Ouray
Even in an area of the state filled with picturesque mountain towns, Ouray is something special. How many places are there on earth where you can have all the amenities and also walk to a Black Swift colony? The feeders around town itself are excellent for a variety of birds, especially finches, and can attract rarities during the fall and winter. Box Can?on Falls (fee area), just south of town, in addition to the aforementioned Black Swift nests, can be good for White-throated Swift, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Cassin’s Finch, and Red-naped Sapsucker. But don’t let the birding here keep you from admiring the gorgeous falls itself, nor the not springs, nor the unbelievable scenery nearby.
Restrictions: Respect private property; bird from the road where applicable
County: Ouray
Directions: The town straddles US 550 about 10 miles south of Ridgway. Box Canyon Falls is just off of US 550 at the south end of town.
Alternate Directions: Ouray is along US550, 10 miles south of Ridgway and 23 miles north of Silverton. To get to Box Canyon Falls, head south from the center of Ouray, go around the first hairpin turn, and turn right onto CR 361 (Box Canyon Road); this turn should be signed to the falls. Drive less than a half mile to the parking lot.
Habitat: Urban/Suburban, Cliff Face, Mixed Conifer Forest, Stream
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: Municipal
Admission or Fees: Fee for entry to Box Canyon Falls
Parking: Varied
Lodging: Hotels and fee camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car; handicap accessible restrooms in Ouray
Delorme: 66 D4
ROC: 115 D3
Latitude: 38.022772
Longitude: -107.671449