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13,979 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Mount Ouray

Mount Ouray is a 13,979 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the West and South Ridge: 6 mi, 3,200 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado Centennials
Mount Ouray in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Mount Ouray at a glance

  • Elevation13,979 ft4,260 m
  • RouteWest and South RidgeClass 2
  • Distance6 mi3,200 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the West and South Ridge

From Poncha Springs, drive south on US 285 and turn onto the Marshall Pass Road (CR 200) at Mears Junction, or come from Sargents on US 50 via CR 243. Both are passable to passenger cars and follow an old railroad grade to the parking area just east of Marshall Pass. Follow the Continental Divide Trail north, then climb Ouray's west and south ridges on Class 2 tundra and talus. The ridges are open and windy, with no shelter from lightning. Start early and turn around if storms build. Expect few other hikers.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High winds
  • Loose rock

Quests with Mount Ouray

Peaks near Mount Ouray

  1. Chipeta Mtn

    Chipeta Mtn

    13,495 ft · 1.9 mi away

  2. Antora Peak

    Antora Peak

    13,269 ft · 6.7 mi away

  3. Taylor Mtn

    Taylor Mtn

    13,655 ft · 11.8 mi away

  4. Mount Aetna

    Mount Aetna

    13,747 ft · 12.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Ouray?

Mount Ouray is 13,979 feet (4,260 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Mount Ouray rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,979 feet, Mount Ouray is the 56th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Mount Ouray?

The West and South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Ouray?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the West and South Ridge, covering 6 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Ouray?

The West and South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Ouray?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Ouray reaches 13,979 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Mount Ouray?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Mount Ouray?

The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Mount Ouray with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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