Photo: managing agencyPhoto: managing agencySpectacular 285-foot free-fall through a narrow quartzite gorge, an easy paid walk in a seasonal city park.
City park admission fee: $6 (ages 4-17), $8 (18-62), $7 (62-74), free (75+ and under 4)
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Park is closed November 1 through March (per City of Ouray / Visit Ouray official hours).
Box Canyon Falls is a dramatic 285-foot waterfall plunging through a narrow quartzite gorge in the City of Ouray Parks system. The falls are accessible via a short, maintained walk from the parking area, making them ideal for visitors of all abilities.
The park charges age-tiered admission (ranging from free for ages 75+ and under 4 to $8 for adults) and is open only from April through October. A longer moderate-difficulty High Bridge Trail loop is also available for those seeking additional hiking. Dogs are not allowed in the park.
Best visited April through October when the park is open and spring snowmelt feeds the most dramatic flow.
Open April through October; closed November 1 through March per city hours. Waterfall flow is strongest in spring and early summer from snowmelt.
Less than 1 hour
Dogs are not allowed in the park; the park is closed November through March.
City park admission fee: $6 (ages 4-17), $8 (18-62), $7 (62-74), free (75+ and under 4)
It's viewable without a hike, from a pullout or short walk near the parking area.
No — the managing agency's page states dogs are not permitted here (or on the specific trail/area needed to reach the falls).
We track 6 waterfalls in San Juan Mountains, 2 of which are roadside like this one.
There is 1 other waterfall we track in Ouray County. All San Juan Mountains waterfalls →
visitouray.com
Visit Ouray / City of Ouray official park page: 285 ft falls through a narrow quartzite gorge, age-tiered admission fee, dogs not allowed, seasonal Nov-March closure, ~500 ft "Falls Trail" walk (there is also a longer, moderate High Bridge Trail loop not included in this figure). Checked Sept 2026; park confirmed open for the current season.
Checked September 2026.