rcwild
10-15-2009, 11:18 AM
Ouray Colorado has a large concentration of geologically varied canyons likely the most scenic in Colorado, but also some of the most dangerous. At just under 8000 ft. the town is situated at the head of a north-facing cirque high in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. All of the canyons in the area are perched at even higher elevations. Their uncharacteristically high altitude combined with the loose rock and unpredictable weather commonly found in an alpine setting adds a very different dimension to this canyon playground. As a result, expert skills are required to enter the majority of these canyons.
Mike Dallin and Dianne Barrow began serious exploration of these canyons in 2003, without any information on what would be found. John Hart, Charly Oliver and others soon joined in for more first canyoning-style descents and repeat trips. We say ìcanyoning-style descentsî because most all of the canyons in the area have seen previous human visitation. Ouray being a hotbed for ice and alpine climbing, many of the canyons had been ascended in solidly frozen winter conditions.
The amount of work and expense to explore these canyons was tremendous - in one case, a complete descent of one canyon took 7 days of scouting, ferrying gear, anchor building and exploration. This canyon is now descended as a day trip. Ice climbers may or may not leave fixed anchors so some of the canyons showed evidence of activity, while others appeared completely untouched when we arrived.
Permit Information
No permits are required
Camping/Lodging
There are numerous hotels and motels in Ouray as well as down the road in Ridgeway and Montrose. The Amphitheater Campground on the south side of town is a good central location. There are other primitive Forest Service campgrounds in the area as well. Free camping is rather hard to find.
Preferred Season
Mid-summer (July) and into fall (Sept./Oct.) depending on spring snow melt and the first snows of winter.
Water Concerns
Vary with each canyon.
Special Challenges
It is important to note that the canyons surrounding Ouray are located in a high altitude, alpine setting with the accompanying concerns regarding weather and conditions. Loose Rock
Equipment Suggestions
The Class C canyons around Ouray require the standard kit; wetsuit, helmet, slings and rapid links. Most canyons can be descended with two 200 foot ropes.
Topographic Maps
Hiking Trails of Ouray County & the Uncompahgre Wilderness, 10th Edition 2005; USGS 1:100,000 Montrose; USGS 7.5' series Ouray Colorado, Ironton Quadrangle
Mike Dallin and Dianne Barrow began serious exploration of these canyons in 2003, without any information on what would be found. John Hart, Charly Oliver and others soon joined in for more first canyoning-style descents and repeat trips. We say ìcanyoning-style descentsî because most all of the canyons in the area have seen previous human visitation. Ouray being a hotbed for ice and alpine climbing, many of the canyons had been ascended in solidly frozen winter conditions.
The amount of work and expense to explore these canyons was tremendous - in one case, a complete descent of one canyon took 7 days of scouting, ferrying gear, anchor building and exploration. This canyon is now descended as a day trip. Ice climbers may or may not leave fixed anchors so some of the canyons showed evidence of activity, while others appeared completely untouched when we arrived.
Permit Information
No permits are required
Camping/Lodging
There are numerous hotels and motels in Ouray as well as down the road in Ridgeway and Montrose. The Amphitheater Campground on the south side of town is a good central location. There are other primitive Forest Service campgrounds in the area as well. Free camping is rather hard to find.
Preferred Season
Mid-summer (July) and into fall (Sept./Oct.) depending on spring snow melt and the first snows of winter.
Water Concerns
Vary with each canyon.
Special Challenges
It is important to note that the canyons surrounding Ouray are located in a high altitude, alpine setting with the accompanying concerns regarding weather and conditions. Loose Rock
Equipment Suggestions
The Class C canyons around Ouray require the standard kit; wetsuit, helmet, slings and rapid links. Most canyons can be descended with two 200 foot ropes.
Topographic Maps
Hiking Trails of Ouray County & the Uncompahgre Wilderness, 10th Edition 2005; USGS 1:100,000 Montrose; USGS 7.5' series Ouray Colorado, Ironton Quadrangle