs and switchbacks. Off road vehicles are needed to reach the top, and drivers...

Spending much of the trek above tree line, Hurricane Pass is situated at 12,730 feet above sea level and offers up views of Poughkeepsie Gulch (a more extreme off-road trail) and sapphire blue mountain lakes, such as Lake Como. One of the most beautiful roads in the lower 48 states, Hurricane Pas...

The ghost town of Animas Forks, CO is located in the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of 11,200 feet. There are several original buildings remaining. The best way to explore the region is by Jeep or other high-clearance 4×4. The cabins began being built by prospectors in 1873. Three rivers meet...

Wetterhorn Basin via West Fork Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Lake City, Colorado.

Sneffels Highline Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Telluride, Colorado.

Bear Creek, Wasatch, and Bridal Veil Trails Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Telluride, Colorado.

This trip is for the lover of solitude and the appreciator of the unscathed backcountry. Wetterhorn Basin is in the heart of the beautiful San Juan Mountain range in Southwestern Colorado.With a 4WD high clearance vehicle start at the West Cimarron Trailhead at 10,750 feet (38.1117N -107.5533W),...

Owl Creek Pass Road OHV Route is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Ridgway, Colorado.

Columbine Lake Trail #509 is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Silverton, Colorado.

Note: Camping is permitted around the lake. There are approximately 20 undeveloped campsites. For more information, head to the US Forest Service website. Camping Facilities20 campsites that are completely undevelopedCamping is permitted at only the designated campsitesPortable toilets are avail...

Swamp Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Ophir, Colorado.

Alta to Sunshine Trail is an out-and-back trail located near Telluride, Colorado.

Ridgway Reservoir is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Ridgway, Colorado.

The road to Clear Lake offers wonderful views of the South Fork Mineral Creek, and the San Juan Mountains. Some people make the 9-mile round-trip hike with 2,600 feet of elevation gain, others drive as far as their vehicle will allow and hike from there, and some make the drive all the way up. It...