Ouray, pronounced “Your-ray” is a small western town filled with country saloons, beautiful hikes, little boutiques, and the famous Million Dollar Highway. Summers in Ouray are stunning as wildflowers grow freely in the forest, snowmelt forms flowing waterfalls, and the downtown welcomes tourists from all over!

Ouray’s location:

Ouray is in western Colorado, about an hour from Telluride. Ouray is approximately a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver and just over five-hours from Colorado Springs (GoogleMaps, 2022). There isn’t an airport in Ouray, but there are airports nearby in Telluride, and Montrose (GoogleMaps, 2022). I would recommend driving to Ouray if possible, as driving on the Million Dollar Highway is a must! So, buckle your seat belts, grab your hiking shoes and let’s explore the best of Ouray in the summer!

The Best Things To Do in Ouray in the Summer

1. Hike the Ouray Perimeter trail

Trail distance: 6 miles
Distance from downtown Ouray: 0.5 miles

This hike has it all, including waterfalls, cliffs, rocks, and a bird’s eye view of downtown. I would consider this hike difficult for some hikers as there are many hills, narrow paths, and some slippery rocks. Overall, the trail is easy to follow and is a 6-mile loop that ends near the start (near downtown Ouray). When I hiked this trail in June, I admittedly struggled with some of the hills due to the heat. I would not recommend hiking this trail during the day when the sun is at it’s peak. However, after completing this hike, I felt accomplished, strong, and calm as I soaked in all the beautiful mountain views making it my favorite thing to do in Ouray!

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2. 4 X 4 Jeep Tour of the Yankee Boy Basin and Part of Imogene’s Pass

I was a little skeptical about doing a 4 x 4 jeep tour in Ouray, mainly because it seemed touristy and a little scary… and yes, Imogene Pass was probably the most nerve-racking road I’ve ever been on (we only did part of it). It’s a narrow road with no guard rails, sheer drop-offs, and huge rocks you must drive over. I knew I didn’t want to drive this road, but the adventurous side in me had to see it and I am glad I did! The jeep company (Alpine Scenic 4X4 tours) had experienced drivers driving the narrow road and vehicles that trekked through water and over large rocks, which made for a safe but adrenaline-packed adventure. This 4-hour trip to Yankee Boy Basin had amazing mountain views and was definitely one for the books!

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3.  Drive the Million Dollar Highway

This highway is supposedly one of the most beautiful but scariest highways in the U.S.. Many areas along the famous highway have no guard rails, steep drop-offs, hairpin turns, and few pull-off areas. However, the road was well maintained and wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. The million-dollar highway section runs from Ouray to Silverton, C.O., and has spectacular mountain views making it a fun, curvy drive. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour (depending on traffic) to get to Silverton via the million-dollar highway, which is a great excuse to visit Silverton and enjoy all the views along the way.

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4. Shop in downtown Ouray

The charming, western vibe of downtown Ouray will have you feeling like you stepped into a different era. The downtown is filled with antique shops, saloons, and historic hotels. The locals’ hospitality was memorable as the staff frequently struck up conversations with visitors when shopping or eating at a restaurant. You do not want to miss checking out this adorable down that has a 360 view of the mountains!

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5. Enjoy a free outdoor concert on Thursday night

The Best Restaurants in Ouray

This restaurant is a little expensive but has some spectacular American food. This was the first place I tried elk, which tastes like a leaner type of beef; I loved it! The Brickhouse 737 also has many fancy cocktails, indoor and outdoor seating, and a nice bar. This is the perfect place for an intimate date night!

2. Mi Mexico

This is a great spot to have lunch after a strenuous hike! Maggie’s has a variety of sandwiches and burgers to choose from, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. You order at the main counter, pick up your food, and grab a seat making this a great, quick place to stop for lunch.

5. Mouse’s Chocolates and Coffee

Ice cream and vacation belong together! The chocolate ice cream is delicious! In addition, there are candy toppings, coffee, tea, and homemade chocolates served. This place is the perfect spot for an after-dinner treat!

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A 2-Day Sample Travel Itinerary For Ouray, C.O

Day 1
7:00 AM – 11:30 AM	Hike the Ouray Perimeter Trail
12:30 PM- 1:30 PM	Have lunch at Maggie’s Café:
3:30 PM- 5:00 PM	Explore and shop in downtown Ouray
6:30 PM- 8:00 PM	Enjoy dinner at Brickhouse 737
7:30 PM	Grab some ice cream at Mouse’s Chocolates and Coffee

Day 2
8:00 AM – 12:30 PM	Take a 4×4 tour to Yankee Boy Basin
12:30 PM- 1:30 PM	Have lunch at Colorado Boy
4:00 PM- 6:00 PM	Drive the Million Dollar Highway for scenic views
6:30 PM- 7:30 PM	Have dinner at Mi Mexico

Please always check trail-specific information and use your best judgment regarding all trail warnings, closures, weather, and road closures/conditions before heading out for a hike. Also, check other sources for restaurants’ hours, availability, closures, and contact information before making plans.

None of my recommendations of things to do in Ouray, C.O. were sponsored or discounted and, as always, reflect my honest opinion.