Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Ouray
Know before you go
Town and Trailhead Capacity
Street parking in downtown Ouray is limited during the July Fourth holiday and autumn foliage peak. Popular trailheads like the Perimeter Trail access points lack large lots; consider walking from town lodging when possible.
Canyon Connectivity
Cellular service is generally reliable within the town of Ouray but drops immediately upon entering the Uncompahgre National Forest. Download offline maps for all 4WD routes toward Camp Bird or Silverton.
Mountain Supply Points
Fuel is available in Ouray, but prices may reflect the remote location. For longer mountain loops, top off in Montrose or Ridgway before heading into the high passes.
Seasonal Road Openings
High-altitude passes typically remain snowed-in until late June or early July. Autumn colors usually peak in late September, but wind events can shorten the season overnight.
Box Cañon Restrictions
The falls area may have restricted access during heavy spring runoff for safety. Check the official city visitor center for current daily trail conditions.
2RVs, campervans & cars near MTJ
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to MTJ
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at MTJ
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at MTJ
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at MTJ
- ✓ Compare suppliers at MTJ
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at MTJ
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at MTJA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Ouray
- 01
Waterfalls and Valley Vistas
Suggested: 9 AM from Ouray Main Street
Box Cañon Falls Park
Walk the suspended catwalks into a narrow quartzite canyon to view the dramatic 285-foot waterfall.
Cascade Falls Park
Visit the lowest of a series of seven waterfalls, accessible via a short but steep walk from the eastern end of 8th Avenue.
Allow 15 minutes; primarily walking within town limits
Stay on established trails as valley walls are exceptionally steep and prone to loose rock.
Pick up your vehicle at MTJ → - 02
High Alpine Basins and Backroads
Suggested: 8 AM from a local outfitter office
Yankee Boy Basin
Explore a high-altitude glacial cirque known for summer wildflowers and views of Mount Sneffels.
Ouray Perimeter Trail
Hike sections of this 6-mile loop that encircles the town, offering elevated perspectives of the Uncompahgre Gorge.
Allow 2–3 hours; high-clearance 4WD essential for basin roads
High-altitude weather changes rapidly; plan to be below the tree line before afternoon thunderstorms arrive.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
The Million Dollar Highway Scenic Loop
Suggested: 8:30 AM heading south on US 550
Red Mountain Pass
Navigate the summit of the Million Dollar Highway, observing the vibrant iron-oxide-stained peaks and historic mining remains.
Ironton Park
Stop at this high-mountain meadow and ghost town site for a level walk through mining history.
Allow 2 hours; road is winding with significant drop-offs and no guardrails
Check Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for pass closures due to weather or maintenance.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Moderate
Review Box Cañon Falls and Hot Springs Access Rules
Access to Box Cañon Falls and the Ouray Hot Springs Pool requires daily admission or specific passes; verify current seasonal hours on official city pages. While town access is open, high-country Jeep roads and hiking trails toward Yankee Boy Basin are seasonal and managed by the US Forest Service. Guided tour and accommodation reservations should be secured months in advance for summer and fall peaks, as systems for backcountry use are subject to change.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
MTJOuray
Montrose Regional Airport · 59 min drive
Find flights to MTJ
Plan your road trip
From Montrose Regional Airport
59 min
about 40 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Ouray on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Ouray on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Ouray
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Ouray
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Ouray
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Ouray
Explore guided activities around Ouray. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Ouray
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
