Ouray in early Sept.

Hi, I'll be making a trip to the Ouray area the first week of

September. My main interest is landscapes but old mining areas might

be nice also. Any suggestions? I imagine the wildflowers must be in

decline or gone by this time but the opportunity came up and I

couldn't pass. The local organisations have sent me some nice hiking

maps and information but I have limited time (week) and of course want

to make the best of it. I have a 4WD vehicle so any suggestions here

are very welcome if you think they are worthwhile. I'd also appreciate

any information on good campgrounds and backpacking opportunities.

 

One the way I will be overnighting in Dillon off the interstate and

plan to drive thru Gunnison/Black Canyon NP the next morning on the

way to Ouray. How is the route for scenics, or do you suggest a

different route?

 

Thanks a lot for your suggestions!

Well I've photographed around Ouray but at the end of September in glorious autumn colour, so I'm not sure whether my specific experience is strictly relevent. A lot will depend on what sort of 4wd routes you're prepared to tackle, and there's an excellent guide- Colorado Byways by Tony Huegel - published by The Post Company in Idaho Falls though I think I got mine from Amazon. You might also like to look at www.cosports.com/fwhldr/4x4trails.htm and http://twenj.com/ourayjeeproutes.htm for similar information.

 

There's some good views of Red Mountain from the 550 between Ouray and Siverton (late pm). The Ophir Pass, again off the 550 south of Ouray, is nice; and I guess you won't want to miss the Engineer Mountain Road and it's continuance to Lake City and back via the Cinnamon Pass/Silverton - lots of old mining stuff up there. Finally on the way down to Ouray from Black Canyon you might find it more interesting to drive Owl Creek Road/Pass than follow the main roads.

Here is ouray and Yankee Boy in July:<p>

 

<a href="http://www.kgcphoto.com/south_of_ouray.htm">Here</a><p>

 

<a href="http://www.kgcphoto.com/yankee_boy_basin.htm">Here</a><p>

 

<a href="http://www.kgcphoto.com/yankee_boy_basin-2_gallery.htm">Here</a><p>

 

To give you ideas of locations...

There is a cool campground right in town, then "up" called "the Ampitheater". You'll see why when you get there. Excellent base for daily forays. Take a Jeep tour(reserved in town)to see what exists. Do this first, you won't be sorry! Your at the mercy of the weather, as far as color, and sky etc. Have fun!

I stayed at the Ampitheater CG for four days when I was there in July. I CG itself has a nice overlook of Ouray plus the road w/ switchbacks has some nice turnouts.