Sept 7, 2022
Written By: H.Couch
When I was researching things to do in Ouray, Jeep 4×4 adventures or ATVs were the top of the list, but how to choose? Well, we had help with that from an ex-Ouray resident we talked to at our campground in Montrose. With a recommendation we booked our tour adventure. Switzerland of America 4×4 tours, here we come!
It’s tour day and our alarm was set bright and early for vacation, but that’s what happens when you have an adventure to begin. Waking up to a crisp and clear morning, we couldn’t wait for that sun to come up over the mountains and warm up the day. We asked about attire and was told that shorts were ok, but I packed a backpack of warm layers with hats and gloves just in case. Come on sun, shine bright on us.
The short walk from the campground to the tour company, was super easy and a bit refreshing in the brisk morning air. After our meet and greats with other tour guests it was time to load into the custom-made Dodge Ram. A big red 4-wheel drive pickup with bench seating for 12 was going to be our ride for the next 4+ hours. Luckily there were only 10 of us on this tour so we would all be comfortable. While we climbed up into our seats and buckled up, our tour guide Steve introduced himself and gave a quick talk about the town of Ouray.
With a speaker system to the narrate our tour, Corkscrew pass awaits. Our driver Steve was fantastic and knew a lot about Ouray and its history. As we headed south out of town up the Million Dollar Highway, Steve told us about how the town of Ouray was founded by mining silver and gold.
Our first tour stop along the tour was to the Via Ferrata and the sheer cliff walls for rock climbing or in the winter, ice climbing. In January, the town of Ouray even hosts a world-renowned ice climbing competition and festival. From the rock-climbing cliff walls, you could also view the Box Canon sign. The question then really becomes is it Box Canon or Box Canyon? I am not sure anyone really knows as the park brochure says one thing and the sign says another? If anyone knows the answer to this please leave a comment below and we will update the blog. Anyway, the Box Canon sign is so popular because it was one of the first signs to be lighted. Electricity came to town of Ouray so they could help light the mines, no more candlelight for these miners.
Along the narrow highway we stopped at Bear creek falls and talked a little about local legend and the history of the Million Dollar Highway. There is a headstone for Otto Mears who was the pathfinder of the San Juan and was the one that built the Million Dollar Highway, story is his ashes were scattered at the falls. Let’s just say that the Million Dollar highway is not for the faint at heart. On one side are jagged cliff edges and the other a sheer drop down to the rust-colored Uncompahgre River below. I kind of wanted to just close my eyes and wait until the road widened, but at the same time I didn’t want to miss seeing anything. Good thing Jon took care of all the filming because I defiantly was not camera ready!
Just before we reached the ghost town of Ironton, once a major settlement for miners we turned to head up the Red Mountain and Corkscrew Pass. You would never believe we were about to drive on a county road, but before us lies 20a, a rough and tumble narrow road that Steve will navigate to the top. Even though it is a county road, I would NOT recommend taking your daily driver unless your daily driver is a 4×4 jeep with big off-road tires. Steve told us about a time he was on a tour where someone drove their “moms” minivan up the mountain. He said they made it out, but I would be amazed they would even consider after the first 25 feet. You bounce around over rock boulder to rock boulder in a 4×4, I couldn’t image my everyday car. I would only use a rig that I didn’t care about getting a rock chip or beat up, but I think some people didn’t care as we saw a few brand-new Ford Broncos all decked out and ready to rumble. People passed us on dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, motorcycles and ATVs as well. I’m not that sure I would have felt comfortable on my own adventure for the first time after seeing this road, but we passed all sorts of tourists making there way to the top either novice or pro.
Did I mention my seat belt? Oh yeah, extra tight! The road is so narrow that only your vehicle will fit and if you even dare to use a small pull out to let a car pass you better be careful. There were rules of the road, like the cars going up hill had the right of way. So, if you were attempting to go downhill, whew, hold on to that ever so small pull out because things were about to get tight. Did I happen to mention that on this narrow drive uphill one side was aspen and pine trees and the other side NOTHING, pure drop off. Don’t look down if you are afraid of heights was all I was thinking about, look forward. Again, thankful we booked the pros at Switzerland of America 4×4 Tours and Steve. Did we mention that there is a bathroom at about 10,000? Probably the highest bathroom in the US, maybe the world?? Not sure if that is true or not? If anyone knows please let us know in the comments below.
Winding our way to the to the top of the Red Mountains, we safely reached the top. Standing on the top of the mountain felt like we were standing at the top of the sky,12,244 ft to be exact. As we unloaded walked around and took pictures the views were limitless and the sun was shining in all its warm glory. We gazed over breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and reflected on how people could ever live in such extreme climates compared to mine. But people long ago did, they braved harsh winter conditions and solitude to find their fortunes. Thankfully, finding our fortunes won’t have to include such extremes. After a bit of time to reflect and wander it was time to load back up and head back down the mountain.
After our little break we headed back down the way we came. This time a little faster and bumpier than the trip up. We got back down to the highway and Steve took us over to see what was left of a once booming Ironton. Nestled among the Aspen trees near the river, a few old homesteads still stand. You could walk through some of these weathered buildings the preservation society was trying to preserve for prosperity and history. After about 140 years the forest was slowly taking over and reclaiming it territory.
We arrived back at basecamp safe and sound and thanked Steve for the awesome experience. We had quite a thrill-seeking morning climbing to the top of a mountain and making our mark on another wonderful experience. I am still not sure I would want to rent an ATV on my own and go out adventuring but I would defiantly do another tour.
Thank you Switzerland of America 4×4 tours and Steve for an amazing adventure.
Wander with us again as we go deep in the gold mines at the Old Hundred Gold Mine in Silverton, Colorado.
Thanks for wandering with us,
The Wandering Couchs
