On day three, we traded our FJ Cruiser for hiking boots and set out to conquer the 6.2-mile Perimeter Trail that loops around the town of Ouray. It turned out to be one of the most rewarding hikes of our trip.
The trail definitely challenged us with plenty of elevation gain, rocky sections, and what felt like endless stairs in some places. But every climb was worth it. Around nearly every corner, we were rewarded with incredible views of Ouray tucked into the valley below, surrounded by the towering San Juan Mountains. It seemed like each overlook was even more beautiful than the last.
One of my favorite stops along the trail was Cascade Falls. The sound of rushing water echoed through the canyon long before we could see it. When we finally reached the falls, the cool mist and the peaceful surroundings made it the perfect place to pause, catch our breath, and simply enjoy the moment.
The highlight of the day, though, was Box Canyon Falls.
I’d heard people talk about it, but nothing prepared me for seeing it in person. Box Canyon is a narrow, dramatic gorge where the waterfall plunges into a deep slot carved through solid rock over thousands of years. Standing on the suspension bridge, you can get surprisingly close to the falls. The roar of the water was almost overwhelming, and the force with which it crashed against the rocks below was mesmerizing. The canyon walls rose steeply on either side, making the whole place feel both powerful and intimate at the same time.
I’ve never experienced anything quite like it.
I found myself standing there in complete awe, watching the water disappear into the narrow canyon below. It was one of those moments where words, and even photographs, simply can’t capture what it feels like to be there. The sheer power of nature left me speechless and reminded me just how incredible this world really is.
By the time we finished the hike, our legs were tired, but our hearts were full. Another perfect day in Ouray had given us breathtaking views, a good physical challenge, and memories we’ll never forget. Every day on this trip seemed to reveal a different side of Colorado’s beauty, and somehow it just kept getting better.