Ouray Ice Park - #196

Click on pictures to enlarge

Mt. Abram from near the Ice Park Trailhead

Twin Peaks

Ice Climbers

More Ice Climbers

TRAILHEAD:
Take US Highway 550 south out of town to the Camp Bird Road (County Road 361) and park by the fence surrounding the Colorado Department of Transportation maintenance area. Trail access is on either side of the upper bridge across the Uncompahgre gorge. The east trailhead sign can be seen left of the road just before the bridge. The trail entrance on the west side of the bridge is at the ice park hut just beyond the bridge.

ATTRACTIONS AND FEATURES:
This is a short, easy round trip of 2 miles with an altitude gain of only 250 feet. From the east trailhead, there is an initial steep climb for about 0.1 mile. The trail then levels and continues down the east side of the gorge for 0.9 mile with good views of Mt. Abram and the mountains on either side of the gorge. A foot bridge is provided to cross the Uncompahgre River, and then there is a steep, but short climb to a pipeline. Cross the pipeline on the stile (steps) and continue right on the west side of the gorge to the trail end at the Camp Bird Road. In the winter, ice climbers can often be seen on the west side of the gorge.

Climber Closeup Looking north along the pipeline Mountain Sheep

Go to TRAIL INDEX

Ouray Perimeter Trail

Work on the Trail

Gary Hansen & Dennis Moyer

Jorg Angehrn

Roger Smith & Friend

Rich Spaulding

The Perimeter Trail is still a work in progress. When completed, the trailhead will be across the road from the Ouray Visitor's Center, but at the present, the trail begins at the Lower Cascade Falls.

TRAILHEAD:
The trail is now accessed from the east end of 8th Avenue in Ouray. Parking space is available there.

ATTRACTIONS AND FEATURES:
A short, 0.2 mile walk from the parking area takes you to a great view of the lower falls, and the current start of the Perimeter Trail, which follows the Cascade trail for a short distance before breaking off to the right and going south around the Amphitheater below the Amphitheater camping area road. It connects with the Baby Bathtubs trail, then south on the Portland trail across Portland Creek and up to the "Three Pines" area near the Portland Mine road. After crossing the road, the trail proceeds across the "Potato Patch," an open area with tremendous views of Twin Peaks and Whitehouse. From there, it descends to Highway 550 and crosses the highway to intersect with the Ice Park trail. The trail proceeds northerly on the Ice Park trail to the Camp Bird mine road (CR 361). Proceed west on the road across the bridge and shortly thereafter the trail breaks off to the right on the Box Cañon high bridge trail. The trail goes across the high bridge at Box Cañon, through the tunnel, and down the mountainside to Pinecrest St. There are spectacular views of Ouray and the depths of Box Cañon from the high bridge. For now, exit the trail by following Pinecrest to Queen St., right to Oak St., and then back through town to where you need to go.

Going Down from Tunnel Exit Tunnel Exit
The Potato Patch Before Work After Work

Go to TRAIL INDEX

Porphyry Basin - #243

Cabin near Porphyry Basin

Porphyry Basin Mountains

TRAILHEAD:
Follow directions to the Middle Fork of the Cimarron Trail. The Porphyry Basin Trail begins 2.3 miles up that trail.

ATTRACTIONS AND FEATURES:
The trail goes 1.1 miles up into Porphyry Basin where there are beautiful views of Precipice Peak, Dunsinane Mountain and the surrounding high country. This is a nice side trip off theMiddle Fork Trail.

Precipice and Dunsinane Peaks Lost Dreams - Fallen Cabin

Go to TRAIL INDEX

Portland

Portland | Portland Mine

Looking west from the Portland Overlook

The Portland Trail - #238

TRAILHEAD (Portland Creek):
Take Hwy 550 south out of Ouray around two switchbacks then left on the Amphitheater Campground road, 1.1 miles from the south end of Main Street. The trail begins 0.25 mile up the Portland Mine jeep road, which forks up to the right (east) before the gate and bridge over Portland Creek. There is ample Parking on the north side of the Campground road before the gate.

ATTRACTIONS AND FEATURES:
Hiking this trail is a good way to get used to the altitude and also have views of the Amphitheater cliffs and the peaks to the west and south of Ouray. You will be mostly in forest, but with many viewing points along the way. The trail crosses Portland Creek and begins a gentle climb along a series of switchbacks through the forest, with overlooks of the Amphitheater.

After two miles, you will reach a four-way junction at the high point of the Portland Trail. For an interesting loop back to the Campground, take the left branch to connect with the Cascade Trail. This return is steeper than the way you came up on the Portland Trail, but is only 1.2 miles. Turn left at the Cascade Trail intersection to reach the Campground.

TRAILHEAD (Amphitheater Campground):
When the Campground is open (from Memorial Day to at least Labor Day), you may drive to the cul-de-sac at the end of the Campground road. Parking space here is limited. Do not block campsite parking.

ATTRACTIONS AND FEATURES:
Starting from the cul-de-sac, you will leave the forest and cross some open places for viewing during the first 0.2 mile. At the first main trail junction, keep right; the left turn continues the Cascade Trail. After crossing a normally dry creek bed, this fork joins the trail from the Portland Creek trailhead. Turn left up the switchbacks, and follow the directions in "Attractions and Features," above.

Go to TRAIL INDEX

The Portland Mine Trail - #238.1A
This trail breaks off to the right at the four-way junction at the high point of the Portland trail. The trail intersects the Portland Mine jeep road in about 1/2 mile. Continue up the jeep road to the Portland Mine. The jeep road provides a different route and views for a loop back to the trailhead and parking area.

Go to TRAILINDEX