Five Days in Ouray, Colorado: Via Ferrata, Canyoning and the Switzerland of America

Alright, let's get into it

Ouray, Colorado is a tiny mountain town tucked into a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains, and the second you drive in you understand why people call it the Switzerland of America. Steep walls on every side, waterfalls coming down out of nowhere, and a main street about six blocks long with mountains standing over it like they are watching.

We came here for one specific reason. We wanted our family to experience a via ferrata together. We stayed in Ouray for five days, and three of those days were guided adventures with Basecamp Ouray and Canyoning Colorado. The other two days were ours: hot springs, hikes, downtown, and the drive itself. It turned into one of the best trips we have ever taken as a family.

First, what is a via ferrata?

Via ferrata is Italian for iron path. It is a protected climbing route built into a cliff face using steel rungs, ladders, cables and bridges. A steel safety cable runs the entire length of the route, and you clip into it with a special lanyard so that you are attached to the mountain the whole time.

The idea started in the Alps and via ferratas are still much more common in Europe than they are here, which is exactly why we wanted our kids to try one. You do not need to be a climber. You do not need to know how to belay or place gear. If you can climb a ladder and follow directions, you can do a via ferrata. It gives you the feeling of real exposed mountain climbing with a built in system keeping you safe.

Why Ouray

Ouray has two via ferratas, and that is a big part of what makes this town special. There is the Ouray Via Ferrata, which is free and open to the public along the Uncompahgre Gorge, and there is Gold Mountain, a private route on private land above town built by Basecamp Ouray. We did both, on back to back days, and they are completely different experiences.

Booking with Basecamp Ouray

We booked our via ferrata days through Basecamp Ouray Mountain Guides, and I want to be transparent that this experience was a partnership. But as we always say, our family only works with brands we value and trust, for our own kids and for our audience. This is one I would tell my own sister to book.

They provide all of the gear. Their communication about what we were doing, when, and what to expect was excellent from the very first message. We felt safe the entire time and our guides were extremely knowledgeable. You will be taken care of well with this company.

They also partner with Canyoning Colorado, which is how we were able to build a three day combo: day one on the Ouray Via Ferrata, day two on Gold Mountain, and day three canyoning at Portland Creek.

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Hot Springs Inn, about a three minute drive from Basecamp Ouray. It sits right along the river and most nights we slept with the windows open just to listen to the water. Free continental breakfast, hot tubs, and king size beds that were genuinely comfortable after a day of climbing.

If we came back to Ouray, and we absolutely will, this is a spot we would happily stay again. Honestly though, there are so many great places in this town that we may try a new one next time just to see it from a different angle.

Day 1: The Ouray Via Ferrata

Day one started at Basecamp Ouray, which is right on the main road in town. Easy to find, easy to park, and a great way to start because you meet your guides, get fitted for gear, and walk through exactly what the day looks like before you go anywhere. If you want to warm up or just play around, they also have a bouldering and practice climbing area on site.

The Ouray Via Ferrata runs through the Uncompahgre Gorge and it has two routes: a downstream route that is beginner friendly, and an upstream route that is much more advanced. We took the downstream route with our 10 and 7 year old.

The downstream route

It is only about 0.77 miles, which sounds like nothing until you realize it takes about two and a half to three hours. That is because of everything packed into it: iron rungs, cliffside traverses, ascents and descents, cable bridges and their signature sky bridge, all of it hanging right over the river.

The kids absolutely loved it. And I want to say this clearly, because I think people assume beginner means boring. It did not feel too easy for our family at all. It had the perfect amount of challenge, and doing it directly above the water made it feel wild in the best way.

Because our kids are 10 and 7 and do not weigh enough for the lanyards to work the way they are designed to, they were belayed by our guides on the vertical sections. That is standard practice for lighter climbers, and it is one of the reasons going with a guide service matters if you are bringing kids.

Our guides on day one were Nico and Travis, and I cannot say enough good things about them. They were so patient with our kids, accommodating every skill level, and made sure each one of us felt safe and confident the entire time. They read the kids perfectly, knowing when to push them a little and when to just let them take it in. If you are coming to Ouray with a family, we recommend asking for them.

If you want the harder route

The upstream route is rated 4.5B and it is a serious step up. It includes named features like Mars Wall, Stairway to Heaven, Keeton's Tunnel of Love and the Skyladder. Jake and I have already talked about coming back for it.

What to know before you go

The Ouray Via Ferrata is not privately owned. It is a free public route, and donations go toward maintenance and the on site rangers who keep it running. That said, participants are required to have proper equipment: an EN958 certified energy absorbing via ferrata lanyard, a climbing harness, and a climbing helmet. You can rent all of it at Basecamp Ouray, and if you have never used a lanyard before, go with a guide.

The walk up to the start of the route is about a ten minute hike. There is a bathroom right before the access point, so use it. There are also bail out points along the route if someone needs to step off early, which is a huge comfort when you are climbing with kids.

Bring at least one liter of water per person, some snacks, and sunscreen. You are at high altitude here and the sun is strong in a way that sneaks up on you. We also kept electrolytes going all day and it made a real difference.

About the weather in August

We came in August and it was warm, but your weather app will lie to you. It showed temperatures about ten degrees cooler than what it actually felt like. Locals told us they always remember that it is about ten degrees warmer than the forecast says, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Mornings and evenings were chilly, which honestly made the hot springs even better. During the day the sun was scorching. Hydrate and dress accordingly, layers in the morning and sun protection by midday.

The air is very dry up here

This is the thing nobody warned us about. The air in the mountains is extremely dry, so pack for it: a good lip moisturizer, a face moisturizer, and a nasal saline spray to help cut down on nose bleeds. Those three little things made everyone a lot more comfortable.

Day 2: Gold Mountain Via Ferrata

Day two is the private experience with Basecamp Ouray, and it is special. Gold Mountain sits on private land above Ouray in the San Juan Mountains, and these trips are run privately, so it is just your group and your guides. Nico and Travis were with us again on day two, and they were just as incredible. They matched the energy of the kids, encouraged them through every pitch, and somehow made a serious climb feel fun and light. Their ability to work with children at every skill level really stood out, and we would send any family their way.

Where the Ouray Via Ferrata mostly traverses horizontally through the gorge, Gold Mountain is an upward climb. You gain roughly 1,200 vertical feet over the course of the route and top out around 11,000 feet. There are 12 different pitches, so you get natural breaks between each one, and no two pitches are the same.

You get shuttled up to the base and shuttled back down once you reach the top. At the summit there is a spot to sit, take in the views, and have a picnic if you want to.

The Bridge of Heaven

One of the main features of this mountain is the Bridge of Heaven. It is on pitch 11 and it is a 273 foot suspension bridge. Standing on that thing with my kids is a memory I will keep forever.

It is a history lesson too

This is not just climbing, and from this homeschooling family, that is a big part of why we loved it. You are climbing straight through Ouray's mining history. You pass old mining structures, equipment and tunnels along the way, and one section actually travels through a historic mining tunnel with car tracks still in it. The kids talked about that tunnel for days.

Everyone climbs their own version

Something we really loved about Gold Mountain is that you can choose harder variations on certain sections. Everyone picks the path that works best for them and then you all meet back up. At one point Jake went off on a more advanced section called Hardman's Route, which has a 5.9 rated overhang and a highly exposed traverse with about 800 feet of air below it. The rest of us took the standard line and watched him from a very comfortable distance.

Gold Mountain was built in 2022 by Logan Tyler, the founder of Basecamp Ouray Mountain Guides.

From a parent's point of view

From a parent's point of view, this kind of adventure gives you more than photos. It gives you a front row seat to watching your kids figure out what they are capable of.

Yes, Nico was amazing. We already knew that from the first day. But what I noticed most was how this type of experience forces everyone to grow a little. It makes you work on your mindset, your communication, your patience. You learn how your body responds to fear and effort, and you learn how to adjust when something does not go the way you expected.

There were moments when the kids got tired, nervous, or frustrated. We all did. And in those moments, the only way through was to talk, breathe, and keep moving. That is a skill that transfers far beyond a mountain.

By the time we reached the top, we left feeling pretty DANG good about ourselves. Honestly, we even teared up. It was not just the climb. It was realizing that we had done something big together, something that required trust and teamwork, and something we would never forget.

This is the kind of experience we recommend as The Venture Seekers. If you are looking for a trip that challenges your family in the best way and brings you closer on the other side of it, this is it.

What to know about altitude and elevation gain

If you are coming from the Midwest like us, altitude sickness is something you have to plan for because we live practically at sea level. Ouray sits at 7,792 feet, and the top of Gold Mountain is around 11,000 feet. That is a big jump if your body is used to flat ground.

Most people fly into Denver and then immediately shoot off to higher elevation. But Denver is already a mile high, and if you drive straight to Ouray you are asking your body to catch up in a hurry. The best rule we have learned is to fly into Denver and stay the night. Let your body settle at that elevation, then climb higher the next day.

Hydration is the other big one. We started drinking extra water three days before the trip and kept it going the whole time. The mountain air is dry and you lose water faster than you think. We also kept electrolytes going all day, which made a real difference.

Some people also swear by ginkgo biloba supplements to help prevent altitude sickness. The research is mixed on whether it actually works, so it is not something our family personally used. But we know people who take it before big mountain trips and feel like it helps. If you are curious about it, talk to your doctor before adding anything new to your routine.

Know the signs of altitude sickness. Headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that does not go away. If someone starts feeling off, rest, hydrate, and do not push higher. The good news is that most mild cases get better with rest and fluids.

On this trip, none of us got altitude sickness. I had a small headache on day one and day two, but after rest and hydration it went away and I felt fine. That little bit of acclimation in Denver made all the difference.

Day 3: Canyoning at Portland Creek

Day three we went out with Canyoning Colorado and our guide was Corey. She is a senior guide and extremely skilled, but what impressed us most was how phenomenal she was with our kids. She has amazing energy, the kind that immediately puts nervous children at ease, and she took the time to teach them the skills for rappelling instead of just doing it for them. By the end of the day, our kids were confidently managing their own brake hands and leaning back over waterfalls like they had done it a hundred times. We highly recommend her to any family coming in.

What is canyoning?

Canyoning is traveling through a canyon rather than hiking alongside or above it. Instead of looking down into it, you go through the middle of it. That can involve jumping, sliding down natural rock formations, down climbing, walking through water, rappelling waterfalls, and scrambling over rocks.

Ouray is known for canyoning because the mountains surrounding town are cut by so many steep cracks and narrow gorges. It is one of the best places in the country for it. Canyoning Colorado has been operating here since 2016.

The Portland Creek route

If you want a family friendly beginner route, Portland Creek is the one. It was perfect for our kids. You enter through a limestone passage and then rappel a 55 foot waterfall directly in the flow of the water, which is exactly as intense and as fun as it sounds. The route has five rappels total, and the third one is the biggest. Deeper in, the canyon walls rise about 60 feet around you, and you finish with two more rappels before the climb out.

At the end there is a short, steep climb out using fixed lines, then about a five to ten minute walk back to the parking lot.

Tips and what you need to know

They provide canyoning socks, shoes, helmets and wetsuits, so you do not need specialized gear. Photos are included with your experience, which we loved, because there is no way you are carrying a camera down a waterfall. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel and dry clothes for the car, and expect to be wet from start to finish.

Jake and I have a secret plan to come back without the kids for their advanced routes. Those include a 270 foot waterfall rappel and the whole day runs close to nine or ten hours. It has our name written all over it.

Where to eat in Ouray

For a town this small, the food genuinely surprised us. There is a mix of just about everything, from burgers and Mexican to coffee shops and breakfast cafes, so most families can find something that works.

Maggie's Kitchen has amazing burgers and fries, and the atmosphere is so fun. Indoor and outdoor seating, and every piece of furniture is covered in signatures and messages from other customers. They encourage you to find your own spot and sign it, which our kids thought was the greatest thing ever.

Mouse's Chocolates and Coffee is just down the road, and this is where we grabbed ice cream. I am here to tell you the Maui Waui was so, so good.

Mi Mexico has really good fajitas. We may or may not have eaten there three times. The food was that tasty.

Yankee Girl Cafe for breakfast, hands down. Huge portions. We had a build your own omelet, a breakfast burrito, and pancakes that were worth every bite.

If none of the local options sound like a match for your crew, Ridgway is only about ten minutes north and has a few more choices, and Montrose is about thirty minutes away with bigger chain restaurants and grocery stores. We like staying in Ouray and keeping things simple, but it is nice to know there are backup options nearby.

How we saved money on this trip

Travel with a family of four adds up fast, so we try to be smart about where we spend and where we save. Here is what worked for us in Ouray.

We booked our airfare on points. If you are not already using a travel rewards card for everyday purchases, it is honestly one of the easiest ways to make family trips like this happen. Right now you can earn up to 100,000 points with our referral link for our favorite travel card.

One important thing before you jump in. Make sure you understand points and miles first, because the strategy matters. For this card, do not add your partner as an authorized user. Instead, complete the requirements to earn the bonus yourself, then refer your partner to the exact same card so they can earn their own bonus, and then combine your points. That is how you get the most out of it.

We also try to book hotels on points whenever we can. In a small town like Ouray, though, that was not really possible. Chain options are limited, so we stayed somewhere that included a free breakfast instead. It made a real difference for our food budget, especially with two growing kids.

We packed tons of snacks and focused more on big dinners than big lunches while we were out. That kept everyone full without stopping for pricey meals every few hours. Simple stuff, but it saves more than you think.

Where to relax: Ouray Hot Springs Pool

After three days of climbing, Ouray Hot Springs Pool was exactly what our bodies needed, and it is the best spot in town for families.

It is a large outdoor geothermal pool surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, with multiple pools at different temperatures ranging from about 95 to 103 degrees. Because it is naturally heated, there is no strong sulfur smell, which is a real thing at a lot of hot springs and a real dealbreaker for some kids.

Something to note: it can get pricey. It cost about $100 for our family to get in, which was a bit of a sticker shock at first. But here is the trick that makes it worth it. Save your receipt. If you do, you can come back throughout the day at no additional cost. We went in the afternoon, went out to grab dinner, then came back in the evening to relax and catch the sunset. They close at 9:00 PM, and watching the sun go down behind those mountains while you are sitting in the water is hard to beat.

Bring your own towels and waters to save a little extra. That way you are not paying resort prices every time you want something, and you can just focus on soaking.

There is a rock climbing wall, slides, a lap pool, an activity pool, and an adults only pool, so everyone in your family can do their own thing. The kids can play while the adults actually rest, which is the whole point after a day on the mountain.

If your child is under 12, they will need to take a quick swim test before using the activity pool. It only takes about a minute for a lifeguard to confirm they are safe to swim in that area. The slides are also an extra $5 per person if your kids want to ride them, but that is a one time fee for the day.

Hikes we loved

Box Canyon Falls

If you only do one hike in Ouray, make it this one. Box Canyon Falls is a 285 foot waterfall where Canyon Creek plunges into a narrow gorge, and reaching it is only a short walk, about five to ten minutes. It is loud, it is cold, and standing inside that gorge is unforgettable.

For the learners in your family, it is also an important site for the Black Swift, an uncommon migratory bird that nests in the wet, rocky habitat around waterfalls like this one. Our homeschool crew loved that detail.

The Perimeter Trail

The Perimeter Trail wraps all the way around the town of Ouray, so you are hiking above the town with the San Juan Mountains all around you. The full loop is about five to six miles with roughly 1,800 feet of elevation gain and loss, and takes about four to five hours.

Here is the best part for families: you do not have to hike the whole thing. There are numerous access and exit points, so you can adjust based on the weather, the time, or how everyone is feeling that day.

There is a surprising amount packed into one trail. Four waterfalls, five bridges, forest sections, cliffside sections, views of downtown, a short tunnel, the baby bathtubs, Cascade Falls, and access around Box Canyon.

Getting there: the drive is part of it

We flew into Denver and drove 285 South toward Ouray. It is about a six hour trip and it was hard, but only because we kept pulling over to look at the views.

If you take 285 South from Denver, build in extra time for stops. It is simply beautiful the whole way, and the pull offs along the reservoirs and canyons are worth every minute you give them.

We noticed so many beautiful spots along the way. Scenic overlook pullouts, the town of Buena Vista, Monarch Pass, and Blue Mesa Reservoir all had us pulling over to take it in. And when you finally wind down the Million Dollar Highway and catch your first glimpse of downtown Ouray tucked into the mountains, it feels like you just arrived somewhere special.

The Million Dollar Highway

You cannot come to Ouray and skip the Million Dollar Highway. It runs roughly 25 miles from Ouray to Silverton, straight through the San Juan Mountains, and it is one of the most dramatic drives in the country.

Be ready for tight switchbacks, steep grades, exposed cliffside sections and stretches with no guardrails. If you are nervous about heights while driving, know that going in. And do not miss the Switzerland of America overlook.

Always check road conditions before you go. Weather here causes closures from snow, avalanches, rockfall, flooding and mudslides, sometimes with very little warning.

Ouray FAQ: the questions we get asked most

Where is Ouray, Colorado and how do you get there?

Ouray sits in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado at 7,792 feet. Most people fly into Denver and drive about six hours, or fly into Montrose, which is only about an hour away. We flew into Denver and took 285 South because we wanted the scenic drive, and we would do it that way again. If you are booking flights, we put everything on our favorite travel card to earn points toward the next trip.

How many days do you need in Ouray?

Three days is enough to do one big adventure and see the town. Five days is the sweet spot, and that is what we did. It gave us three guided days plus time for the hot springs, Box Canyon Falls, the Perimeter Trail, downtown, and the Million Dollar Highway without rushing anything.

What is the best time of year to visit Ouray?

Summer through early fall is the main season for via ferrata, canyoning and hiking. The Ouray Via Ferrata is generally open early May through the end of October. September brings fall color and thinner crowds. Winter turns Ouray into an ice climbing town, which is a completely different trip.

Is a via ferrata safe for kids?

Yes, with the right route and a guide. You are clipped into a steel cable the entire time with a via ferrata lanyard, and a guide checks your system constantly. Our 7 and 10 year old both did it. We booked with Basecamp Ouray, which is the team we trusted with our own kids. Gold Mountain has a minimum age of 8, so check age and weight requirements for the specific route you want.

Do you need experience to do a via ferrata?

No. If you can climb a ladder and follow directions, you can do a via ferrata. You do not need to know how to belay or place gear. What helps most is a decent comfort level with heights and a willingness to keep moving. We still went with a guide through Basecamp Ouray because they handle the gear, the route, and the safety checks.

Is the Ouray Via Ferrata free?

The Ouray Via Ferrata in the Uncompahgre Gorge is free and open to the public, but you must have proper certified gear: a mountaineering helmet, a harness, and a certified via ferrata energy absorbing lanyard. You can rent all of it at Basecamp Ouray, and if you have never used a lanyard before, go with a guide.

What is the difference between the Ouray Via Ferrata and Gold Mountain?

The Ouray Via Ferrata runs through the gorge along the river, so you are in the canyon with the water roaring next to you. Gold Mountain is a private route above town with big open exposure, sky bridges, old mine history and about 1,200 feet of elevation gain. They feel like two different experiences, and we loved both of them.

What should you wear for via ferrata and canyoning?

For via ferrata: athletic clothes you can move in, sturdy closed-toe shoes or trail runners, a light layer for wind, and sunscreen. For canyoning, your guide provides the wetsuit, helmet and harness. Bring a swimsuit to wear underneath and dry clothes for after. Skip loose jewelry and bring a way to secure your phone. A lot of our go-to gear is on our Amazon storefront.

What is canyoning and how is it different from canyoneering?

They are basically the same sport with different names. Canyoning is descending a canyon using rappelling, downclimbing, sliding and swimming through the water course. In Ouray, we did Portland Creek with Canyoning Colorado and rappelled straight down a waterfall.

How bad is the altitude in Ouray?

Ouray is not extreme, but at nearly 8,000 feet you will notice it, especially the first day. Drink way more water than feels normal, take it easy the first 24 hours, and pay attention to headaches and shortness of breath. The air is also very dry, so lip balm and lotion earn their spot in your bag.

Is Ouray a good place for a family vacation?

It is one of the best we have found. The town is walkable, the hot springs pool is right in the middle of it, the hikes are short and dramatic, and the adventure companies here genuinely know how to work with kids.

How much does the Ouray Hot Springs Pool cost?

It was about $100 for our family of four. Save your receipt, because you can leave and come back the same day at no extra cost. We went in the afternoon, left for dinner, then came back in the evening. They close at 9:00 PM and the sunsets over the mountains are worth staying for.

Do you need a 4x4 or jeep in Ouray?

Not for the town, the hot springs, the hikes, or the Million Dollar Highway. A regular car is fine for all of that. You only need a high clearance 4x4 if you want to run the old mining roads like Yankee Boy Basin or Imogene Pass.

Is the Million Dollar Highway scary to drive?

It can be. Expect tight switchbacks, steep grades and long stretches with no guardrails between Ouray and Silverton. Drive it in daylight, go slow, and check road conditions first. If heights bother you while driving, put someone else behind the wheel and enjoy the view.

Where should you stay in Ouray?

We stayed at the Hot Springs Inn along the river, about three minutes from Basecamp Ouray. Ouray is small and lodging books up in summer, so reserve early. Anywhere in or near downtown puts you within walking distance of food and the hot springs pool.

How far in advance should you book via ferrata and canyoning tours?

For summer weekends, book several weeks out or more. These are small group trips with limited daily spots, and the good time slots go first. If you have a specific date, book it as soon as you know. We booked our via ferrata days with Basecamp Ouray and our canyoning day with Canyoning Colorado.

Would we go back?

Without hesitation. Ouray gave our family something we did not expect. Our kids climbed a mountain, crossed a suspension bridge 273 feet in the air, and rappelled a waterfall, and they did all of it while learning that they are more capable than they thought.

If you are considering a via ferrata with your family, this is the town. Book with Basecamp Ouray, add a canyoning day with Canyoning Colorado, stay somewhere with a window you can open, and give yourself an extra day for the hot springs.

Seek adventure together.

-Brittany, The Venture Seekers