Cascade Falls Park

A moderately steep quarter-mile walk from the dead end of 8th Avenue leads to the powerful cascade that defines this free Ouray park. The trail, maintained by the Ouray Trail Group, ends at a small shelter near the base of the lower waterfall, where visitors can feel the spray from the water plunging into a pool roughly 10 to 12 feet deep. This accessible route intersects with the five-mile Perimeter Trail that loops around town, offering easy connections for those wishing to explore further. While the lower falls welcome families and dogs year-round, a steeper, longer path branches off toward the Chief Ouray Mine, leading experienced hikers to Upper Cascade Falls. The parking lot accommodates low-clearance vehicles, though the approach is notably steep and rocky in its final stretch. Winter and early spring visits require caution due to slick conditions, but the area remains a popular destination for cooling off in the cool creek water or enjoying panoramic views of Ouray from the surrounding trails.