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Perimeter Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.5 (32)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Southwest Rockies
  4. Ouray
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“A trail circumnavigating Ouray with views of the Icepark, Box Canyon Falls, and Cascade Falls. ”

Dave P.
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Map Key

4.8

Miles

7.8

KM

Point to Point

8,470' 2,582 m

High

7,725' 2,355 m

Low

1,116' 340 m

Up

984' 300 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

54%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Family Friendly While the full route might be a bit taxing for younger kids, hiking out to the waterfalls along the way can be a fun outing for the whole family.

Overview

The Perimeter Trail is a locally maintained trail, spanning multiple trailheads (Cascade Falls, Baby Bathtubs, Ice Park Trail, Twin Peaks) to give views of the listed attractions and the town.

Description

The main trailhead is located across from the visitor center, and there are multiple TH's allowing for a full or partial loop of the town. From the main trailhead, the trail climbs quickly to give views of the town and surrounding areas. Cascade Falls is the first attraction, less than 1 mile from the TH. This scenic falls is a great place to stop for a break, or just a beautiful scene to admire.

Continuing from Cascade Falls, you'll hike through the pines, eventually crossing Highway 550. This part of the trail eventually gives views of the top of the Ouray Icepark, leading to Box Canyon Falls.

Box Canyon Falls (a fee area) is located about 2/3 of the way into the loop. It is a worthy little side trip, hiking down approximately 200' in elevation and entering the falls themselves. Enjoy this dramatic fall, or cool down on a hot day before climbing back to the main trail.

The trail continues to the Old Twin Peaks TH and into town. As of summer 2016, you exit the trail on South Pinecrest St., head downhill to Queen St., continue to Oak Street and continue through town on 550 to the main TH, which is where you began your journey.

Contacts

Local Club: Ouray Trail Group

Shared By:

Dave P.
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 32 votes

#1

in Ouray

#406

Overall
  4.5 from 32 votes
5 Star
56%
4 Star
34%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Ouray

#85

in Colorado

#406

Overall
11 Views Last Month
5,324 Since Jul 23, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
50%
23%
27%
0%
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Photos

From Perimeter Trail, overlooking Ouray.
Jul 24, 2016 near Ouray, CO
Looking South on the Perimeter Trail
Jul 11, 2020 near Ouray, CO
View of Cascade Falls from below.
Dec 8, 2016 near Ouray, CO
Lower Cascade Falls becomes encased in ice come winter.
May 12, 2017 near Ouray, CO
Another view of the canyon
Aug 10, 2018 near Ouray, CO
Looking back out Box Cañon.
Oct 2, 2017 near Ouray, CO

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 54 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 2, 2024
David Kendall
Aug 22, 2024
Raluca Duca
Beautiful views but dangerous for kids 0.7mi
Apr 6, 2023
Evelyn Livermore
3h 14m
Aug 6, 2022
Joe Carpenter
Apr 9, 2022
Gabrielle P
We took it at a slow pace. There was some snow and ice and a couple of fallen trees on the trails. There were a couple places we put our spikes on.
Sep 21, 2021
zayra shmuels
Amazing ! — 3h 09m
Sep 5, 2021
Kyle Miller
Aug 15, 2021
Allison Granos

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