Course Map
Aid Stations
- The two aid stations marked on the course map will be stocked with water and fresh fruit.
- There will be water available at two other points along the course, too.
Ouray Trail Run Course Description
Section 1. Ouray Hot Springs Park to Silvershield Trailhead
Volunteers will be in place to start out runners
- Runners cross the Uncompahgre River traveling west (left) over the Hot Springs Park footbridge.
- Runners will take a (right) onto the River Road and travel North approx. 1.1 miles to Silvershield Trailhead.
Section 2. Silvershield Trail
There will be a volunteer to guide you LEFT
- Take a (left) on Silvershield Trailhead road to the trailhead (lots of weeds to the left) then the trailhead sign.
- Travel steeply North uphill for.38 miles to Tamara Memorial with a bench and overlook. STAY LEFT.
- Continue on trail along North-South trending switchbacks for another.8 miles to the Oak Creek Junction
- Turn (LEFT) traveling South-Southwest for 2.3 miles (follow Silvershield Trail). To runners (left) you will have a spectacular views of the Amphitheater, Mt. Abrams, Mt. Hayden and Camp Bird Road.
- At the junction of the Silvershield Trail, Oak Creek Trail and Twin Peaks Trail go (LEFT) on Oak Trail for a short % mile. The Oak Creek Trail then begins a steep descent towards Ouray.
- Travel downhill on meandering switchbacks through oak brush into Oak Creek Canyon.
- Cross Oak Creek and travel up a short and steep North facing slope.
- Follow the trail through pine forest switchbacks downhill to the Oak Creek/Twin Peaks trail. You will see a sign that says Oak Creek Trail 1 mile stay on this trail.
- You will come to a T in the trail and you will go (RIGHT) Travel (SOUTH) for another 200 yards and you will see white Perimeter Trail sign and STAY (LEFT) on ‘jeep” road.
WATER STATION WITH WATER, NUUN, FRUIT
Section 3. Perimeter Trail through Box Canyon Falls Park
- Transverse across a steep hillside and begin the ascent to the Miner’s Tunnel and Box Canyon Falls Footbridge. There is low clearance in the Miners tunnel so watch your head and use caution when passing through.
- Cross the high footbridge over Canyon Creek into the Box Canyon Falls park.
- At the first fork in the trail veer (RIGHT) and stay on the Ouray Perimeter Trail.
Section 4. Perimeter Trail to Ice Park Loop Trail to Perimeter Trail
- Travel (south) across the hillside on a nice singletrack trail through open meadows and scattered pines to CR 361 . You will cross CR 361 (watch for cars) and go up the stairs to follow the Ice Park Loop trail. VOLUNTEER WILL BE PLACE HERE.
- Veer (RIGHT) onto the Ice Park road traveling southwest as it meanders through rolling terrain and cliff bands above the Uncompahgre River Gorge.
- After approx. 1 mile cross the iron penstock (ON YOUR LEFT) (USING METAL
STEPS TO CLIMB OVER) and briefly descend to the footbridge crossing the Uncompahgre River. - After a short 200 yards uphill section turn (left) on the jeep road. Follow the jeep road along flat and rolling terrain through beautiful Aspen forests for about .8 miles.
- Continue through (2) uphill switchbacks in the road and look to your
(right) for a GREEN gate. It was ORANGE but they keep painting it. You will go around the back of gate towards US HWY 550.
RUNNERS MUST REACH THIS POINT BY THE 3 HOUR MARK TO CONTINUE THE RACE.
WATER, SNACKS AID STATION AT THE END OF SECTION 4
Cross the highway carefully and look to your (right) for the Ouray Perimeter Trail
Section 5. Perimeter Trail to Portland Trail
- After crossing US HWY 550 runners will gradually gain elevation while traveling through a grassy section surrounded by mixed pine trees.
- Next runners will encounter a steep .4 mile uphill climb through large rock
outcroppings. This part can be somewhat confusing but it will be flagged well. At the top of this steep section of the course you will be rewarded with an easy flat section of single track crossing through a beautiful meadow. - Stay (LEFT) on Perimeter Trail…you will get to a “rocky” road.
- STAY (LEFT) and travel downhill approx. 200 feet.
- Take a (RIGHT) on the Perimeter Trail and travel downhill in Northeast direction for .3 miles
- Take (RIGHT) after the wooden stair steps to stay on Portland Trail.
- Cross bridge over Portland Creek and continue uphill (LEFT) on Portland Trail on 238 through pine and aspen trees and begin the low incline climb through numerous single track switchbacks gaining elevation gradually.
- You will see a sign for Scenic Overlook (STAY RIGHT) .
- After 30-45 minutes of climbing take the (LEFT) just beyond the Scenic Overlook
staying on the Portland Trail 238. - Transverse on a (NORTH) (SHARP LEFT) (There is a Trail sign) facing slope downhill into a dry creek bed.
- Cross the creek bed (LEFT) short uphill climb and then begin the long gradual traverse back towards Ouray.
- After 1/2 mile look for Chief Ouray Trail on the right (STAY LEFT). Do not take Chief Ouray Trail. Continue on Portland Trail 238 towards Ouray.
- After 1/2 mile look for the Lower Cascade Falls trail on your (RIGHT) and continue (RIGHT) on Lower Cascade Falls Trail. You will a road
and registration kiosk sign up.
WATER, SNACK AID STATION AT THE END OF SECTION 5 (2nd gate on Amp. Road)
Section 6. Lower Cascade Trail to Ouray Hot Springs Park
- Will then get back on trail and stay RIGHT. There is a sign there Lower Cascade Trail sign-(STAY RIGHT)
- Travel steeply downhill along the Lower Cascade Falls Trail. You will come to a T in the trail (kind of a T) and you will stay (STRAIGHT)for a bit and then STAY LEFT on trail.
- The trail will contour the hillside and then descend steeply to Cascade Creek. Cross the creek bed on the wooden FOOT BRIDGE and STAY RIGHT and travel uphill through several steep switchbacks.
- You will then take a (SHARP LEFT) Cascade Falls will be on your (RIGHT).. You will reach a long and narrow high traverse above a cliff band. (WATCH YOUR FOOTING) (BE CAREFUL).
- You will see the Hot Springs on your (LEFT). Continue (NORTH) to the Ouray Pool. USE CAUTION CROSSING 550. Watch for signs to end at the Ouray Park.