When the water levels begin to drop, so can you—down one of Ouray’s many canyons! Accessible via hiking trails right from the town, these three intermediate canyoning trips are perfect for gaining more experience, and confidence, in technical terrain. Oak Creek is a perfect introduction to an intermediate canyon, yet features the biggest drop (130 ft) and one overhanging rappel. Upper Uncompahgre, on the other hand, is the wettest, and the only one with slides and jumps. Meanwhile, Bear Creek—the most challenging site on this list—is a demanding plunge often directly in the flow. With the help of supportive guides, combine the thrill of descending 100-foot waterfalls with the technicality of rappelling for a whole new mountain adventure.
Master your rappelling under the supervision of a private guide
Challenge yourself with 100+ foot drops down steep cliffs and waterfalls
One of the highest concentrations of alpine canyons in the country
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Ouray, Colorado please refer to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
For these tours, you have to be an intermediate canyoneer in excellent physical condition. Prior experience is preferred but not required for tours in Oak Creek and Upper Uncompahgre. If you don’t have canyoning experience but you live a highly active lifestyle, climb regularly (lead, top rope), are an avid whitewater paddler, have experience working with ropes or at height, then you might be suited to intermediate canyons. Keep in mind that you will also have to hike up to 60 minutes with gear in tow on uneven terrain. Swimming experience is also necessary because of waterfalls and plunge pools.
For Oak Creek (3C2 / V3.A4.III) and Upper Uncompahgre (3CIII / V3.A4.III), you will have to rappel for 30 m/100 ft and use a rope and safety lines. Be ready for prolonged immersion in cold water and moderate current. You might have to perform simple jumps between 5 m/ 16 ft and 8 m/ 26 ft.
For canyoning in Bear Creek (3C3 / V4.A4.IV), you should be prepared for low to moderate vertical flows, rappels over 30 m/100 ft, rough rock edges requiring rope management and landing pools that have current. Setting safety lines will be more difficult.
Canyoning isn’t just for outdoor pros, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with excellent physical condition and experience in rock climbing and paddling can have fun. If you’ve never canyoneered before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, and teach you how to manage the ropes. Previous canyoneering experience is a must for canyoneering in Bear Creek.
If you don’t have any experience with canyoning, outdoor rock climbing or paddling, this tour is not suitable for you.
Here’s what you’ll need:
All the necessary equipment will be provided by the guide. Your own shoes, clothes and personal belongings will not go into the canyon with you. Upon booking, the guide will ask you to send them your sizes and will prepare the necessary equipment, so please make sure all the sizes are accurate.
Group sizes and prices:
Min. age requirements:
To get to Ouray, most people fly into Denver International Airport, which is about 6 hours away. From there, you can take another flight to regional airports in Grand Junction or Durango or rent a car. You can also fly to Albuquerque, Salt Lake City or Colorado Springs.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location in Ouray.
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.
