Crystal Lake Ouray - 12 Things to Know Before Visiting

Corkscrew Gulch is a high-mountain valley located in Ouray County. The valley is home to a creek of the same name, which flows through a winding ravine lined with cliffs and boulders. The valley is a popular destination for hiking and camping, and offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. Corkscrew Gulch is also well-known for its abundance of wildflowers, which bloom in early summer. The trailhead for the Corkscrew Gulch trail is located at the end of a four-wheel drive road.

Hayden Mountain is one of the tallest peaks in the Ouray County, Colorado. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers due to its challenging trails and stunning views. Hayden Mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. The mountain is named after Ferdinand V. Hayden, who was the first to survey the area in 1874. Today, Hayden Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.

Poughkeepsie Gulch is a narrow and steep-sided gulch located in San Juan County, Colorado. The area is known for its mining history, and the gulch was once the site of several large mines. Today, the area is popular with hikers and campers, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The gulch is also home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, peregrine falcons, and bighorn sheep. Poughkeepsie Gulch is a beautiful and unique place that is well worth a visit.

This is a former silver, lead, and zinc mine in Ouray County. The mine operated from 1869 to 1991 and produced silver, lead, and zinc ore. During its operating years, the mine employed hundreds of workers and was an important source of income for the local community. The Yankee Girl Mine is now a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels and see first-hand the equipment used by miners during the heyday of silver mining in Colorado.

The Million Dollar Highway is a name given to a section of U.S. Highway 550 that runs through Ouray County. The highway is considered to be one of the most scenic and dangerous roads in the country. The road was built in the early 1900s and is famous for its hairpin turns and steep grades. It is also known for being treacherous in the winter months, when ice and snow make the road extremely slick. Despite these efforts, the Million Dollar Highway remains an exciting and challenging drive.

The Ouray Ice Park is a man-made ice climbing park located in Ouray. It is the first and largest ice climbing park of its kind in the world. The park consists of over 200 routes ranging from beginner to expert, and it is open to climbers of all skill levels. It is also open to the public for free ice climbing clinics, which are offered throughout the year. This is a unique and world-renowned destination for ice climbers, and it offers an unforgettable experience for both beginners and experts.