So near and yet so far

Posted by Greg on 9/03/09 • Categorized as Outdoors

I love Ouray, Colorado. The food is fabulous, the scenery unforgettable and the weather (each time I’ve been there) is perfect. And it has hot springs. Non-smelly, steaming hot, hot springs.

We were there a couple of weeks ago and once again fell in love with Ouray.

Ouray Overlook

There are a couple of old buildings there, and while not the quintessential rustic Colorado mine buildings we all love, the old equipment left there is still interesting. Both buildings (an equipment shed and a bunkhouse) are light gray in color, so it’s easy to pick them out from the town below.

Yup, it's that far

So near and yet so far. Park at the Amphitheater Campground on the southeast side of Ouray. Trail head parking is available, along with a pit toilet (it’s the last one you’ll see on this hike). The trail presents only a slight climb the first half mile.

And then, hang onto your lungs. Two miles of continuous switchbacks take you around the back side of a mountain and test your resolve and thigh muscles. Eventually you emerge within sight of Ouray, and my, doesn’t it seem small? This hike is listed as strenuous and it is. Bring water and plan to take at least two hours to get to the top. Three if you’re a flatlander.

Two and a half miles in you’ll come to a very strange and stubborn tree, a conifer that will not give up. It looks like a bald man’s comb-over with pine needles on top. Rejoice, because the trail levels off.

Another quarter mile and you are at Upper Cascade Falls, worth the trip by itself if the run-off is high. And very nice even when there isn’t much water.

Upper Cascade Falls

Another quarter mile past the creek and you have arrived at the mine. As always respect the old mine stuff and stay away from the hole. But by all means, enjoy the view.