Colorado

Colorado’s Rushing Waters

by Ingrid
Ouray Colorado
Ouray, Colorado…..America’s Switzerland

As we hiked further into the canyon, the roar of rushing water became more deafening.  The dirt trail quickly turned into a slatted iron bridge complete with rails.  The temperature dropped, the humidity rose, and the sun was hidden.

Al and I smiled as we continued into the canyon.  We both agreed this is quite the dramatic find and experience.  We’d heard about Box Canyon Falls from other bloggers but experiencing it first hand was a fun treat.

Box Canyon Falls
Box Canyon….the bottom of the falls can be seen in the lower part of the photo

At the end of the trail is a staircase that leads down to the bottom of the falls.  Al and I continued down the stairs and the spray of water misted our bodies as well as the iron stairs making for some slippery walking.  The roar of the water forced us to speak loudly.  In an attempt not to become drenched or damaged by slipping we quickly climbed the stairs back up to the main trail and continued to take in this unique sight.

Ouray Colorado
Watch your head !

Box Canyon Falls is know as Ouray’s own wonder of the world.  The waterfall is created from the combination of Canyon Creek narrowing into a rock canyon and then plummeting 285 feet, spilling thousands of gallons of water per minute.  The word ‘dramatic’ sums it up nicely.Box Canyon Falls

Exiting the canyon, we were once again greeted by bright sunshine and warm, dry air…..what a contrast.

Box Canyon can be enjoyed from below the falls as well as from high above the canyon floor.  Of course, hubby and I are compelled to see it all.  Thus, our hike takes us up, up, up.

Box Canyon Falls
Our destination is that bridge up there.

The trail up starts off with a bunch of stairs then turns into a dirt hiking trail.  It’s a rugged trail and hubby and I were glad we wore our hiking boots instead of tennies.

Once at the top, we have a bird’s eye view of the town of Ouray (pronounced; your ray).  There’s so much to see, do, and explore around this part of Colorado which is also known as America’s Jeeping Capital.  I think we could spend the entire summer here and still not see or do it all.Ouray Colorado Box Canyon FallsWhen we arrived at the top, we realized this is where the ‘perimeter trail’ connects.  The perimeter trail is a five mile well marked trail that circles the town of Ouray.  Al and I knew we wanted to hike part of this trail…. so off we went.Ouray ColoradoAlong the way we encountered more rushing water.  May and June is serious snow melting season and all creeks and streams are running dangerously fast and furious.  We spent a little over 2 hours hiking a portion of the perimeter trail with plans to return to hike another portion on another day.  As ‘Arnold’ would say, “We’ll be back”!Ouray Colorado perimeter trail

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63 thoughts on “Colorado’s Rushing Waters”

  2. We haven’t spent much time in CO yet, just the SW corner. We’re a little nervous about navigating the roads around Ouray. How did you find driving your rig through the mountains? Any roads you’d recommend NOT taking?

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    1. Do NOT take Hwy 550 from Durango to Ouray. You can take Hwy 550 from Montrose to Ouray with no problem but the scary road is between Durango and Ouray. Hubby doesn’t even like it driving it with the truck alone. If you’d like more info, feel free to email me at livelaughrv@hotmail.com It helps me with recommendations if I know how much mountain driving you’re experienced in.

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  5. We haven’t been back to Ouray in over 30 years. One thing never changes and that is the beauty of Box Canyon. Glad you two got to experience it.

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    1. We were glad we finally got a chance to hike around the area. During past visits, there was always something keeping us from exploring such a beautiful sight. I already look forward to returning.

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  6. We were there in ’04, love Ouray, stayed for a few days and enjoyed the hot springs pool and the hotel hot tubs on the hillside. Some real nice 4×4 trails (Engineer Pass comes to mind) but I’m sure you know that, hope to get back someday.

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    1. The passes weren’t open as they were still covered in several feet of snow. I’m hoping to return next month to take in some of those back roads and of course the mountain wildflowers 🙂

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  7. It has probably been 15 years since we have been to Ouray and Box Canyon Falls. We rented a jeep when we got there and threw our camping gear into the back and headed into the mountains. It was one of the best vacations we every took. Such lovely photos Ingrid. Glad to see you are out hitting the trails.

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    1. I’m not sure if we can make it happen this year, but I really want to go back and rent a Razor and explore some of those 4×4 mountain passes. I think it would hard NOT to have a good time in this area……I’m in love 🙂

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    1. You and the hubby would love a get away to Ouray. Quaint places for lodging, hot springs, cave vapor springs, hiking galore, brewery, and fun 4×4 back country roads. This place is too fun to pass…..an adult playground 🙂

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  9. So jealous! I’m living vicariously thru you!! Love! Love! Love Colorado, the rocky mtns., & John Denver!!!

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    1. I know you’ll have a great time exploring Colorado. Just remember to drink lots of water as you transition from the low lands to the high lands. Let me know if I can offer any recommendations 🙂

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    1. Very stable through the canyon and definitely worth the easy hike. The tough hike was to the top catwalk that offered up some beautiful views 🙂

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  13. Wow what a beautiful area, beautiful isn’t quite the right word for the scenery though, is it! I can’t wait til we’re free of the east and can explore more of Colorado. You’ve given us lots to look forward to, thanks.
    Sue

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    1. I like how you say “free of the east”. I don’t know, that lake and farm look pretty special to me. That said, I think I’ll stay west of Interstate 25 and enjoy the east via the blogs 🙂

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    1. Thanks Nancy……If you’re looking for some more challenging hikes with stunning scenery, come to Colorado. I’ll be your tour guide and we can both comment….. F ing beautiful, F ing stunning, F ing unbelievable awesome LOL

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      1. Loved my hike at Herman Gulch last September while I was staying with The Russian Princess in CO. Will definitely get back there for some more. I’ve now met a handful of bloggers from the Denver area that want to hike with me. I suspect they think I’ll be entertaining en route. (They’re right.) 🙂

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  16. I’ll most definitely will add this to my list. I am thinking next summer may be spent in CO. I need more of the state from hiking trails than the back of a motorcycle. Thanks for the great narrative as you hiked:) Good to see you and Al were all smiles. Of course, how can you feel any other way living as we do:)

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    1. Yes, how could we not be smiling amongst such scenery. I recommend spending the month of July in Ouray. You could drive your Jeep up into the high country and catch some fabulous hikes during the peak of wildflower season. Ahhh….the mere thought has me wanting to point the RV in that direction 🙂

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  17. Wow, what a spectacular hike! I was in Ouray many years ago, but just for an overnight—went to the hot springs and vapor caves, as I recall (pre-blog, can’t trust my memory, haha!). It’s on our list of places we would love to explore.

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    1. I think you would really enjoy a revisit to the area. We have yet to experience the springs or caves…..just another reason to return 😉

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    1. I have to admit, I’ve become quite taken with the western slope and if not for my daughter being in Denver, I’m not sure I would’ve crossed the divide 🙂

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    1. Did you know about the hot springs? If you and hubby are looking to get away, I don’t think you’d be disappointed spending an extended weekend in this area. If you’d like any info, just let me know 🙂

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  21. Colorado reminds me somewhat of Texas..many climates, terrains, views and people…Great picture…Have you ever driven the back road to Cripple Creek?

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    1. Ah, Phantom Canyon Road…… my first back country road experience in Colorado. Scared the crap out of this flatlander. I’m sure I would handle it much better now but back then….. yikes! The one lane blind tunnels, turns, and drops about did me in 🙂

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  23. We’ve been to Ouray twice for day trips (from Durango) but not the falls so thanks for the tour. As heat and humidity begin settling in across the South, I wish I had my RV parked at a shady spot somewhere out in Rocky Mountain High at about 8000 feet, sipping a margarita and listening to John Denver CD’s.

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    1. Well we’re enjoying it for you…..shady spot check, 8,000 feet check, dry crisp mountain air check, sipping margaritas check, John Denver CD skip…. LOL

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  25. I would have to fight off a height induced anxiety attack to hike here, although it sure looks worth it! Thanks for the wonderful photos and destination info!

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    1. I think the height looks worse in the pictures than actually being there, but then again I don’t seem to have an issue with heights. It was quite the experience something not seen in the Midwest that’s for sure 🙂

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  26. What a great area. We have ridden it on motorcycles a couple times but have never really experienced it. Your update makes us look forward to getting there in the RV and experience it like it’s meant to be. Just like you are!!

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    1. There’s a couple of RV Parks right in the middle of town allowing you trail access right from camp. After a lovely hike, walk up to the local brewery for a couple of cold ones……doesn’t get much better 🙂

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    1. No one seemed to have any concerns. It seemed to be the typical rush of snow melt with it peaking soon then trailing off. I found it rather ferocious, violent, and scary but oddly invigorating 🙂

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  28. Definitely one of our favorite towns and areas of Colorado. I have always wanted to take that hike – it is on the list.

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    1. Gosh, even after camp hosting in the area you never managed to take that hike? It took visit number 4 to the area before we finally made it a priority LOL. We do love that part of CO and hope to make it a regularly stopping point for us. See you next week!

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