12 Outdoors- Other to Explore in Ouray County

Área Salvaje Uncompahgre is located in Ouray County. The area includes the Uncompahgre Plateau, the San Juan Mountains, and the Alaska Basin. The region is known for its diversity of terrain and wildlife. There are several hiking trails in the area, as well as opportunities for camping, fishing, and horseback riding. In addition to its natural beauty, the area also boasts a rich history. The Ute people lived in the region for centuries before European settlers arrived in the 19th century.

Box Canyon is a unique geological formation in Ouray County, Colorado. The canyon was formed over millions of years by the erosive power of water flowing through the area. Today, the canyon is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, who come to enjoy the stunning views and challenge themselves on the steep walls. The Canyon is also home to a variety of plant and animal life. In addition to its natural beauty, Box Canyon is also an important historical site.

The Camp Bird Mine was a gold and silver mine located in Ouray County. It was one of the most productive mines in the San Juans, and at its peak, it employed over 400 workers. The mine operated for over 20 years, until it was finally closed in 1991. During its time, the Camp Bird Mine produced over $50 million worth of gold and silver. Today, the mine is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can take a tour of the tunnels and see the equipment that was used to extract the precious metals.

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.

Governor Basin is a scenic valley located in Ouray County. Surrounded by towering peaks, the basin is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and eagles. Fishing and camping are popular activities in the area, and the Governor Basin Trailhead provides access to a network of hiking trails. In winter, the basin is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Governor Basin is also home to several hot springs, which are open to the public year-round.

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.

Ridgway Reservoir is a man-made reservoir located in Ouray County, Colorado. The reservoir was created in the early 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the San Juan Basin Project. The project was designed to increase water storage and irrigation in the area. Today, Ridgway Reservoir is a popular recreation spot, offering boating, fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities. The reservoir is also home to a variety of wildlife, including beavers, bald eagles, and ospreys.

Ridgway State Park is a beautiful recreation area located in Ouray County, Colorado. The park covers over 1,000 acres and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can camp in one of the many campsites, hike or bike on the numerous trails, fish in the Reservoir, or paddle on the San Miguel River. In addition, the park also offers an amphitheater, Visitor Center, and group picnic areas. The park is open year-round and offers stunning views of the nearby San Juan Mountains.

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 Uncompahgre Gorge is a narrow, steep-walled canyon located in Ouray County, Colorado. The gorge is approximately six miles long and features a number of hiking trails and camping sites. The canyon is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including several species of fish that are found nowhere else in the world. The Uncompahgre Gorge is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and climbers, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Yankee Boy Basin is a true hidden gem. Surrounded by towering peaks, the basin is home to a number of alpine lakes, waterfalls, and trickling streams. In addition to its natural beauty, Yankee Boy Basin is also known for its vibrant wildflower displays. From late July through August, the basin comes alive with color as a variety of blooms come into bloom. Hiking and camping are popular activities in the basin, and there are a number of trails to explore.

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.