The One Hike in Colorado That’s 100% Worth Braving the Cold

There's nothing quite as invigorating as taking a hike on a beautiful, bluebird sky day in Colorado in the wintertime. Many people only hike during the warmer months of the year — but they're really missing out. You're sure to feel refreshed and renewed after you head out on a trail, breathe in brisk, cool air, listen to the crunch of fresh snow beneath your feet, and marvel at the beauty of the Rocky Mountains all around you.

There are hundreds of excellent trails in Colorado that are perfect for winter hiking, but if we have to suggest just one that we think is perfect at this time of year, then the Ouray Perimeter Trail is it. This loop trail circumnavigates the small town of Ouray. It's 5.4 miles in length, and it takes most hikers a little over three hours to complete it. Along the way, you'll gain almost 1,500 feet of elevation, but you'll hardly notice the effort — you'll be enamored and enchanted by the incredible views. Just be sure to check any alerts or safety precautions that the trail has, as it can sometimes be closed or limited during heavy snowstorms.

Ouray is a wonderful Colorado town. Located in southwestern Colorado, Ouray is perched high at 7,792 feet above sea level, and its nickname is "Switzerland of America." The population of Ouray is just over 5,000 residents, but people flock from all over the state, nation, and world to relax in the town's natural hot springs pools. It's also a great place to hike at any time of the year, but it's especially memorable in wintertime — and your body will thank you when you take a dip in the hot local springs after any hike you undertake.

Keep in mind that Ouray can get quite cold in the winter, so you'll want to make sure you're dressed properly for this hike. Be sure to wear a warm coat, gloves, a winter hat, and wool socks to keep your toes warm and comfortable. The Ouray Perimeter Trail can be quite snowy and muddy, so you'll want to wear sturdy boots, too.

Since this trail can become slippery and icy even on a sunny day, you might also want to bring a hiking stick or trekking poles to keep you safe. You may also want to wear spikes on your boots; most people who have completed this loop trail in the winter highly recommend them. It may be helpful to bring some snacks and water for the hike, too.

Once you're ready to head out on this moderately challenging trail, you can find the trailhead across from the Ouray Visitors' Center on the east side of Route 550. You'll find parking behind the Visitors' Center itself. Since the trail is a loop, you can follow it either clockwise or counter-clockwise; you'll be pleased with the trail and the views regardless of which direction you go. There are also a number of access points to this trail elsewhere in Ouray, so if the parking lot is full, you can look for another start/end point instead.

The views along the Ouray Perimeter Trail will take your breath away. This town is surrounded by high peaks, including Mount Abram (12,801 feet), Hayden Mountain (11,475 feet), U.S. Mountain (13,036 feet), Whitehorse Mountain (13,452 feet), and Twin Peaks (10,798 feet) to name a few. On a clear day, you'll see all of these high peaks on your route.

This trail is very well-rated, and it's easy to see why. Along the way, you'll not only see views of the mountains, but views of the town of Ouray as well. Also, this trail is very well maintained. There are stairs and bridges along the route, and the trail is narrow at some points, but the trail is easy to follow in most places. Also, dogs are allowed on this trail as long as they are kept on leashes, so feel free to bring your fur baby along too.

Numerous shorter trails branch off from the Ouray Perimeter Trail. One you might consider taking leads to Upper Box Cañon Falls. It's beautiful at any time of the year, but you'll especially enjoy it in the winter.

If you start your loop at the Ouray Visitors' Center, your loop will end very close to the famous Ouray Hot Springs Pool, so you might as well stop there either before or after you return to your car. It'll be the perfect end to a perfect day!

This hike is a great way to get out and enjoy Colorado's nature in the wintertime. It's a fantastic hike at any time of the year, but it's especially memorable in the winter. Make a plan to undertake the Ouray Perimeter Trail soon and have an absolutely wonderful hike! And if you're looking for more ideas on how to make this winter getaway memorable, head on over to our itinerary planner for recommendations.