ouraytrails.org

Hayden Mountain
as seen from Ouray

We are a non-profit corporation of volunteers, founded in 1986, dedicated to the preservation and safe public use of Ouray County's trails, working in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, Ouray District.

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Ouray Trail Group. P.O. Box 50, Ouray, CO 81427	Meetings: 4th Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. San Juan Room, Community Center

WARNING, BEARS SIGHTED 8/28/08
A bear and 2 cubs were spotted on the Ice Park trail at the SW end near the penstock crossing. Be alert, and be careful.

NOTE

General and specific trail work days are now noted on the trail work calendars, which are accessed on the "Trail Work" page. Details will be added as they become available.

For information on current Trail conditions, see the "Trail Updates" page.

The next General Membership meeting will be on August 26. Election of officers will be held.

MEMBERS
and those desiring to be members of OTG,
NOTE:
To be a voting member of OTG, a membership form must be filled out and returned to the OTG Secretary:
L. A. Bunten
PO Box 1327
Ouray, CO 81427

The .pdf form may be downloaded by clicking below. (You must have
Adobe Reader
to view this form)

Membership Form

We would like your comments and suggestions on this website. E-mail to:
webmaster@ouraynet.com

Welcome to Ouray Trails

This is a site where you can find information on Ouray County trails, updates on the status of trails, input your own current data on specific trails, and review frequently asked questions. You may also use your computer to navigate the trails with trail maps and pictures taken along the various trails.

You will find links to other sites, such as the Ouray Chamber and Resorts Association, The Ridgway State Park, other Colorado parks, and the U.S. Forest Service.

We hope you enjoy your time while using this Web Site. Give us your feedback through use of the "Contact Us" page.

Preserve the Beauty

Ouray's magnificent legacy of trails is largely a result of the mining activity of the 1800s; the remaining mine structures are irreplaceable and everyone's help is needed to preserve them. Local trails are normally maintained in reasonable condition, but can deteriorate drastically in severe weather. (See the "FAQ" page for safety tips.)

These steep mountain paths are prone to erosion, so leaving the trails or cutting corners on switchbacks only hastens their destruction. Mountainhiking and the freedom it brings also demand responsible use of this fragile, wild landscape.

Climb Responsibly

Colorado's spectacular peaks are suffering from serious human impacts. Climb these mountains with respect and be aware that your actions can cause impacts to the natural environment that require decades to recover.

Take only pictures and leave only footprints

Ouray -- Alpine Hiking Capital of the West Help us preserve and protect the area for the next generation. After your hike, take a minute to let someone know what work is needed. Your comments may be directed to this website, to our trail work leader, Phil Wolkin, or to the U. S. Forest Service: 970-240-5300, If you see someone violating the land, please call the Ouray Ranger District at 970-240-5300.	Need a Map or Local Trails Booklet? *Hiking Trails of Ouray County* (11th Edition) map is available at local stores and the Ouray Visitors Center. It features descriptions for 74 trails, Mt. Sneffels and Wetterhorn Peak approaches; user friendly guide to difficulty, distance, elevation and time; outdoor safety tips and a topographic map depicting the trails. Cost is $8.00 ($10.00 by mail) The booklet, *Hiking Ouray With Kids, covers 13 Scenic and accessible trails with trailheads on the perimeter of Ouray. The hikes are really for everyone, not just those with kids, but are not as strenuous as other trails in the area. It is also available in local stores and the Ouray Visitors Center. Cost is $5.00 ($7.00 by mail)* To order a map or booklet by mail, click HERE for details.
Trail (Work) Day 2008 On July 19, we had 44 workers, including Kathy Peckham, Krisann Wist and 3 other USFS personnel, attend the 2008 Trail Work Day with the Ouray Trail Group. Workers met at the Blue Lakes trailhead at about 8:30 a.m. Work groups were placed at various locations along the trail to maximize the work to be accomplished. After a full day of heavy work, the trail is now in great condition. (Pictures Courtesy of Barb Eliason)	At the Trailhead	Workers on the Trail
	USFS at Work	Constructing a Bridge
	Hard at Work	Photo Break
Trail Day (Get Outdoors Day) 2008 We had 25 folks and one dog attend the 2008 Trail Day Celebration with the Ouray Trail Group on June 14. The hikers met at Fellin (Ouray Hot Springs) Park at about 8:30 a.m. After introductions and general information from OTG President, Karen Risch, two groups were set up. One group of three hiked the Old Twin Peaks trail, while the remaining 22 followed Bob Risch's leadership on the new Ouray Perimeter Trail. Ages of the hikers ranged from 5 to those in their 70s. There were two representatives from the USFS, Laurie Kelso and Chris James, who were getting their first view of the trail. After completing the trek, the hikers met again at Fellin Park for cold drinks, and to reflect on the beauty of the area. Several then went to the Ouray Fire Department display for hotdogs. (Click on small images for a larger view) For more pictures taken on Trail Day, go to Trail Day	Rest Stop at Cascade Trail Register	Chris James and, Laurie Kelso, USFS
	The Perimeter Trail Group Kelvin & Becky Kent not in Picture (Picture courtesy of Kelvin Kent)	Ouray from the Box Canyon High Bridge
Boy Scouts create a new trail at the National Belle Mine at Red Mountain Pass On Wednesday, August 30, 2006, Neill Pieper completed additional work on his Eagle Scout Project, a trail to the National Belle Mine headframe from County Road 31. He, other scouts and leaders had worked on the trail earlier, but the trail work was finished this day. Neill's brother, Nicholas, Father, Gregg, Scouts Blake and Clay Zimmerman, plus Roger Smith, Dale King and Laurie Bunten of OTG all helped in getting the trail finished. Neill still has some signage to complete, but the project is well on towards completion. Earlier in the year, scouts worked on the Lower Cascade trail assisting Ben Anderson on his Eagle Scout Project. We don't have pictures of that activity, but the trail and signage was improved dramatically. The project was done in coordination with the City of Ouray.	Arrival at the National Belle. Clay Zimmerman, Nicholas Pieper, Blake Zimmerman, Neill and Gregg Pieper	At work on the trail
	At the National Belle Headframe	Work Day Finished Above: Neill Pieper, Blake Zimmerman Below: Clay Zimmerman, Nicholas Pieper
Ouray Scenes Top Left-- Ouray, taken from the Gold Hill area north of Ouray. Mt. Abram is to the left, in the distance, and Mt. Hayden to the right. Top Right -- The Uncompahgre Gorge as seen from the Hayden Ridge, looking Southeast. The Uncompahgre River falls can be seen flowing from under Highway 550 in the lower center of the picture. Engineer Mountain can be reached by 4WD vehicles via the road up the center gorge. Middle -- On the lower Silvershield Trail. Ouray can be seen in the background. Bottom Left -- Mount Abram in the Fall. Bottom Right - OTG members reconnoitering a possible trail.