Box Cañon Falls Park

I was here in January. During the ice climbing festival. So cool. Lots of people climbing everywhere. Didn’t make it to the falls with my 5 year old. But we saw plenty of ice Climbing. If I could be honest, my daughter could have made it if she didn’t find such a cool stick to play with.

The hike is wonderful! Views are spectacular year round. In the winter time people climb the ice. You’ll enjoy visiting this place at your own pace without feeling rushed to take in everything around you. Visitor center is educational for everyone. There is a spot along the with an impressive amount of chipmunks that are friendly. Seen some people feeding them. There are different options to go to the bottom or the top. While enjoying the bottom view take caution on rocks as they are slippery depending on shoes worn. Seen a few people fall.

Well worth the entrance fee! Did it with little kids who could even do all the trails (to upper falls and lower falls). Absolutely beautiful views of the box canyon and the waterfall is so cool! Highly recommend making this part of any trip to the area. We spent about 1.5 hours total and saw it all and took our time (little legs hike slow).

Ah, Box Cañon Falls Park in Ouray, Colorado—a veritable gem nestled within the rugged embrace of the San Juan Mountains. One might imagine that nature, in all its often-chaotic beauty, would wear a crown of distinction, and this park certainly dons such a tiara. Now, allow me to peruse the attributes. As you traverse the winding trails, the sound of cascading waters serenades you—a symphony orchestrated by Mother Nature herself. The falls, a breathtaking roar of liquid crystal, plunge into a turquoise abyss that ignites the imagination and calms the spirit. It’s as if one had stumbled upon a secret rendezvous between earth and water, an exclusive affair too precious to keep under wraps. The pristine air, laced with whispers of pine, invites deeper breaths; every inhalation a reminder that you’re alive, truly alive. The well-maintained pathways are a testament to the caretakers of this sanctuary, guiding your eager feet towards breathtaking viewpoints and hidden nooks. Let’s discuss the locals—the cheerful rangers roam this landscape like guardians of an ancient treasure. Their knowledge is as expansive as the sky above, eager to share tales steeped in history and mythos. So, I bestow upon Box Cañon Falls Park a starry embrace of five stars, for in this ethereal haven, one discovers the kind of tranquility that eludes the hurried traveler. One may go there seeking adventure, yet it rewards the heart with peace and reverence. An experience, dear reader, you must not forgo.

Beautiful waterfall with cool walking path ways, the lower trail is way easier and good view from the bottom but the higher trail was a bit more of a challenge and snowy/ice during winter but most of the way up there are metal wires to hold onto to make it easier. Beautiful view at the top, if I had to guess about 2.5 miles around trip but well worth it. Wear snow boots for higher trail during winter

Definitely a cool place to get acclimated to the altitude! We loved this quick little hike and loved that it connected to the ouray perimeter hike! I would definitely recommend going up the 1/4 mile track to the top bridge! It was a wonderful view from up there! Going down to the river was quick and easy! I'd recommend arriving at 9 because when we left at 10 there was a line of cars waiting to park. There are restrooms on site and we liked learning about the different wild life and history!

The story is pretty damn cool and the hikes were filled with great views, facts, and ease. The falls were gorgeously loud and full of power. I felt truly in the midst of another world almost. The story is that the canyon opened up on a fault line and the rocks are some 2 billion years old. There is a fee to enter into the area as well.

This is definitely worth visiting at least once if you are in Ouray, this was my second time here, the sound of the water falls is very loud and can get scary when you are really close. There is parking available just outside the visitor center/office and it is a short walk from here to the falls. If you are visiting with a toddler be prepared to climb a few stairs/steps as you can’t take a stroller along.