So much scenery. Wildlife, wildflowers, waterfalls, and incredible mountain scenery. A free basic map, along with suggested routes are provided at no cost. Fresh air, sunshine, family, close friendsits all about your personal adventure. While enjoying the beauty of the San Juan Mountains, we should also recognize the significance of preserving these stunning landscapes for future generations. Go it alone or with guides who love to share their knowledge of the San Juans' geology, flora, fauna, and most colorful stories. If you're looking for an adventure that combines stunning mountain views, outdoor activities, and delicious food, look no further than Telluride, Colorado. 5. It is your own unique interpretation of what nature means to you that makes our Jeep Safaris so special. A new kind of scenic tour. The trail can be challenging, but the views are worth it. My sister and I took a trip to Ouray for a girls getaway. $375 Most insurance cards do NOT show proof of comprehensive, therefore, you may need to provide a copy of your declaration page or check with your insurance agent. All occupants must be traveling in the SAME Jeep vehicle. Automatic Transmission, 8-speed automatic transmission. Imogene Pass: Imogene Pass is another popular trail for Jeepers in Ouray. The route is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views, which include numerous peaks over 14,000 feet, as well as its historic mining sites and ghost towns. means, without permission in writing from the publisher. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Highlights include spectacular mountain views from high elevation passes; the lowest of which is at . There are small places to pull over and let people pass. We saw a rented jeep try to pass over the snow and slid off the trail and need rescuing. 4. Truly one of our favorite authentic 4 wheel drive Ouray Jeep tour experiences! Hwy 50 from Montrose to Gunnison construction will resume in April: Check CDOT for latest info. Small creek crossing. The Telluride gondola is a free public transportation system that connects the town of Telluride with the Mountain Village. Protect the Environment: The Tread Lightly principles are designed to help protect the environment by minimizing your impact on it. Join us for our Fall Maker's Market on September 3rd from 10am-5pm. At least the close up of Bridal Veil Falls was nice! Insurance Requirements: Proof of comprehensive, collision and liability insurance with the minimum limits of 25/50/25 is required. To the south, "Ride the Divide" on Wager Gulch and see views of the Continental Divide. You can sing to Johnny Cash at 13,000 feet! Jeep Ouray WEATHER Jeep Ouray WEATHER 61F clear sky Fri 79F 57F Sat 79F 54F Sun 82F 54F Mon 81F 59F Tue 82F 57F Wed 86F 59F Thu 88F 63F Alpine Loop Map JEEP and OHV Resources Grand Mesa OHV Map Colorado OHV Map Telluride OHV Trails SilverJack/Cimarron OHV Ouray is Calling Canyon Creek Jeep. If you're planning to explore the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado by Jeep, it's crucial to remember that these mountains are home to delicate ecosystems that must be protected. var date = new Date(); If you're planning a Jeeping adventure in Ouray, here are the top 3 places you should visit: 1. Bring a picnic lunch and stop at a scenic spot for a relaxing break. It's also a good idea to bring a first aid kit, maps, and navigation tools in case of emergencies. Once a bustling mining community, this historical site is a captivating reminder of Colorado's rich mining history. One of our favorite ways to see the San Juan Mountains is with an all-day or half-day guided scenic tour. Three people died in a Jeep rollover Monday on the Camp Bird Road, 3.1 miles from Ouray. And what better way to explore this beautiful town than by renting a Jeep from Jeep Ouray? Errors called to the publisher's attention The trail is 20 miles long and takes you through some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the area. During the late 19th century, Telluride was one of the wealthiest towns in Colorado, with numerous mines producing silver, gold, zinc, and lead. About 15 miles south of Telluride along Highway 145 starts Trail #626 near Trout Lake. It was hard but so worth it for the view. Top notchcustomer service and great equipment. The trail is relatively easy, making it a great option for families or beginners. If you're looking for an adventure that combines stunning mountain views, outdoor activities, and delicious food, look no further than Telluride, Colorado. Not all towns appear on map. Trail # 877 will take you up to Uncompahgre Peak (not pictured on the map). Pack Out Your Trash: The Tread Lightly principles encourage you to pack out your trash to keep the backcountry clean and free of litter. Renting a Jeep and exploring the Colorado mountains was the best time I've had in a long time! Its real icy so Id recommend snow chains or waiting until spring. 2023 Jeep Rubicon hardtop with AUTOMATIC transmission. Ouray has an enormous variety of jeeping and OHV routes at every level. Available 6/15 9/15 (based on trail conditions), Absolutely our favorite experience in Ouray! 44 driving experience recommended. Reservations are recommended. We're on the right (north) side of the street. Over 500 miles of rugged and breath-taking mountain trails connect Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, and Lake City. See where our Jeep Tours go, or plan your route with your Jeep rental (except Black Bear Pass). Jeep Ouray has just the rental to make this adventure a great memory. P.S. Colorado West Jeeps, 701 Main St., Ouray Colo. 970-325-4014 DOWNTOWN WEBCAM CLICK HERE AC, Heat, XM radio, 285/70/R17 (33) tires with Hill Descent Control, Command-Trac 44 system with the anti-spin rear axle for superior 4 wheel drive control. Remember, the adventure lies in exploring the beautiful scenery and seeing whats around the next corner not just a destination. Animals Forks/Eureka Conditions: Open, heavy snow Black Bear Conditions: Brown Mountain Conditions: Cinnamon: Conditions: Open to Lake City Corkscrew: Conditions: Work in progress Engineer (Hinsdale County) Why observing Tread Lightly is important. All snow, any gear is better than none I was able to do it in tennis shoes though ( shoes and socks were soaked) . As more people settled in Animas Forks, seeking their fortunes underground, new mining operations sprang up throughout California Gulch. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition. . (970) 325-4523. Its a private jeeping adventure that allows you to explore, experience and discover beautiful places with a guide. 5. Other than that any 4WD SUV with decent clearance should be able to do it with careful line choice. 6. Rocky in sections with a few shallow ruts to navigate.The wildflowers are past peak bloom, but still a colorful area surrounded by snow peaked mountains. Top of the mountain was still icy, couldnt have done it without the help of someone. In addition to gold and silver deposits found abundantly within California Gulch's mineshafts, tunnels were dug deeper into mountainsides searching for valuable minerals. Telluride is known for its music scene, and there are plenty of venues to catch a live show. Research the trails in the area and choose a route that matches your skill level and interests. For Details and Vendor Sign up. With stunning mountain views, outdoor activities, delicious food, and a rich history, there's something for everyone in this charming mountain town. 3. Beautiful pass. Bear Creek Trail - This 2.5-mile trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the town of Telluride. P.O. Ive been over many mountain passes, but this was my first in my GMC lol thankfully the rock shelf is wider than most. Jeeping in the mountains around Ouray, Colorado, is an incredible experience that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. The trail can be challenging, but the views are breathtaking. Trail marked as closed after Dec. well packed trail Beautiful ice falls. Scenic Beauty: The Alpine Loop is known for its stunning scenery, which includes towering peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear streams. But, after getting to know the area and asking a lot of questions, going with a jeep rental this year was a great choice for our latest trip to Ouray. GMRS radios are required. Jeep Ouray is a Jeep rental company in the San Juan Mountains that encourages its clients to learn about TreadLightly and LeaveNoTrace protocols before heading out into the backcountry. Did this in late September 2022 in a Subaru Ascent. We did Silverton to Animas Forks to lake city then turned around and drove the pass back, otherwise its 3 hour road drive back to Silverton. Great view from hwy 550 to the summit. However, if you do encounter a batch of snow closing the road, do not drive on the tundra to bypass the snow. Places to Stay, Rentals & Amenities With its rich history, stunning views, and challenging terrain, it is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. And what better way to explore this beautiful town than by renting a Jeep from Jeep Ouray? publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any Telluride is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and there are plenty of hiking options for all skill levels. This is the upgraded version of the Wrangler Sport with 4:10 gears, electronic sway-bar disconnect AND push-button front/rear lockers. Representations herein were supplied by the individual businesses. We are not complaining as we really needed the snow; however, this is causing a delayed start to some trails opening. Instead of an itinerary, choose an experience. There are a couple of stream crossings but you are ok with gore Tex hiking boots, otherwise take off shoes for crossing. The trail is a rocky, traversing road. At its peak, it boasted around 30 cabins, several businesses, including saloons and general stores, and a post office. The story of Animas Forks began in the late 19th century when prospectors flocked to the region in search of precious metals. The highest point on the Alpine Loop is Engineer Pass, which is at an elevation of 12,800 feet. I convinced my sister to rent a jeep and go exploring. The town is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and offers some of the best off-roading trails in the state. The Moon at O'Bannon's - This intimate venue features live music from local and national acts. The extraction techniques evolved from traditional pickaxes to advanced machinery, such as steam-powered stamp mills, to crush ore rocks into dust particles that could be processed further. 970-944-2500. The trail can be challenging, but the views are breathtaking. Ingram falls is still snowed over and the path to blue lakes and silver lakes is also too snowy still. Bring a dust mask, layers, snacks and a lunch! 1. Didnt take the actual trail. We drove the trail twice yesterdayon opening day for the pass. The San Juan Mountains surrounding Ouray, Colorado contain hundreds of miles of Jeeping roads for all levels of driving experience. The loop is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the roads are clear. The trail can be challenging, but the views are worth it. Get off the beaten path and be unique! The road can be rough and rocky in places, and there are several steep climbs and descents. Director of RegistrationJake [email protected], Adventure ConsultantTy [email protected]. Located in the San Juan Mountains between Ouray and Silverton, this trail comprises one half of the well-known Alpine Loop. No part of this This trail begins about 20 miles north of Silverton and exits above the Cascade Creek Townhomes south of Purgatory. | Website Design PMC. A snow bank fell across the trail about halfway up, so turned around. Thanks for all the advice!. 2. Ride Trail #623 up to Wilson Peak, one of Colorado's 53 fourteeners standing at 14,017 ft. How high will you go? I'd definitely take the trail again but might go back at peak season and not towards the end to avoid slippery situations. Need a good driver but the views are unmatchable. Did this in a '23 Bronco Outer Banks Sasquatch (2" lift w/ 35s) and had no issues. Since 1962, Switzerland of America Jeeps has been providing quality Jeep adventures from a little blue, red and white building on 7th Avenue, smack-dab in the middle of this charming turn-of-the-century town. The snow is melting and we are seeing summer flowers in town and some in the high country. Tours are booked as a 4-hour block, morning or afternoon. Book Online and Save 10% Reserve Your Vehicle Rental Now Most Popular 4x4 Rentals Aventon Aventure.2 Ebike TIRES - 4" Fat Tires; TOP SPEED - 28 MPH; RANGE - Up To 60 Miles See Rental 6 Passenger Polaris Ranger 1000 82 Horsepower Electric Start Automatic Transmission See Rental var x = date.getYear(); | Website Design PMC. Seats 5 with more cargo space. Three people died in a rollover in Ouray County on Monday during a commercial Jeep tour, according. Don't miss their famous truffle fries! Muddy snow, water crossings, etc. The trail is relatively easy, making it a great option for families or beginners. Down Ophir Pass toward Telluride is loose rock. Be mindful of your surroundings, such as wildlife, and make sure to respect their space. Engineer Pass features a summit of 12,800 feet with incredible examples of the areas tumultuous geologic history of volcanic and glacier activity resulting in richly colored layers of emerald, amethyst, rust and blue shades of rock face lining the trails edge. Most other large trucks/suvs couldnt pass. Our trading post at Ouray Riverside Resort has you covered with snacks, sandwiches and supplies. Travel 4 miles south on the Million Dollar Highway and cross Bear Creek Falls to the turn-off of Engineer Pass. Home; Jeep Tours. The Trail splits off from County Road 625 and takes you up to the peak. With legendary Jeep 4x4 capability to take you off the beaten path and the strength to tow or haul your toys wherever you need them. 2. Will be back in the summer. 701 Main Street All in all it was fun, definitely go back again. Engineer Pass: Engineer Pass is a must-visit destination for Jeepers in Ouray. Stop for lunch in Telluride before your return trip to Ouray. Turn west on 7th avenue from Main Street. Seemingly everybody in this town of 1,000 drives Jeeps, because, Ouray, nestled in a box canyon surrounded by Southwest Colorado's San Juan Mountains, offers unlimited mountain roads to. Returned to Lake City by same route. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: The Tread Lightly principles encourage you to be considerate of other visitors by keeping noise levels low and respecting their privacy. $450.00 up to 4 guests or private vehicles(Additional guests/vehicles $63.00 ea), $890.00 up to 4 guests or private vehicles(Additional guests/vehicle $125.00 ea), In the mountains, we find beauty, simplicity, stillness, a sense of purpose. Telluride Jazz Festival - This annual festival features world-class jazz musicians and takes place in August. Engineer Pass: Engineer Pass is a must-visit destination for Jeepers . LAKE CITY TRAILS Trail # 870 takes you past the ghost town of Capitol City and gives you views of Wetterhorn Peak (14,015'). Due to the rugged nature of the trail, this trip operates as a private customized Safari and is hosted in a specially designed Jeep Rubicon that can seat up to 6. 478 reviews #2 of 26 things to do in Ouray Hiking Trails Geologic Formations Visit website Write a review About Surrounded by several mountain peaks (Potosi Peak, Teakettle Mountain, Cirque Mountain, Stony Mountain, and Gilpin Mountain), Yankee Boy Basin is a popular scenic area visited by hikers, photographers, four-wheelers and nature lovers. Copyright Switzerland of America, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reserving a Jeep rental in Ouray Colorado is exciting thanks to the experience and commitment of Switzerland of America, Inc. Jeeping in the San Juan Mountains is our passion, and we look forward to providing you with a fantastic and memorable adventure in the newly designed Jeep Wranglers. Gift Cards are a wonderful way to treat someone special to an outdoor adventure in Ouray, Colorado! Harsh winters brought heavy snowfall that cut off access to supplies and isolated the few residents that stayed for months on end. Pack the Essentials: Make sure you pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen for your day in the mountains. Note:Black Bear Pass and Poughkeepsie are prohibited in a Jeep rental, however, we do offer a guided safari over Black Bear with experienced trail guides. Our Jeep rental office is conveniently located at 827 Main Street in Ouray, Colorado.. Home; Trails; FAQs; Map; Jeep Rental Information All our rental Jeeps are equipped with the conveniences of your own car (Heat, AC, MP3 input, etc) as well as traction control to . Telluride Bistro - This casual bistro serves up delicious sandwiches, salads, and burgers at affordable prices. However, like many boomtowns that relied heavily on mining, Animas Forks' prosperity was short-lived. Amazing hike with alpine meadows in bloom, waterfalls all around and topped with an amazing blue alpine lake. Mines, mountains, waterfalls, wildlife and wildflowers. Our imagination has freedom here and nature sings in a rhythm that reminds us of who we are, what matters, and what doesnt. View our privacy policy. Last 300 yards will require chains. More than amazing to finish this trail, pretty rocky but as long as you have a little clearance youll be fine. It was so much fun! Airport pick-up is available through Western Slope Rides. Gift Cards are a wonderful way to treat someone special to an outdoor adventure in Ouray, Colorado! Visitors can explore well-preserved cabins with original furniture and artifacts that give an authentic glimpse into everyday life during the mining era. Jeeps must stay within the San Juan Mountains (Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, Lake City) areas unless prior arrangements have been made. Bring your own, or order one with us ahead of time. 2. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Other sights to see: The American Basin is one of the most beautiful wildflower viewing areas in the nation. Conditions: Open to Middle Fork, Yankee Boy Basin These favorite Colorado jeep trails are what gives the San Juans and Ouray Colorado the name "Jeep Capital of the World." With nearly 100 miles of trails offering some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in North America one quickly realizes how it got this name. Trail is covered in snow so we hiked the road. Follow the Camp Bird road approx 4.7 miles and turn right at Yankee Boy Basin Rd and drive appropriately another 2.8 miles to the Twin Falls and wildflowers. Our information comes from being up on the trails ourselves or updates from County/USFS sources, and those that have been on particular trails in their own vehicles. Surrounded by towering peaks and nestled along the banks of California Gulch, this remote town offered breathtaking views but posed significant challenges for its inhabitants. Pets: A Pet fee of $25 will be applied to the reservation. Animas Forks, Gladstone, Guston, and Rose's Cabin are all along these trails; most of these towns have been adopted by historical groups and some may have working restaurants for you to stop and have lunch. However do hike up the hill above the first lake for a great view! Driving stock 4runner TRD Offroad from Lake City to American Basin for amazing wildflower walk along creek. We haven't received any updates on trails opening for summer 2020 yet. . Some popular hikes include: 1. This means staying on the trails, and packing out your trash. LAKE CITY TRAILS Trail # 870 takes you past the ghost town of Capitol City and gives you views of Wetterhorn Peak (14,015'). Open to the Yellow Rose waterfall, snow plows are up on the switch backs but it could be another 2 weeks before they are to the top, Open be careful a lot of erosion on this trail making it difficult to traverse in places, Open, a lot fo snow still in the avalanche area and on the switch backs, Still closed as we understand you cannot even make it to the gate by Lake Como due to snow. Just a few holes to navigate. We have no update on this trail, Open to Ice Lake trail head, Clear lake is still not accessible, Open to the split for Stony Pass, but closed after the split. Go Wild Exploring the Silverton Area. Enjoy goods from local creatives, live music and local performers, and great food. Parked at one of the lower campgrounds and hiked up. Drive Safely: When jeeping in the mountains, safety should always be your top priority. Engineer Pass: Engineer Pass is a must-visit destination for Jeepers in Ouray.