The main summertime outdoor activity here is exploring the spectacularly beautiful mountains and forests by foot, mountain bike, horse, or four-wheel-drive vehicle. Our favorite local outfitter, which can arrange for a variety of outdoor adventures, is Switzerland of America, 226 Seventh Ave. (tel. 800/432-5337 or 970/325-4484; www.soajeep.com), which also rents four-wheel-drive jeeps for about $135 per day. The company leads jeep tours into the high country ($60 for a half-day, $125 for a full day), and arranges horseback rides (starting at $60 per person for 2 hr.), raft rides ($65 for a half-day on the San Miguel River), and balloon rides ($225). Children 12 and under are charged about half. Another local company offering jeep rentals and tours at similar rates is Colorado West, 701 Main St., Ouray (tel. 800/648-5337 or 970/325-4014; www.coloradowesttours.com).
At the southwest corner of Ouray, at Oak Street above Third Avenue, the Box Canyon Falls & Park (tel. 970/325-4464), which features among the most impressive waterfalls in the Rockies. The Uncompahgre River tumbles 285 feet through -- not over, through -- a cliff: It's easy to get a feeling of vertigo as you study the spectacle. The trail to the bottom of the falls is easy; to the top it is moderate to strenuous. Admission to the area is $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors 65 and older, and $1.50 for children 5 to 12. It's open daily 8am to 8pm or dark, whichever comes first.
Winter visitors will likely be basing themselves in Ouray to ski at Telluride or head out into the mountains on cross-country skis or snowshoes, but Ouray's main claim to winter fame is the Ouray Ice Park, located in the southwest corner of town off U.S. 550 (tel. 800/432-4170 or 970/325-4061; www.ourayicepark.com), which Ouray folks claim is the world's first park devoted exclusively to the sport of ice climbing. Climbing in the park is free and it's open at any time during the winter. Ice-climbing courses are offered by San Juan Mountain Guides (tel. 970/325-4925; www.ourayclimbing.com); a 2-day basic ice-climbing course costs $315 and includes all equipment.
