BEST OURAY winter ITINERARY ⬇️
Photos and blog written by @wandering_em
Ouray (otherwise known as the Switzerland of America) is the adventure capital of Colorado by far. From skiing, hiking, ICE CLIMBING ❄️ to hot springs there’s a lil something for everyone.
You’ll want to make St. Elmo Hotel your home away from home for the weekend. It’s right on Main Street, so cozy, and walkable to everything in town!
Day 1
•Start your morning off with the amazing crew at San Juan Mountain Guides to learn how to ice climb. Ouray Ice Park has some of the best ice climbing in the world 🌎 so this is the place to do it! I cannot say enough good things about my experience with San Juan Mountain Guides. Our guide Jesse made it fun, educational and so safe! Literally allllready planning another climb 😅
Warm up with a little aprés climb with a whiskey tasting at KJ Wood Distillers and grab a drink at the secret upstairs bar with a view - The Gray. 🥃 on top of producing amazing craft spirits, John is one of the nicest people!!
End the day by soaking with the most gorgeous view at Ouray Hot Springs 🔥 seriously the views are unmatched! Tip: bring your own towel and head to the overlook pool for the hottest water and best view.
Load up on homemade breakfast at St. Elmo Hotel before heading out for a winter hike!
You’ll absolutely need to check out Box Canyon Park to see the slot canyon waterfall before heading about 200ft up to the High Bridge Trail for some mountain views 🥹🏔️
If you have plenty of time and are prepared with spikes, the Ouray Perimeter Trail can also be accessed here and is incredibly beautiful!
Grab some delicious Thai food at Thai Chili for lunch then head up to the iconic Switzerland of America sign for a beautiful overlook of the city and a cute photo op 📸
If you have time, swing by Rotary Park for some free ice skating ⛸️ Dash and I hadn’t skated in forever and it was so fun to try it out again! (There’s skates you can borrow and put back in the little hut next to the rink ☺️)