Museum of Western Colorado Day Trip to Ouray

Jeeping it in Ouray, Colorado

We are surrounded by so much spectacular scenery and unique things to do and our local Museum of Western Colorado, in Grand Junction offers so many exciting trips at very reasonable prices.

I signed up for the 4X4 Jeep Adventure to Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado early in the spring.  A month before the event it was sold out and there was some disappointed people.  Approximately 20 of us adventures were driven to Ouray in museum owned vans with the museums staff as drivers.  We left Grand Junction at 8 am and arrived in Ouray about 10:30.  We were given time on our own to look around the town, have lunch and then be at San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours office at 12:30 pm.  The San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours are the most experienced and the oldest in Colorado.  Before we left we were given a tour of the historic Western Hotel by the owner and he shared many stories some true, some myth of the colorful past of the hotel and town of Ouray.  Then we climbed into their custom outfitted 4x4 trucks that have open air seating in the bed and off we went.

Ouray is Known as the Jeeping Capital of the World

In the summer it frequently rains in the higher elevations so best to come prepared.  But if not, don't worry as the trucks are fitted with overhead bars and a tarp can be put on very quickly.  Our trip was typical, we experienced rain, clouds, sun, more rain and then finally sun on our trip.  Our destination was to Yankee Boy Basin and it is about a 9 mile trip complete with incredible rock formations and waterfalls, as well as active and historic mining camps.  The San Juan mountain peaks soar to the sky and the clouds shrouded some of them.  Because of our wet spring the wildflowers were still in bloom and they covered the hillsides.  We stopped at several spots for photo opportunities and then it was time to head back.  Our driver took us back down an old logging road deep in the woods.  We were hoping to see a bear, but no such luck.   We did see a family of deer.

This was the third trip this year I have been on with the Museum of Western Colorado and I can say that they are well worth it and priced well.  Because I am a member, this trip was $90.  I didn't have to drive my car, worry about getting lost or pay for gas and I had the best guides!  Ouray, Colorado is a great town to visit with so much to do and see, plan your visit soon!