Box Canyon Falls

Thousands of gallons of water spill down this 285-foot waterfall, which terminates in a frozen wonderland. Matt Payne

Ouray, Colorado bills itself as the “Switzerland of America.”

Several waterfalls and slot canyons surround the town, and one of them is right at the southwest edge forming the centerpiece of a city park: Box Canyon Falls (with “Canyon” often spelled “Cañon” in the Spanish fashion on park literature).

A trail starts near the back of the park admission building and quickly heads out onto a steel catwalk built inside the canyon along the left (looking upstream) wall. It ends at a viewing platform from which the falls can be seen.

The Ouray Perimeter Trail can also be accessed from the park, which crosses the slot canyon almost directly above the falls on a steel footbridge that provides stunning views of the canyon and Ouray.

Know Before You Go

Take US 550 south and turn right on County Rd. 361, the Camp Bird Road, just after the first big hairpin on 550. Then turn right onto Box Canyon Road after about 100 yards. Stay on Box Canyon Road until the park appears on the left, after about 1/4 mile. Parking is on the right. As of 2021 admission prices were $5 (adults), $3 (children 4-17), and $4 (seniors 62+).