TravelGirl54

We going to be in Colorado, Utah and Arizona for a few days. We will be driving from Denver to Grand Canyon. Is it worth a side trip to go by Ouray? It appears to have beautiful scenery and hot springs. Anything else?

Thanks for the feedback.

Melnq8

Ouray is indeed beautiful - we go a couple of times a year (we live in CO). Cute little town, jeep tours, lots of nice hikes (most are steep), hot springs, a few good places to eat, a small brewery or two.

You can get there via Red Mountain Pass from Durango and Silverton or via Ridgway, which is another little town with its own hot springs, old west character and one of my favorite breakfast places. Some nice walks around there too.

One of my favorite drives in CO is between Ridgway and Ouray. Not too far from Telluride if you want to base in Ouray a day or two and take a day trip to Telluride. Lots of options.

TravelGirl54

Thank you. This is very helpful.

bailey123

It's really not much of a detour if you are taking I-70 to 550 then south. In fact you will go through Ouray if you are taking 550 south to 160. You don't mention what time of year. If within the next couple months, you might encounter closed mountain passes due to our good snow season.

TravelGirl54

Thank you. We will be going mid-May.

emalloy

Good advice so far, I also would head from Ouray down through Silverton to Durango. Then stop at Mesa Verde before heading to Grand Canyon. Perhaps visit Monument Valley on the way too.

bailey123