Entry No. 41 — the Durango file — filed under: outdoor

Ouray Perimeter Trail (Tunnel, Troll & Four Waterfalls)

Somewhere after the Box Canyon High Bridge, the trail dips into an old water tunnel blasted straight through the canyon wall — sensor-triggered lights flick on as you enter, narrow enough that you'll feel the rock on both sides. Under the next bridge over Oak Creek lives Twinkle, a troll sculpture that most people walk right over without looking down. Four named waterfalls and a rumored rocktopus hidden somewhere in the rock round out a 6.5-mile loop that never gets more than half a mile from the middle of town.

The move: Start at the Visitor Center, take the loop counterclockwise to hit the tunnel early, crouch under the bridge to find Twinkle, and let your date spot the rocktopus first.

📍 Before you go Free parking at the Ouray Visitor Center on the northwest edge of town — the recommended trailhead. Loop is 6.5 miles with ~1,600 ft gain starting at 7,700 ft; moderate-to-strenuous terrain with steep rocky sections. Tunnel passage is narrow (two-way but tight). Trail may be snow-covered or icy outside summer months.

• 📍 Ouray
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 1230 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427

Hours: Added 2026-06-21 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-21