Things to Do in Ouray, Colorado: 13 Best Summer Activities
Looking for the best things to do in Ouray, Colorado? Tucked into the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is one of Colorado’s most scenic small towns, known for waterfalls, hot springs, rugged hiking trails, historic mining sites, off-road adventures, and a charming downtown surrounded by dramatic mountain views.
Whether you are planning a summer weekend, a family trip, a romantic mountain getaway, or a visit around the Ouray International Film Festival in June, there are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Ouray. From Box Cañon Falls to the Perimeter Trail, here are some of the best activities, attractions, and experiences to add to your Ouray itinerary.
1. Attend the Ouray International Film Festival
One of the most unique things to do in Ouray is attend the Ouray International Film Festival, held annually in June. The festival brings together filmmakers, movie lovers, artists, and travelers for a weekend of films, panel discussions, parties, and mountain views.
Unlike larger destination festivals, the Ouray International Film Festival is known for its intimate setting and strong sense of community. Screenings and events take place throughout town, including at the historic Wright Opera House, making it a perfect reason to plan a summer trip to Ouray.
The 7th annual Ouray International Film Festival takes place June 18–21, 2026. View the full 2026 festival schedule, read the 2026 program announcement, or explore the festival’s Travel to Ouray guide while planning your trip.
2. Visit the Wright Opera House
The Wright Opera House is one of Ouray’s most important historic landmarks. Originally built in 1888, the building still serves as a gathering place for film, music, theater, and community events.
Visitors can catch a movie, live performance, or special event, including screenings during the Ouray International Film Festival schedule. If you love historic theaters, this is one of the best cultural things to do in Ouray.
3. Soak at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool
After a hike, mine tour, or day of exploring, the Ouray Hot Springs Pool is one of the best places to relax. The sulfur-free hot springs sit right in town, surrounded by views of the San Juan Mountains.
The pool is family-friendly but also has areas designed for soaking and relaxation, making it a strong option whether you are traveling with kids, friends, or as a couple.
4. Hike the Ouray Perimeter Trail
For visitors who want to experience Ouray from every angle, the Ouray Perimeter Trail is one of the best hikes in town. This scenic loop circles Ouray and features mountain views, bridges, waterfalls, canyon overlooks, and access points near several major attractions.
The trail is approximately 5.6 miles and can be completed as a longer hike or explored in sections. Bring good shoes, water, and sun protection, especially in summer.
5. Tour the Bachelor Syracuse Mine
Ouray’s mining history is a major part of its identity, and the Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour gives visitors a chance to experience that history firsthand. The tour takes guests deep into Gold Hill with a guide who shares stories about mining life, local history, and the people who worked in the region.
It is one of the best things to do in Ouray for families, history lovers, and anyone looking for an activity beyond hiking.
6. Explore Yankee Boy Basin
Yankee Boy Basin is one of the most beautiful areas near Ouray, especially in summer when wildflowers are in bloom. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and alpine scenery, the basin is popular with photographers, hikers, Jeep tours, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Because the road can be rough and conditions change quickly, many visitors choose to experience Yankee Boy Basin with a guided Jeep tour or a properly equipped high-clearance vehicle.
7. Visit Animas Forks Ghost Town
For a memorable day trip from Ouray, visit Animas Forks, one of Colorado’s most atmospheric ghost towns. The abandoned mining town offers a glimpse into the region’s past, with historic buildings set against a rugged mountain backdrop.
Animas Forks is especially popular with visitors exploring the Alpine Loop, but road conditions vary by season. Check current conditions before heading out.
8. Stop by the Ouray County Museum
Located in a former miners’ hospital, the Ouray County Museum is one of the best indoor things to do in Ouray. The museum features exhibits on mining, ranching, railroads, local families, Native history, and the development of the town.
It is a worthwhile stop for anyone who wants deeper context before exploring Ouray’s trails, ghost towns, and historic buildings.
9. Drive or Tour Imogene Pass
For adventurous travelers, Imogene Pass is one of the most iconic off-road routes in the San Juan Mountains. The route connects Ouray and Telluride and offers sweeping views, rugged terrain, and a true high-country Colorado experience.
This is not a casual drive. Imogene Pass requires the right vehicle, mountain driving experience, and careful attention to weather and seasonal conditions. If you are unsure, book a guided Jeep tour instead.
10. See Lower Cascade Falls
Lower Cascade Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit in Ouray. The trail is short, scenic, and close to town, making it a great option if you want a quick hike with a rewarding view.
It is especially good for visitors who are short on time or want to enjoy one of Ouray’s waterfalls without committing to a longer trail.
11. Try the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata
For travelers looking for adventure, the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is one of the most exciting things to do in Ouray. A via ferrata, Italian for “iron path,” uses fixed cables, rungs, bridges, and climbing features to help participants move through steep mountain terrain while clipped into a safety system.
Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is guided by Basecamp Ouray and offers a dramatic way to experience the San Juan Mountains. It is best for visitors who are comfortable with heights and looking for a more physical outdoor activity.
12. Visit Box Cañon Falls Park
Box Cañon Falls Park is one of the most popular things to do in Ouray, and for good reason. A short walk leads visitors into a narrow canyon where water rushes through the rock walls, creating one of the town’s most memorable natural attractions.
The park is easy to reach from town and offers trails, scenic overlooks, and dramatic views of the canyon. It is a great first stop for visitors who want a quick but powerful introduction to Ouray’s landscape.
13. Walk Main Street and Explore Downtown Ouray
No trip to Ouray is complete without spending time downtown. Main Street is lined with historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, coffee spots, galleries, and views in every direction.
It is a great place to wander between hikes, grab dinner after soaking in the hot springs, or slow down and enjoy the mountain-town atmosphere that makes Ouray so memorable. For more trip-planning help, visit the festival’s Travel to Ouray, Colorado page.
Bonus: Visit Uncompahgre Gorge and the Ouray Ice Park Area
While Ouray is famous for summer hiking and off-road adventures, it is also one of the country’s best-known ice climbing destinations in winter. The Ouray Ice Park and Uncompahgre Gorge area are worth knowing about even if you are visiting in summer, especially if you want to understand why Ouray attracts outdoor adventurers year-round.
If you are planning a winter trip, ice climbing is one of the most iconic things to do in Ouray.
Final Thoughts: The Best Things to Do in Ouray
Ouray, Colorado is packed with natural beauty, history, adventure, and small-town charm. You can spend the morning hiking to waterfalls, the afternoon touring a historic mine or exploring downtown, and the evening soaking in the hot springs or watching a film at the Wright Opera House.
Whether you come for the Ouray International Film Festival, the mountain views, the hot springs, or the off-road trails, there are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Ouray in every season.
Want festival updates before your trip? Subscribe to the Ouray International Film Festival newsletter.
FAQ
What is Ouray, Colorado known for?
Ouray is known for its mountain scenery, hot springs, waterfalls, historic mining sites, off-road trails, ice climbing, and its nickname as the “Switzerland of America.”
What are the best things to do in Ouray in summer?
The best summer things to do in Ouray include hiking the Perimeter Trail, visiting Box Cañon Falls, soaking at the Ouray Hot Springs, touring the Bachelor Syracuse Mine, exploring Yankee Boy Basin, visiting Animas Forks, and attending the Ouray International Film Festival in June.
Is Ouray worth visiting?
Yes. Ouray is one of Colorado’s most scenic mountain towns and is worth visiting for outdoor adventure, hot springs, historic sites, waterfalls, and a walkable downtown surrounded by the San Juan Mountains.
How many days do you need in Ouray?
A weekend is enough to see highlights like Box Cañon Falls, the hot springs, downtown Ouray, and a short hike. For Jeep tours, ghost towns, longer hikes, and events like the Ouray International Film Festival, plan for three to four days.
Can you visit Ouray without a Jeep?
Yes. Many of the best things to do in Ouray are accessible without a Jeep, including the hot springs, Box Cañon Falls, the Perimeter Trail, Lower Cascade Falls, downtown Ouray, the Ouray County Museum, the Wright Opera House, and the Bachelor Syracuse Mine. For rough mountain routes like Yankee Boy Basin or Imogene Pass, consider a guided Jeep tour.