Ouray, Colorado, sits just inside the San Juan Mountains along US-550. There are gorgeous views and many streams flowing to the Uncompahgre River on the west side of town. Not to mention the rock amphitheater surrounding the town. This morning we are hiking to Cascade Falls. It is a two (2) minute drive from Main Street on the east side of town. Can’t beat that commute! Like most every road and trail in Ouray, it is UP this way!
The falls drops 200-feet with lots of rocks, stones, and slippery slopes at its base. Careful walking is vital.
Let’s take a minute and get some pronunciations squared away. First, Ouray. Pronounced yir-ray, named after Chief Ouray of the Ute nation. He was very important and influential in southwestern Colorado in the late 1800s. Most everyone believes he pronounced his name very differently, but no one is sure how.
Next, Uncomphagre. Bit of a tongue twister, but pronounced un-come-PAH-gray. Say that 10 times fast. Aw, you can do this.
Yup, it was a steep walk up, but the trail was easy to follow and only 3/10 mile long. As we head down watch your step!
View of the falls from the overlook right before starting UP to the fall’s base. Standing at itse base, the falls appears close to the mountain’s top. From the overlook we see there is about double the mountain above the falls. But wait . . .
The next morning I walked up to Box Canyon on the west side of town. What views! Check out Cascade Falls–and the entire mountain! Can you see the falls toward the bottom right above the town? The mountain actually slants sharply away from the fall’s top giving the illusion when close that the mountain isn’t that high. Surprise!
Looking upstream from the fall’s Overlook.
Looking downstream you can see the deep cement ditch/dyke that takes the water to the Uncompahgre River. Have you mastered 10 times fast 😉 ?
We can’t leave Ouray without seeing the beautiful amphitheater that surrounds the east side of the town. Now there’s a view to wake up each morning!
Until next time . . .
Thoroughly enjoying your posts. This Ouray Falls hike storey was short and sweet. The photography was truly exceptional as usual. Looks wonderful there. Best wishes…Jeff
Thanks so much Jeff. So glad you come along!