Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into MTJ, drive to Ouray
59 min drive40 milesReservations: moderate
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- MTJ
Airport drive- 59 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 3–4 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- Standard cars are fine for town and US 550; however, a high-clearance 4WD is mandatory for alpine basins. Check rental contracts for 'off-pavement' exclusions.
Your route
MTJ
Montrose Regional Airport
Ouray
About 59 min · 40 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to MTJ
Compare fares into Montrose Regional Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at MTJ
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Ouray. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at MTJ
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Ouray
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
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.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
June – September
Your route
Day 1 · Waterfalls and Valley Vistas
Box Cañon Falls Park → Cascade Falls Park
Day 2 · High Alpine Basins and Backroads
Yankee Boy Basin → Ouray Perimeter Trail
Day 3 · The Million Dollar Highway Scenic Loop
Red Mountain Pass → Ironton Park
Viator
Tours & experiences near Ouray
Explore guided activities around Ouray. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Ouray
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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Ouray?
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from MTJ to Ouray?
Roughly 59 min (about 40 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Ouray?
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.
Keep planning
Full guideStays, 3-day plan and route map for Ouray
