Our breakfast host at Twin Peaks Lodge told us about this hike. It is absolutely amazing! We were here at the end of October while the leaves in town were still changing. Very beautiful. The hike to the falls is spectacular. The canyon walls are immense. The water level was low so we were able to go down the stairway into the very bottom of the canyon. The natural beauty of this place is awe inspiring! The walk to the falls is on old mining catwalks. Super cool. There is old mining equipment that was left behind that you can see scattered about. If you visit Ouray, you must see this. Words cannot describe how incredibly beautiful the canyon is.
After paying the modest entry fee, we walked the three loops offered. In all they are less than a mile. The first walk was into the box canyon to the unusual waterfalls. The water slices through the rocks from on high and makes a tremendous roar. You can only see a small part of its fall. The second was on a tour of local plants - not much to see really. The third is a steep 200 foot climb up a series of stairs and trail to the top of the falls. The view from the bridge is quite dramatic. On the other side of the bridge is a short low tunnel to continue on a perimeter trail of the town. It does not return to your car!
Fascinating geology. If you want to take it easy, you can just go to the canyon but the trip up the steps is well worth the effort.
Very short walk to powerful falls. We were told that the power from this fall could generate enough electricity to power the entire town. For those more adventurous, can hike to the top of the falls. Great view. Lighting struck about 2-3 miles away when we were up there so we scattered like rabbits back down the hill. Bought a book in the gift shop of old miners tales and legends. Looking forward to reading.
Loved this little park found on the outskirts of town. Our hotel was just a step away from the park and we were so happy we decided to explore it. We saw beautiful blue birds as the sun went down and explores the Box Canon Falls and were taken back by the sheer beauty of everything surrounding us!!!!!
I had no idea what to expect but I was not disappointed. Walking shoes are required and some of the trail is difficult but most of it is moderate. The roar of the water was amazing and I enjoyed reading the history plagues along the way.Also, a beautiful view of Ouray and the "pocket" it sits in.
This was a real treat for such a small park in such a small town. With a small, gravel parking lot, we weren't sure but it turned out to be a wonderfully surprising place with quite a bit to see and fantastic views. The waterfall in Box Canyon cave was amazing, loud, and like nothing I've ever seen! We enjoyed the history, and you cannot appreciate the power of the roaring waterfall until you've stood in front of it. Beautiful place, hope to go back! And enjoyed seeing some deer and feeding chipmunks! Be prepared for a climb if you want to see the tunnel in the mountain, but it is worth it!
This is a great value to see some amazing nature. The waterfall drops down a shut behind a rock wall. You can feel the force of the water. The carving of the rock over the million years is awe inspiring. A short half mile but steep climb gets you to the top of the waterfall that provides an awesome view of Ouray and the mountains that surround it. There is a perimeter trail for the more athletic and adventurous that provides a good climb through nature. Read the plaques along the trails that explain nature's unique wildlife activity and rock formation.
Even though you pay to go into the canyon park it is well worth the price and the hike down and then up the steps to see a steep and narrow rushing falls. If you like what you see here, this will give you and idea of the surrounding area.
You can walk to it from downtown. My wife and I explored it after breakfast one morning. The trails are a bit steep in spots, so be sure you are reasonable fit to climb up to the top overlook. There is a pretty cool slot canyon to go back into.