colorado jeep tours ouray

Our 2024 season opens with private tours starting on May 24th and group tours beginning on June 3rd.

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Private Tours

Customize your private Jeep tour or choose from the popular destinations below.​ You can also let your guide find the best spots for you. Book online now, or give us a call if you have questions!

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We are Alpine Scenic 4x4 Tours

A family-run business offering GUIDED 4×4 TOURS in the stunning San Juan Mountains, based out of Ouray, Colorado. We are the #1 rated Tour company in the San Juans, and look forward to touring with you and your family on your next adventure!

Our knowledgable guides share pertinent information on historical sites, geological features, local wildlife, flora/fauna on all of our tours. Safety and comfort are our TOP priorities.

Group Tours provide an exciting 4 hours of sightseeing, no matter which destination you choose. All of our group tours include supplemental on-foot excursions to waterfalls, mining ruins, and other attractions along the route. Our Group Tour trucks are first class and feature the following:

• Bucket seats with seat belts
• Retractable rain flies, wind screens and blankets
• PA systems for commentary from your guide
• Steps for easy access

Private Tours are offered at 4, 6, and 8 hour lengths and are fully customizable for the adventurer seeking a unique experience. Have you read about a particular area in the San Juans you’d like to venture out and see? Are you up to the challenge of experiencing Poughkeepsie Gulch? Interested in visiting historic mining structures or photographing wildflowers/wildlife? Our guides take you where you want to go.

Adventure Farther with Alpine!

Private jeep tours, half & full-day private tours • up to 5 passengers.

Let Alpine’s talented guides share the fabulous mountain scenery in Ouray, CO with you at your own pace; in comfort on our most popular Jeep tour! This experience is great for photographers!

Enjoy A Group Tour!

Alpine Scenic 4×4 Group Tours are Ouray’s most comfortable 4×4 tour!

We offer a quality scenic off-road experience that is second to none. Our modified 4×4 group tour trucks are equipped with bucket seats, easy access ladders, wind screens, rain covers, PA systems, and lifted suspensions for the ultimate view.

Book a group tour and see Corkscrew Pass and Red Mountain Mining or experience the beauty of Yankee Boy Basin’s famous Twin Falls and more!

• Hour Glass Half-Day

Corkscrew Pass and Beyond

Enjoy panoramic views of the historic and colorful Corkscrew Pass and Red Mountain Mining outside of Ouray with this unforgettable group tour!

Yankee Boy Basin + BONUS

Explore Yankee Boy Basin’s famous Twin Falls, iconic wildflowers, historic mining ruins and more! As a BONUS to visiting Yankee Boy Basin, you’ll experience the thrill of touring further up into the San Juans to Governor basin. Wildflowers, wildlife and million dollar views of Mt. Sneffels for all!

Tripadvisor's #1 Activity in Ouray!

Setting up our tour online was exceptionally easy. We met our tour guide/Jeep driver for a tour of Corkscrew pass. Larry was knowledgeable, very friendly and a safe driver. The scenery was amazing, equipment in great shape, and they even had blankets for us when it began to snow at 12,000 feet!

What an adventure to remember! Breath-taking views from the bottom of the mountain to the top of the mountain and back down to the bottom of the mountain! Exhilarating and adventuresome! Joe, our guide/driver, is an expert in navigating the mountain as well as educating us on our sites!

We had a great time on our guided jeep adventure with our guide Larry. He was extremely experienced and very safe as a driver. He had a great understanding of the area, including the mining history and scenery. This was a spectacular experience!

This was our second trip with Alpine Scenic Jeep Tours. Each time is a great experience. We did the Cork Screw route and the scenery was amazing. The fall colors did not disappoint! Once again we all can't say enough about our trip and our tour guide will continue to book and recommend them!

We are open for the season! Book now!

• Hybrid Wrangler 4XE
• Jeep Rental

 At our company, for over 75 years, we've recommended to discuss with our guides after you board the tour vehicle the best tour options for the day depending on their experiences the days preceding your visit . Our guides would like you and your party to have the best Jeep Tour experience for your chosen day. 

Already been? Tell us where you have been before and we’ll take you on another great route. 

Yankee Boy Basin

Known as the "Flower and Waterfall Trip" Yankee Boy Basin is a trip that begins in town, has mining history, and is one of the best general overall jeep tour experiences for a half day tour.  In addition to its magnificent flora and fauna, almost all area wildlife are able to be seen during different alpine seasons.  Some of our guides not only specialize in wildlife and photography but have done more tours than others in the area combined!  This ride includes the famous spot where one of our guides, who took Disney representatives four different times, to pattern their rides exclaims "Disneyland has nothing on us-our tour is real"!  Touted as a photographer's paradise, we've taken National Geographic, Arizona Highways, and other photography groups annually to this beautiful basin.    

This tour is perfect for families who want to see what Ouray, named the "Jeep Capitol of the World" in no small part due to our jeep company, has to offer.

Black Bear Pass

 Our company helped build this route in 1959 making another round trip route in addition to Ophir, Last Dollar, and Imogene. We were featured twice in National Geographic and on the first song of CW McCall's best hits album until taken over by "Convoy" which went to number one in the nation. Wild Bill drove this route over 2,000 times and some of our current drivers have done it hundreds of times.

Black Bear Pass can only be booked by phone as a private full day tour.

Corkscrew Gulch

See the famous Red Mountains! Once at the top of the pass, the views are fantastic. The drive offers an incredible bird’s eye view of Como Lake or the best ghost town in the area.  With jaw-dropping views around every corner, be sure to bring a camera and plenty of juice to keep it alive.

Engineer pass

A phenomenal and technical off-road experience! Follow Engineer Pass all the way to Lake City or cut off at Animas Forks and head towards Silverton. The main entrance to Engineer Pass is four miles south of Ouray along Highway 550, marked by a cascading waterfall and a staging area. The easier entrance is via Corkscrew Gulch. In Animas Forks, stay on the Engineer Pass trail to the left. Stay left at Poughkeespie Gulch to continue up to Engineer Pass at 12,850 feet. From here, you can return or continue to Lake City. 

And many more!

Call for info!

San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours

920 Main Street, Ouray Colorado, 81427

(970) 325-0089

Copyright © 2023 San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours - All Rights Reserved.

#1 on  Trip Advisor for UTV and Jeep® Rentals and Scenic Tours of the San Juans. Follow us on Facebook  and   Instagram  to see the latest photos and videos from Colorado West.

About colorado west.

Our guides are fun, knowledgeable, and very safety conscious. Many of them return year after year. All tour vehicles are inspected annually according to the State of Colorado’s Public Utility Commission. Each vehicle holds up to 12 passengers and is equipped with rain gear, lap blankets, and first aid kits.

Colorado West Jeep Rentals, Inc operates on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests under special use permit from the Forest Service, USDA. All or parts of the operation is conducted on Public Lands with a special permit from the U.S Bureau of Land Management. Our tour vehicles and drivers are regulated under Colorado Public Utility Commission permit PUC-3.

About the owners

Colorado West Family

Colorado West Jeeps Rentals, Inc. was incorporated on June 4, 1984 by a group of local Ouray businessmen to fulfill the demand for tours in the San Juan Mountains. Bob Burdick was hired as a tour driver and in 1992 he purchased Colorado West Jeep Rentals, Inc.

In 2012, after a life changing accident, Bob sold Colorado West to his sister, Judy Lindberg and her son, Jeff Lindberg. Judy and Jeff operate Colorado West with the help of other family members to continue to offer excellent customer service striving to make your vacation a very memorable experience. When you leave Colorado West Jeeps, we want you to feel like you’ve been treated like family!

In 2019 Judy and Gary have stepped back a little more, with a more limited role in Colorado West.  You may see them throughout the season as they enjoy spending more time with grandchildren.  Jeff and Kathy continue to operate with the same family values that have been with Colorado West since Bob Took over in 1992.

Colorado West has had the same tour guides for over 10 years.  Welcoming them back for 2023,   Steve, Hal, Barry and Rich and Eric.  Looking forward to seeing all of our returning guests as well as meeting all our new ones.

Ride with the best – Colorado West!

Colorado West Jeeps 701 Main Street Ouray CO 81427

970-325-4014

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• Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
• Black Bear Pass
• Engineer Pass
• Corkscrew Gulch
• Colorado Ghost Towns and Silver Mines
• Governor Basin
• Fall Splendor in Colorado
• Imogene Pass
• Ophir Imogene
• Yankee Boy Basin
• Private Jeep Safari
• Jeep Wrangler 4 Door Convertible Softtop
• Jeep Rubicon 4 Door Hardtop
• Custom Group Tours
• Wedding Adventures
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970.325.4484 | [email protected]

yankee boy basin

10,800 feet / lots of history / gorgeous scenery, a fascinating adventure into ouray’s yesteryear.

As one of the most recognized areas in the San Juan Mountains,  Yankee Boy Basin is considered the gateway to the Sneffels’ Mountain Range. Framed by spectacular 13,000 and 14,000 ft peaks such as Pitosi, Teakettle, Cirque, Stony Mountain, and of course, Mount Sneffels, the trail is visually dramatic, yet offers a mild climb through colorful canyon walls, abundantly lined with Aspen and Pine. This trip is complete with vintage mining relics of a once booming mining era, as well as ghost towns, double waterfalls and frequent wildlife. Home to Colorado wildflowers such as Columbine, Paintbrush, Larkspur and Cow Parsnip, it is a wildflower enthusiasts’ haven.

This tour is best enjoyed in late Spring while the snowmelt feeds the creeks and waterfalls. Also one of our favorite late Fall choices as the prolific Aspen turn brilliant gold, amber and plum!

• Wildflowers
• Ghost Towns

Twin Waterfalls

Especially Beautiful Spring/Fall

3-hour experience

Adult (13 to 99 yrs)

Child (5 to 12 yrs)

970-325-4484

View into San Sophia’s Ridge

Yankee Boy Basin in Fall

Fireweed in Bloom

Sunshine Mountain

Trip Details & Logistics

Approximately 3 hours. AM and PM departures seasonally. Generally available from May 20th – October 7th. 

“Being a little sensitive to elevation and rough roads, the staff recommended this tour. We were very pleased with the scenery and experience” D. Davis Chandler, AZ

800-207-2700 or 970-325-7110

Explore Ouray Your Way in a Jeep, UTV, or eBike

Ouray mountain adventures is the ultimate destination for adventurers seeking a wild ride across the rugged mountains of colorful colorado..

At Ouray Mountain Adventures, we empower you to reach new heights, traverse undulating terrains, and discover unseen corners of the wilderness with one of our incredible off-road vehicle rentals. Our variety of Jeeps, UTVs, and eBike rentals provide the perfect choice for those who want to embark on a journey and pave the way for a memorable adventure in the San Juan Mountains. Whether you’re tackling the infamous Engineer Pass or cruising along Yankee Boy Basin, we have you covered.

Why Choose Ouray Mountain Adventures?

You choose where you go.

At Ouray Mountain Adventures, we let you pick your own adventure and explore the mountain trails any way you choose. We don’t serve as your tour guide, but rather your start and end point for a day on the trails.

We provide you with a free basic map and suggested routes, then we leave the trailblazing to you. You can pack a picnic lunch, hit the road, and spend the entire day riding through the San Juans. It’s the perfect way to explore western Colorado and make memories with your family or friends.

Many Rental Options

At Ouray Mountain Adventures, you should have the opportunity to explore Ouray your way. Therefore, we offer a variety of rental options so that you can pick the vehicle and timing that best suits your needs.

When you book with Ouray Mountain Adventures, you can choose between Jeep Rubicons, Polaris RZRs, or eBikes . You also have the option to select whether you want to rent our vehicles for a single day, multiple days, or just half of a day. These options give you the chance to develop an exploration plan that makes the most sense for your group based on how much time you have.

Book Online and Save

Because we often book up ahead of time, we highly recommend you book your Jeep, UTV, or eBike rental in advance and not wait until the last minute. Luckily, booking with Ouray Mountain Adventures is easy because you can reserve a vehicle online, over the phone, or in person.

Our online booking engine makes reserving a Jeep, RZR, or eBike from the comfort of your home or hotel room easier. What’s more, we offer a 10% discount for anyone who books a rental online with us, meaning you save time and money just by reserving your vehicle online ahead of time.

Our Vehicle Options

Starting at: $240/day

8-speed automatic transmission

Rugged interior, 2.0l i4 dohc di turbo phev engine, more details.

With our Jeep rentals, you can enjoy the thrill of off-roading alongside the magnificence of the San Juan Mountains. Our fleet of trail-ready Jeep Rubicons is meticulously maintained and equipped to conquer the rocky terrain, whether you’re a novice trail rider or a seasoned overlander.

Starting at: $400/day

110 H.O. Horsepower Engine

Electric start, automatic transmission.

Ouray Mountain Adventures also offers an impressive fleet of high-performance Polaris RZRs that can accommodate between two and six passengers. These UTVs are engineered for the bold and the fearless, meaning you get an exhilarating experience on the trails.

Starting at: $32.50/hour (2 hour minimum required)

4” Fat Tires

750w motor power, up to 60 miles range, 400 lb payload capacity.

If you’re ready to push boundaries, blaze trails, and leave a cloud of dust behind, you’ll want to rent one of our trail-ready eBikes. We exclusively offer Aventon Aventure.2 eBikes, which reach a top speed of 28 MPH and have various design features that make this bike perfect for offroading.

Explore Ouray Your Way

Experience the freedom, fun, and adrenaline rush of off-roading with Ouray Mountain Adventures, your gateway to a memorable adventure in the San Juan Mountains.

The town of Ouray, Colorado, is a cherished destination for those who crave the outdoors—a place where rugged adventure meets timeless charm. Located at one end of the Million Dollar Highway, the town offers a wealth of outdoor activities, with natural hot springs, extensive hiking trails, and a myriad of off-roading tracks that cater to all levels of adventurers.

Off-roading in Ouray is a one-of-a-kind experience. From gentle dirt roads to steep rocky paths, there’s a trail for every level of off-roading enthusiast. But, whether you’re cruising past waterfalls on Yankee Boy Basin, or hitting high elevations along Imogene Pass, you need a reliable off-roading vehicle. And that’s where Ouray Mountain Adventures comes in.

Our mission is simple: we want you to have the freedom to explore Ouray your way with one of our eBike, UTV, or Jeep rentals. We carefully select the vehicle options we offer and only provide choices with robust construction and intuitive handling, so you can remain safe and have a great time buzzing through town, riding down country roads, and exploring Ouray’s surrounding landscape.

Are you ready to embark on a journey where the road ends and the adventure begins? Let’s hit the trail and explore Ouray your way!

Ready to Rent a Jeep, UTV, or eBike?

Book online.

and Save 10%!

Reserve Over the Phone

We’re open 8am – 6pm.

Have Questions?

Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about booking with ouray mountain adventures.

Do you allow booking by the hour? Ebikes can be rented in increments of 2 hours. Jeeps can be rented for a half day if they are available. We do not take half-day reservations.

Is there per-person pricing? No, we charge per vehicle, not per person.

Should I book online? We highly recommend booking your rental online. The process is simple and you can book anytime. Also, you will get a discount when you book through our website.

Can I book a Jeep for multiple days? Yes, we allow multi-day Jeep rentals for those who would like to do so.

Do you provide drop-off rides to the trailheads? Although we deliver the UTVs to the trailhead, we do not transport passengers. You will need to drive your vehicle to the trailhead.

Questions About Cancellations

Can I cancel my reservation? How? Yes, you can cancel online or over the phone. To avoid a penalty, all cancellations must be made at least 24-hours prior to your scheduled vehicle pick up time.

What happens if bad weather is forecast? As long as the forest service does not close the trails, we will still rent off-roading vehicles.

What if I need to reschedule? All changes or cancellations must be done at least 24 hours prior to your rental time. Otherwise, you will be subject to our cancellation fee.

For more information on our Cancellation and Rental Policies CLICK HERE .

Questions About Off-Roading

What should I bring for off-roading? We recommend you bring water bottles, eye protection, face coverings for dust, and jackets with you for your day of off-roading in Ouray.

Do I need a helmet? Ouray Mountain Adventures has helmets available free of charge. For RZRs and e-bikes, anyone under the age of 17 must wear a helmet.

Who can drive? RZRs and Jeeps can only be driven by the person listed on the reservation. All drivers must be 25 years of age or older.

What if I have never driven a UTV? We will give you a quick lesson on how the RZRs work so you will have a great experience.

Where are the trails? The trails are south of Ouray. Yankee Boy Basin, Imogene Pass, Engineer Pass, and Corkscrew are the major trail heads in our area. Visit our trails page to learn more about off-roading in Ouray so you can plan your day ahead of time

Testimonials

5 replies to this topic

- Great Sand Dunes

- Durango - train

- Mesa Verde

- Ouray / Telluride area - Million Dollar Highway

- Black Canyon of the Gunnison

- Glenwood Springs - hot springs, adventure park, Hanging Lake (reservations required), day trip to Aspen for Maroon Bells (reservations required)

My one comment would be that May and early June is early for Colorado . There will still be a lot of snow at the higher elevations so not great hiking conditions for some trails and some activities like the popular Jeep tours in Ouray might not be available yet.

That time of the year, being south or west are best for hiking.

Ouray is next stop and I am not well versed on the hikes there. The few that I have done were high enough that I would be concerned about snow/mud that time of the year. If you use alltrails, you can look for lower elevation hikes. None of us know what the conditions will be next June but I would be prepared for limited hiking options at elevation.

From Ouray, I would head north and stop at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison for a hike and visit the Ute Museum near Montrose .

From there you could get a taste of desert hiking around Grand Junction or Fruita (CO national monument/Devil's Garden) before heading to Vail.

Good points about the weather, ok, let's assume later in the summer, what would anyone's recommendations be with everything else being the same? Thanks!

Sand dunes might work first thing in the morning but it usually gets pretty hot there.

I would agree with the others regarding time of year... The seasonal scenic roads don't open until the end of May (generally), And some of the higher elevation hiking trails are snow-covered/muddy/sloppy until well into June, as Spring in the mountains is 4 to 6-ish weeks behind the Midwest.

I did a late September 2023 road trip and, while the weather was unusually spectacular, I think it's a wonderful time to go (if your family can get away).

In the middle of the Summer it's wonderful to be in the mountains ... not so wonderful to be in the hot desert areas. ... And of course, due to the low humidity, the temperature swings can be quite substantial throughout the state.

I've linked my way too long trip report ... Good luck in your planning, I'm sure whatever you choose you'll have a wonderful family time.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g28927-i252-k14729379-Colorado_Road_Trip_Report_Sept_21st_Through_30t_2023-Colorado.html

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