Ouray, CO - Day 1

Friday, September 17

This morning, we woke up in Ridgway State Park, about 10 miles north of Ouray, Colorado. I did my workout outside first thing, then Andi and I packed up the RV and we hit the road in an effort to get to Ouray early and secure a campsite for the weekend. There are a handful of RV parks in Ouray that are completely booked for the remainder of the season and first-come, first-serve camping available at two recreation areas just outside the town. Only one of the recreation areas offers camping suitable for RVs though. The other is better for tent camping, or campers that are more nimble than ours.

Luck was on our side this morning because as we were looking for an available site in Amphitheater Recreation Area campground, a man flagged Andi down and said he was leaving his primo camping spot within the hour. Perfect! We reserved the campsite for two nights and now had a place to stay in Ouray for the weekend.

Once we had a camping settled, we drove the RV back into the town of Ouray and found a parking spot in the large vehicle / RV parking lot near the Ouray Pool & Hot Springs. There was actually a pretty good internet signal in Ouray — maybe one of the best we’ve had in all of our CO travels this month — so Tory, Aden and I did school in the RV while Andi worked on his computer. We ate leftovers for lunch in the RV, then hopped on our e-bikes to check out the town.

The town of Ouray is picturesquely nestled in between the San Juan Mountains. It looks like a page out of a storybook. The four of us walked up and down Main Street, ducking into a few shops along the way to find some relief from the blasting sun. We weren’t expecting it to be so warm outside at 9,300 ft. The temperature today was 82 degrees and sunny.

For a Friday afternoon treat, we stopped into Mouse’s Chocolate and Coffee for ice cream. As we sat at the table enjoying our treats, Andi and I perused over one of those free city guidebooks and had the idea to rent a Jeep for a day in Ouray. This area offers some of the best trail riding in all of the United States. Positive that they were probably all booked for the weekend, Andi called around and learned that we could rent a Jeep Rubicon for around $250. Aden squealed with excitement because it is his dream to own a Jeep someday.

We walked over to Switzerland of America down the street and reserved ourselves a Jeep for tomorrow. Earlier this week were were bummed that we wouldn’t be able to experience the infamous “Million Dollar Highway” because the of road closures, but now we would be able to with the Jeep, in addition to seeing more of these beautiful mountains.

From the Jeep shop, we hopped back on our e-bikes and decided to check out Cascade Falls. The steep hills and gravel roads around town definitely made biking a challenge! Once we got off the Main Street, all the roadways were gravel. Andi and Aden sped down the big hills like daredevils on their bike while Tory and I decided it safer to walk our bike up and down the hills. What a workout pushing a 75-lb awkwardly-shaped bike up a steep hill to get to Cascade Falls. From there, we hiked up another 1/2 mile to see the falls. All four of us were huffing and puffing along the way from the heat and elevation.

Aden fell on the rocks and banged up his forearm and knee at Cascade Falls. Poor buddy! Last week, he rolled his ankle on a hike in Hecla Junction so now he was really hobbling along. Luckily, it doesn’t take him long to forget about his troubles.

Cascade Falls was pretty lack-luster given the time of year and lack of rain. More accurately, it should be titled Cascade Trickle. Andi and Aden wet their hair in the icy, cold water and then we all climbed back down the rocks together to our awaiting bikes.

On Friday evenings, Tory takes an online art class so we sped back to the RV on our bikes to get her there in time. No, RVing across the country isn’t the most convenient time for her to participate in an art class but she enjoys it so much that Andi and I try to make an effort. Tonight, they made ghost garland from yarn and fishing line. I stayed in the RV with Tory while Andi and Aden wandered around downtown Ouray.

Around 6:00pm, we picked up our Jeep rental from Switzerland of America and then made our way back to camp for the night. Andi grilled steak and beets for dinner while we all sat outside together enjoying the gorgeous view.

Tomorrow, we’re going wheelin’ in the Jeep.