Ouray, Colorado

When we were there about three weeks ago: Black Bear Pass was closed.... Also, there were very strict fire restrictions in town, and everywhere else.. No fires, no charcoal grills: only propane allowed...

If you want Jeep excitement, DO NOT start with 'Black Bear' trail. People have DIED on it.

If you're ever there over July 4th and there's no fire restrictions they do a great fireworks display. My dad was with me one year and we just dumb lucked into that even though I had been there before. I've done Black Bear Pass twice on a motorcycle and it's great.

Mekkerl:

We stayed at 4j. It was fine, we'd stay there again... It was convenient, clean, and easy walking distance from downtown and the city park (where they had a free concert).

We did a jeep tour with "Switzerland of America" I wouldnt think about taking my truck on the road over Imogene pass. I am sure you will agree once you see it. We drug high-center a few times and felt like we were going to roll off the mountain as well. So, dress warm, and hold on!

2gypsies wrote:
If using your truck on the 4-wheeling trails be sure to ask at a Jeep rental place or in Silverton at the Visitor Center for trails that would be suitable for your truck. Some trails are very narrow and twisty and if you encounter another vehicle(s) you have a problem.

It's very difficult to back those trucks up for a half mile or so when the trail/road is less than 8' wide and the drop is in Hundreds of Feet if not thousands.

Local Info is a Must!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If using your truck on the 4-wheeling trails be sure to ask at a Jeep rental place or in Silverton at the Visitor Center for trails that would be suitable for your truck. Some trails are very narrow and twisty and if you encounter another vehicle(s) you have a problem.

Go Horns -- we are in Ouray (for the first time) in mid-August. We'll be coming from Mesa Verde, so will likely take the same route you did to get to Ouray.
Where did you end up staying? We are looking at 4j and Ouray RV Park for our three nights.
And what were your thoughts of where you stayed?
Would you stay there again? Did you look at any other campgrounds while there?

Did you rent a jeep? Or take a guided tour one? I am contemplating renting a 6-passenger jeep to explore the trails...however we may just use my truck.

Thanks for any insights!

Ouray was great! We bypassed the fire by going west out of Durango, through Cortez and Dolores, Co. The scenery on that route was beautiful, although not as dramatic as Hwy 550 between Silverton and Ouray (we made that drive, but not while towing). We did some hiking, and took in a jeep tour across Imogene Pass. I have to say: Colorado has many beautiful towns, but Ouray might be my number one pick. We are already contemplating a return. Thanks for all the advice, it was very helpful!

I like the KOA there. Ridgeway is nice too. Haven't been to 4J but I think it is in town and seemed a little tight.

I did rent a jeep and I'll never do it again, I was way out of my league even on the mildest trails. I do enjoy riding motorcycles on mountain roads.

2Fliers wrote:
Just a heads up...
There's fire about 10 miles north of Durango, so the Durango to Silverton train has been suspended through June 17. Also note that US 550 is closed at night.

Thanks for the head's up! I called my campground to confirm my reservation and check if there were any concerns.... We're good to go, looking forward to Ouray on Monday!