16 Mountain Peaks to Explore in Ouray County

Chimney Rock is a 4,726-foot-tall rock formation located in Ouray County, Colorado. The formation is composed of sedimentary rocks that were deposited during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 100 million years ago. Over time, the rocks were uplifted and eroded, resulting in the distinctively shaped Chimney Rock. The windswept summit offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Today, Chimney Rock is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

Cirque Mountain is a spectacular sight in Ouray County, Colorado. It's highest peak, promise Peak, soars to 12,795 feet and offers amazing views of the San Juan Mountains. The mountain is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and elk. There are also a number of hiking trails that wind through the area, making it the perfect place to explore the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a scenic vista, Cirque Mountain is sure to impress.

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.

Courthouse Mountain is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Ouray County. The mountain's name comes from its distinctively shaped summit, which resembles a courthouse. From the trailhead, the hike to the top of Courthouse Mountain is a moderate 3 miles round-trip, with an elevation gain of just over 1,000 feet. The trail winds through a beautiful alpine forest, offering views of wildflowers and wildlife along the way.

Coxcomb Peak is a stunning sight in Ouray County. The peak is known for its brilliant red color, which is said to be caused by a high concentration of iron oxide in the rock. This is one of the area's most popular hiking destinations, and the views from the summit are truly incredible. The peak is located just a short distance from Ouray, making it easily accessible for hikers of all experience levels. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, hawks, and peregrine falcons.

Gilpin Peak is one of the many Colorado mountain peaks that provides stunning views of the surroundings. The peak is located in Ouray County and has an elevation of 14,028 feet. The best time to summit Gilpin Peak is from late June to early September when the snow has melted and the weather is stable. To reach the summit, hikers can take the East Ridge trail which starts at the South Mineral Campground. The hike is approximately eight miles round trip and provides a moderate level of difficulty

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.

Log Hill Mesa is a small community located in Ouray County, Colorado. The area is known for its scenic views and outdoor activities, and it is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and birdwatchers. Log Hill Mesa is also home to a number of small businesses, including a winery, a brewery, and a distillery. The community is close to the town of Ouray, and it is within driving distance of several major cities, including Denver and Colorado Springs.

Mount Sneffels is a popular mountain peak in Ouray County, Colorado. The peak is named after the SNF power plant in nearby Ridgway, Colorado. Mount Sneffels is known for its dramatic views, particularly of the San Juans. The summit can be reached via a challenging hike or an easier scramble. There are also several technical routes up the peak for experienced climbers. Mount Sneffels is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it's easy to see why.

Mount Sneffels Wilderness is a protected wilderness area in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The 13,713-acre wilderness was established in 1980 and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It is located within the Uncompahgre Plateau and Gunnison National Forests. The wilderness is named for Mount Sneffels, one of the most popular 14ers in Colorado. The wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife. There are also numerous hiking trails that wind through the area.

Potosi Peak is a popular destination for hikers and climbers in Ouray County, Colorado. The peak is located in the San Juan Mountains, just north of the town of Ouray. The trail to the summit of Potosi Peak begins at the Ouray Trailhead and winds its way up through a variety of terrain, including forests, meadows, and rocky areas. The hike to the summit is a strenuous one, but it is rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Red Mountain is a summit in the San Juan Mountains of Ouray County. The mountain is notable for its ruby-red color, which is caused by the presence of high levels of iron oxide in the rock. The area around Red Mountain is popular for hiking, camping, and rock climbing. It is also home to a number of mines, including the Idarado Mine, which was once one of the largest producers of silver and gold in Colorado. Today, the mountain is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Teakettle Mountain is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Ouray County. The trailhead is located just outside the town of Ouray, and the hike to the summit is a moderate 4 miles. Along the way, hikers are treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains, as well as some of the area's unique wildlife. Teakettle Mountain is also home to a large number of wildflowers, and in early summer, the trail is lined with blooming cactus.

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.

Whitehouse Mountain is a towering peak in Ouray County, Colorado. With an elevation of 14,346 feet, it is one of the tallest mountains in the state. The mountain is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and eagles. The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding area, which includes the San Juan Mountains and the Ouray Ice Park. Visitors can reach the summit via a strenuous hike or by taking a scenic drive on the Million Dollar Highway.

Wildhorse Peak is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Ouray County. The peak is located in the San Juan National Forest, and it offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains. There are several different trails that lead to the summit, and the hike can be completed in a few hours. Wildhorse Peak is a great destination for a day hike, and it's also a popular spot for camping and backpacking. If you're looking for an adventure, Ouray County is the perfect place to explore.