Ouray, Colorado, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Ouray, Colorado, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Ouray, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Ouray, Colorado, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Ouray, Colorado, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Ouray, Colorado, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ouray, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Ouray, Colorado, United States of America by month

January

Traveling to Ouray in January, you will notice that it is freezing. Expect it to snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to the Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you decide to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

February

February in Ouray is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to the Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you decide to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

March

Traveling to Ouray in March, you will notice that it is brisk and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to the Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you decide to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

April

April in Ouray is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you decide to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

May

If you go to Ouray in May, you will notice that it can be chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to the Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you decide to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

June

June for Ouray is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you go to the Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you decide to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

July

July in this region is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to the Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you decide to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

August

If you go to Ouray in August, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you decide to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

September

September in Ouray is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you decide to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

October

If you are traveling to Ouray in October, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to the Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you decide to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

November

November in Ouray is pretty cool. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) to 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to the Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you decide to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

December

December in Ouray is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ouray. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to the Ouray County Historical Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you decide to visit Box Canyon Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:

What to do in Ouray, Colorado, United States of America

Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, Ouray charms visitors with its stunning mountain scenery, colorful Victorian architecture, and rich historical heritage. Whether you come for the outdoor adventures or the cultural experiences, this small town has plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Ouray, Colorado.

1. Ouray Hot Springs: Located on the northern edge of town, the Ouray Hot Springs Pool is a popular spot for soaking in geothermal waters while admiring the mountain views. The pool features four sections of varying temperatures, ranging from 85 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as a lap pool and a water slide. The facility also has a sauna, a steam room, and a fitness center.

2. Box Canyon Falls: Just a short walk from downtown, Box Canyon Falls is a natural wonder that attracts visitors with its roaring 285-foot waterfall, rock formations, and hiking trails. The entrance fee includes access to the waterfall viewpoint, the suspension bridge, and the interpretive center.

3. Ouray Ice Park: If you're an ice climber or just curious about the sport, the Ouray Ice Park is a must-see attraction. This unique park is home to over 200 ice and mixed routes, ranging from easy to extreme, that are formed by human-made ice structures and frozen waterfalls. Visitors can watch climbers in action from the designated viewing areas or sign up for a guided climbing tour.

4. Ouray County Museum: Housed in a former hospital building, the Ouray County Museum showcases the history of the town and its surrounding area through a collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. Highlights include the Victorian era display, the mining exhibit, and the San Juan Mountains diorama.

5. Yankee Boy Basin: For a scenic drive or a hike in the high country, Yankee Boy Basin is a popular destination that offers breathtaking views of alpine meadows, wildflowers, and waterfalls. The road to the basin is mostly unpaved and steep, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The basin is also the starting point for several hiking trails, including the popular Blue Lakes Trail.

6. Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour: If you're curious about the mining history of the town, the Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour is a fascinating way to learn about the underground world of silver and gold extraction. The tour takes you 1,500 feet into the mine, where you can see the original equipment, tunnels, and artifacts used by the miners in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

7. Ridgway State Park: Located a few miles north of Ouray, Ridgway State Park is a recreational paradise that offers activities for all seasons. The park features a large reservoir for boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

These are just a few of the top tourist attractions in Ouray, Colorado, that are worth exploring. With its natural beauty, rich history, and friendly atmosphere, Ouray is a gem of a town that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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