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Uncompahgre River Walk

Rating: 
Round Trip Distance: 2.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 7542 - 7669 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 1 hr. 30 mins.
Trailhead: Oak Street
Fee: none
Attractions: Scenic river corridor




The Uncompahgre River Walk trail is located in Ouray, Colorado. The trail runs along both sides of the Uncompahgre River just north of the Ouray Visitor Center and Hot Springs Pool. The trail came about as part of the Uncompahgre River Restoration Project. Along the route there are interpretive signs that point out facts about the local wildlife and the areas rich mining history.


Parking is available along the trail in various places. This post begins at the restroom near the northwest end of the trail along Oak Street. The restroom has running water and flush toilets.


The trails base is composed of hard packed gravel. Most of it is accessible by wheelchairs and strollers. At each end of the trail there are sturdy bridges that convey it from one side of the river to the other.


Besides picnic tables and benches there are a number of exercise stations scattered along the trail. This one is equipped with pullup bars but the exercise they are suggesting is hip rotations.


The trash receptacles are bear proof and for good reason. On the day we took these pictures there was a fresh pile of bear scat in the middle of the trail that looked like it was left the night before.


Several mine buildings can be seen from the trail that are still clinging to the steep cliffs.


Families with youngsters will enjoy taking a stroll through the Children's Garden that is near the midpoint of the east side of the trail.


Several RV and camping parks share their property line with the trail providing quick and easy access for their guests.


The scenic mountains around the town of Ouray provide plenty of pleasing views, like this one of Mount Abrams, to enjoy from the trail.


A short spur continues along the east side of the river from the bridge crossing at the south end of the trail. The spur comes out along Highway 550 near the Ouray Visitor Center where there is another restroom with flush toilets.


Many of the town's local residence are close enough to the trail to simply begin walking from their homes.


The Uncompahgre River Walk also sees quite a few joggers and trail runners that are on their way to one of the nearby steeper trails. The next time that you happen to be visiting Ouray and want to try an easy walk other than going up and down the main street then consider the Uncompahgre River Walk. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.