Fall Colors, Hot Springs & Quiet Mountain Towns

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Fall is the perfect time to visit the San Juan Mountains and quiet Colorado mountain towns of Ouray and Ridgway. Situated at the base of the northern San Juans and just 11 miles apart, Ridgway and Ouray are your long-weekend escape.

Sustainability Activity
How to Give Back to These Special Places

Donate or volunteer with the Ouray Trails Group, our local nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and safe public use of Ouray County's trails.

Day
1
Activity
Take a Scenic Drive

Get an early start and drive up to the Cimarron Mountains just east of Ridgway. The drive up to Owl Creek Pass is 18 miles on a 2WD gravel road. Enjoy the views of the aspens on your way up. Hiking trails can easily be accessed off this road.

eatery 66 in ridgway photo
Lunch
Eatery 66
Please join us for some old time favorites, delicious seasonal specials, craft beers and kombucha on tap, and delicious cocktails and drinks. We can…
Activity
Rent Bikes at Ridgway Adventure Sports

Take a leisurely bike ride on the Uncompahgre Riverway, a paved trail to the Ridgway Reservoir.

Dinner
Thai Paradise
Authentic Thai cuisine for lunch and dinner. Great for families, outdoor seating, walk-ins welcome.
Activity
Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa
Relaxation meets adventure at Chipeta Lodge. Explore the region's offerings, like Jeeping, hiking, mine tours, shopping, snowshoeing and skiing…
Insider's Tip
Stay the Night

After your soak, book a classically designed adobe suite at Chipeta Solar Springs Resort for your overnight stay.

Day
2
Breakfast
Crumb Bakery and Cafe
Bakery, cafe and market in Ridgway. Frittatas, bagels, potato pancakes, scones, artisan breads and much more.
Activity
Immerse Yourself in Fall Colors

Take another scenic drive up the 2WD section of Camp Bird Road, CR 361 and hike the Weehawken Trail.

Lunch
Red Mountain Brewing
With indoor and outdoor seating options, RMB has the space to suit your preferred dining experience. Enjoy a beer or cocktail from our bar, (which…
Activity
Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool
Nearly one million gallons of clear hot springs water, without the sulfur smell common in many hot springs. There are 3 pools ranging from 80 to…
Dinner
Brickhouse 737
BrickHouse737 is a gathering place that focuses on community, farm fresh ingredients, hospitality & travel inspired dishes.
Activity
Go for an Evening Stroll

In downtown Ouray, follow the historic walking tour and discover a wide variety of local shops.

Lodging
Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs
Enjoy comfort, luxury and many amenities! Indoor and outdoor hot springs, free full breakfast, air-conditioned rooms and jeep rentals available…
Day
3
Breakfast
Ouray Cafe & Steakhouse
Ouray Cafe and Steakhouse serves all the great meals you would expect. Prime rib, omlets and the Super Nacho Platter are some of the really yummy…
Activity
Ironton Ghost Town

Explore the ghost town of Ironton surrounded by aspen groves and the San Juan Mountains.

Lunch
Artisan Bakery
Come enjoy breakfast, lunch, or just a pastry and coffee, in a cozy little restaurant on main street, Ouray CO. Located at the south side of town,…
Activity
Mountain Trip
Peak Mountain Guides is now part of the Mountain Trip family, an AMGA accredited company. Contact us for information on international expeditions,…
Dinner
Provisions at the Barbershop
A European-style cafe specializing in simple, delicious food made with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers when possible and distributors…
Activity
Orvis Hot Springs
Orvis Hot Springs is a clothing-optional natural hot springs resort. Our natural lithium water, never heated nor treated in any way, enhances …
Lodging
Basecamp 550
Basecamp 550 is a Glampground for the modern gypsy, weekend jetsetter or outdoor adventure seeker looking for a comfortable and convenient place…