Along the Bear Creek are two late 19th century abandoned mining sites, Grizzly Mine and Yellow Jacket Mine. With the development of these two mines also came a route for the miners to follow out the canyon. The creek bottom was too treacherous for them to build anything, instead they built a trail high above the creek and along the canyon wall. The trail ascend through an evergreen forest to the northern wall of the canyon where it cuts through exposed precambrian slate and a younger outcrop of volcanic tuff before descending to the canyon bottom. Now alongside Bear Creek, the trail winds through small open meadows and forests past Grizzly Mine and to Yellow Jacket Mine.

This looped trail along Cascade Falls and Portland Trails offers hikers with some incredible views of the jagged peaks that surround the town of Ouray. The trail steeply climbs to an overlook where you'll find breathtaking mountain vistas on your way to Upper Cascade Falls. The trail then backtracks and crosses a small creek as it makes its way toward scenic views of a steep mountainside that forms a natural amphitheater. From here, it follows a ridge and descends through an evergreen forest and aspen groves back to the parking area.

A favorite campground among jeep and off-road enthusiasts, Amphitheater Campground sits on the mountainside above Ouray. The views of the natural rock amphitheater are awesome. Several trails are close for hiking and off-road exploring. 35 sites are available for tent or small trailer camping with a max length of 30ft. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection are provided onsite. The nightly fee is $24.

Angel Creek Campground is a small and primitive campground located in thick forest of pines. 8 sites are available on a first come, first serve basis for tent camping. A high clearance vehicle is required to reach the campground. Each site contains a fire pit, tent pad and guests have access to port a potties. The overnight camping fee is $10.

Located in Canyon Creek, Thistledown Campground is a popular campground for people hiking into Mount Sneffles. A high clearance vehicle is recommended to reach the campground. 9 sites are available on a first come, first serve basis for tent camping. No water is available but guests have access to a vault toilet. This is bear country and food must be stored in a sealed container or vehicle.

Ouray KOA sits along the Uncompahgre River and near the San Juan Mountains. They have something for everyone and the town of Silverton and Telluride are both close by and popular places to visit. A variety of sites are available including tents camping, RV/trailer camping, camping cabins, and tipis. Both partial and full hookups are offered. There is a café onsite that provides live entertainment, serves breakfast, and BBQ dinner during the peak season. The campground also rents jeeps for trail riding.