Cl im b i n g
&
Canyo n i n g
When some people look at the San Juan Mountains, they see some solid sandstone and high-quality quartzite – in other words, a beautiful landscape to scale with the right tools.
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep have soft hooves, instead of harder hooves, which help them climb steep, rocky slopes with ease.
30
EXPLORE
O U RAY 2022
Ouray is an incredible jungle gym for experienced rock climbers. With over 150 routes in the region, and many close to town, access to world-class climbing is literally just outside the door. Variety in the local landscape yields limitless locations for mountaineers to enjoy bouldering, traditional climbing, top roping, sport climbing and free climbing. In addition to classic American mountain climbing, Ouray offers a unique European experience: the Ouray Via Ferrata. Visitors can also enjoy canyoning in gorges carved by wind and water. Canyoning combines a fabulous combination of climbing, scrambling and repelling in a wetsuit along a path normally taken by the water through the canyon. Canyoning season is limited
to when the weather is warm and the water is low, usually from late May to early September.
CLIMBING GUIDES The sport of rock climbing can be a challenging and exhilarating activity. Dozens of outfitters provide guided experiences for every skill level. Certified guides are professionally trained to help hone advanced skills or instruct beginners through the basics. Guides are not only coaches and teachers, they are also local experts with firsthand knowledge of current conditions. If you forego a guide, look for more information on regional climbing locations and professional tips, purchase the Ouray Rock Climbing Guide at local bookstores.
