take a hike
OURAY PERIMETER TRAIL Words + Photos by Melanie Wiseman
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ollaboration is amazing when it works. And,
next to the trail. Take into consideration that it
it’s definitely working in Ouray, Colorado.
takes a while each day for the sun to rise over
The Ouray Perimeter Trail is a joint project of
the San Juans and touch the trail and town when
Ouray Trail Group, the City of Ouray and the U.S.
deciding when to start this hike.
Forest Service. Not your typical loop, Perimeter
Ouray Perimeter Trail is a great trail for kids
Trail is a unique, moderately challenging, 6.5-
and dogs, as well as adults of all ages. Be sure
mile hiking experience featuring varied terrain,
to wear sturdy shoes or boots, and don’t forget
unparalleled scenery, cliffs, four waterfalls, five
your hiking poles. One very popular feature of
bridges, a tunnel, deep gorges, wildlife and up-
the Perimeter Trail is it’s never more than 500
close geology — all while circumnavigating the
feet vertically or 1/2 mile horizontally from
“Little Switzerland of America.”
Ouray’s city limits. As a result, there are several
The best time to visit the Ouray Perimeter
locations along the route where hikers can opt
Trail is May through October. My excursion
for a shorter version and return to town without
happened at the end of May with plenty of
having to hike its entire length.
wildflowers lining the trail, water flowing
The trail starts at 7,700 feet, with the highest
rapidly and deer eating fresh spring grass right
point being 8,500 feet, and has an elevation gain
