Ouray, Colorado sits deep in the San Juan Mountains, a town so surrounded by rugged peaks that it is often called the Switzerland of America. It is one of the most beautiful places we have taken our family off-roading. The mountain trails wind past wildflower meadows and open up to gorgeous views at every turn. If your family loves adventure, Ouray is worth the trip.
Here is our family guide to off-roading around Ouray, Colorado. I include what the trails are like with kids, which wildflowers to watch for, and some safety tips!
Off-Roading the Mountain Trails
We brought our RZR and set off to explore the mountain trails around Ouray. My husband, Andy, outfitted the vehicle with safety harnesses and seat belts for the kids before we headed out. We stuck to the easier routes, which gave us plenty of scenery without too much white-knuckle driving. A few stretches were bumpier than the kids preferred, but the views made up for it.
You do not need a big specialized machine to enjoy this area. Many of the mountain trails around Ouray are navigable in smaller off-road vehicles and even Jeeps. This makes the area welcoming for families just getting into off-roading. If you do not have your own vehicle, you can rent one in town.
The weather was absolutely perfect during our early summer visit. We enjoyed clear skies and comfortable mountain air. Early summer is a lovely time to go on a family adventure, once the higher trails have opened up for the season.
Watch for Colorado Columbines
One of my favorite parts of the trip was the wildflowers. The Colorado columbine is the state flower. These delicate blue and white blooms grow abundantly across these mountains in summer. They were a favorite of mine growing up in Colorado, so it was special to point them out to my own kids. To spot them, keep your eyes on the meadows and roadsides as you drive.
A quick reminder for little ones: columbines are protected in Colorado, so we look but do not pick.
Off-Roading Safety with Kids
Off-roading with children is a blast, but safety comes first every single time. Here are a few family safety tips!
- Buckle everyone into proper seat belts and safety harnesses
- Wear helmets on the trail
- Choose easier, well-traveled routes when the kids are along
- Drive slowly and responsibly, especially on narrow mountain roads
- Keep an eye on the weather and turn back if conditions change
With the right gear and a careful pace, off-roading is an adventurous way to reach places you can’t see from a paved road.
Why We Love Adventuring as a Family
Owning an off-road vehicle opens up so many options for exploring. More than the trails themselves, I love watching our kids take in the mountain views. My hope is that trips like this help our kids develop a healthy sense of adventure.
Has your family gone off-roading in the mountains? Ouray, Colorado is a beautiful place to start.
Hi, I’m Katie! I’m a homeschool mom who’s traveling the world with my husband and 4 kids. We raised our family in North Idaho and currently live in Mérida, Mexico. I love Jesus, coffee, creative projects, photography, and traveling. I hope you enjoy our creative ideas and family adventures!
