Ouray Road Trip: Bears, Brews & BrewsterSouthwestern Colorado is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Ouray, Telluride, and the San Juans in general just have a different feel from the rest of the state. They can be a bit of a drive to get to, but here’s my full three-day weekend adventure, cramming as much in as possible!Authorskyliebearse
DestinationsOurayItinerary

Day 1: Glenwood

Iron Mountain Hot Springs
It was such a tough choice between Iron Mountain and Glenwood Hot Springs because we only had time for one. After a brief poll, it was pointed out that Glenwood Hot Springs was better for families with one big pool, and Iron Mountain had multiple pools and an adults-only area... So we decided to give it a go and we absolutely loved it. Now I can’t wait to go back and check out Glenwood Hot Springs!
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Hotel Maxwell Anderson
For our stopover in Glenwood Springs, we stayed at the also renovated Maxwell Anderson Hotel. It’s formerly the Hotel Denver, and they did such a wonderful job of keeping the feel of the original while making it feel luxurious. It’s right downtown, so we walked to a few restaurants and bars, plus it’s across the street from Glenwood Hot Springs. Of course, keeping with our theme for the trip, it was super dog-friendly. The staff was super sweet, and we’d absolutely stay here again.
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Day 2: Telluride

Free Gondola to Telluride - Mountain Village Station
Ride the (free!) Telluride Gondola from town up to Mountain Village for sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains. It can also be used as a form of transport from one town area to the other, both filled with restaurants and hotels, how cool.
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The Western Saloon & Grill
I’m not kidding when I say this was the best pulled pork sandwich I’ve ever had (we got it twice over the weekend) – Dog-friendly patio for drinks.
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The Western Hotel and Spa
We stayed at the Western Ouray, which just got a new renovation, but still has its gorgeous old-mountain-town-feeling. The rooms have mountain views, comfy beds, and were stocked with a little kitchen (including snacks that were included – no expensive mini bar!) Downstairs, where the old prohibition tunnels used to be is now a gorgeous spa – we’re talking a huge hot tub, cold plunge, sauna, and gym. It was super dark, so a little hard to capture the beauty, but it was amazing. The best part of the Western is how perfectly located it is in the center of town. We walked a third of a mile to Cascade Falls after grabbing some morning coffee. Then, exactly the opposite direction, another third of a mile, we hopped on the Ouray Perimeter trail.
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The Imogene Hotel and Rooftop Bar
This rooftop bar was my favorite with 360 views over the Switzerland of America!
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Day 3: Ouray

Kami's Samis
Delicious breakfast and lunch spot in Ouray!
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Perimeter Trail
The Ouray Perimeter Trail is one of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done, it’s gorgeous with sweeping views of Ouray and challenging (definitely a few steep drop-offs) – I can’t recommend it enough. It’s also where I saw my very first bear while hiking! A good reminder to always have your bear spray ready to go because this guy was a big one, and had we been 20 seconds later, we would’ve surprised each other.
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Box Cañon Falls Park
Along the Perimeter Trail, hike up to the cave and cascading falls along these steep, metal steps. There is an amazing view over Ouray and down the canyon of rushing water!
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Ouray Brewery
This spot gets busy, so if you can get in, it's a great spot for a beer with a view.
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Silver Eagle Saloon
The only place open after 9pm, and it had live music!
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Day 4: Rifle

Rifle Falls State Park
A lush oasis of greenery and waterfalls amidst dry Colorado, what a surprise! There are three 60-foot waterfalls to explore, and so much more before you leave Colorful Colorado.
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