Colorado Road Trip | Silverton, Ouray, Black Canyon, and Leadville Vanlife
Colorado just keeps delivering.
This stretch of our road trip took us through some of the most scenic and diverse parts of the state, from stormy mountain towns to quiet campsites, high alpine passes, and one of the darkest night skies we have ever seen.
Between Silverton, Ouray, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Breckenridge, and Leadville, this week was everything we love about vanlife. Big views, changing weather, and plenty of time outside.
Stormy Start in Silverton
We kicked things off in Silverton, and it immediately set the tone for the week.
A massive rainstorm rolled through town, covering everything in fog and giving the mountains a dramatic, almost cinematic feel. The streets were quiet, the peaks disappeared into the clouds, and it felt like we had stepped into a completely different version of Colorado.
Once the storm passed, the landscape came back to life, and we continued south toward one of our favorite places in the state.
Driving Red Mountain Pass to Ouray
The drive from Silverton to Ouray over Red Mountain Pass is easily one of the most scenic in Colorado.
Tight turns, steep drop offs, and nonstop mountain views make this a must do if you are in the area. In the fall, it gets even better with aspens lighting up the hillsides in bright gold.
By the time we rolled into Ouray, it reminded us exactly why we love it here.
Camping Outside Ouray
Just outside of town, we found an incredible campsite tucked into the trees and surrounded by cliffs.
It was one of those spots that checks every box.
Quiet surroundings
Mountain views in every direction
Wildlife everywhere, including more deer than we could count
It made the perfect basecamp for a few days of exploring.
Trail Running the Ouray Perimeter Trail
One of the highlights of our time in Ouray was running the Ouray Perimeter Trail.
This trail loops around the town and offers some of the best views in the area. You pass waterfalls, cross bridges, and move through sections of forest that feel completely untouched.
The fall colors made it even better. Golden aspens lined the trail, and every turn opened up to another view of the surrounding mountains.
Coco led the way for most of the run, proving that even a five pound dog can handle big adventures.
Exploring Ouray
When we were not on the trail, we spent time exploring the town itself.
Ouray has a unique feel. It is small, walkable, and surrounded by towering peaks on all sides. Deer wander through Main Street like it is completely normal, and the whole place moves at a slower pace.
We also made our way over to Cascade Falls, which is just outside of town and well worth a quick visit.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison at Sunset
From Ouray, we headed toward Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
This stop felt completely different from everything else we had seen during the week.
The area had recently been impacted by wildfire, leaving behind blackened trees and a rugged, raw landscape. At the same time, new growth was starting to come through, creating a powerful contrast between destruction and renewal.
We squeezed in a short trail run before sunset, taking in the massive cliffs and deep canyon views.
Milky Way at a Dark Sky Park
As the sun went down, we stayed to experience one of the best parts of the park.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a designated Dark Sky Park, and it shows. Once the sky went fully dark, the Milky Way lit up the canyon in a way that is hard to describe.
It was easily one of the best night skies we have seen on the road.
Crossing Cottonwood Pass
Next, we made our way across Cottonwood Pass, another one of Colorado’s iconic high mountain drives.
The views from the top stretch in every direction, with peaks, valleys, and fall colors filling the landscape. It is the kind of drive where you find yourself pulling over constantly just to take it all in.
Breckenridge and Silverthorne Reset
We stopped in Breckenridge for the CSAW event that Jamie was working, which gave us a chance to reset a bit.
One standout stop was the Silverthorne Recreation Center. If you are traveling through this area, it might be one of the best places to work out and shower on the road.
It is clean, well equipped, and perfect for getting back into a routine during a long trip.
Trail Running Near Buffalo Mountain
While in the area, we also got out for another run near Buffalo Mountain on the Willow Creek Trail.
This trail offers a quieter experience compared to some of the more crowded areas around Breckenridge, with great views and a peaceful setting.
It was the perfect way to keep moving while still taking in the scenery.
Camping in Leadville
We wrapped up the week in Leadville, camping just outside of town.
At over 10,000 feet, Leadville has a completely different feel. The air is thinner, the views are bigger, and the surrounding peaks feel closer than ever.
Camping here with the Collegiate Peaks in the background was the perfect way to end the week.
Why This Week Stood Out
This stretch of the trip had everything.
Stormy mountain towns
Scenic high alpine drives
Quiet campsites
Trail running in incredible places
Unreal night skies
It is the kind of week that reminds you why vanlife is worth it.
Final Thoughts
Colorado continues to deliver in ways that are hard to match.
From Silverton and Ouray to Black Canyon and Leadville, this route offers some of the best scenery and outdoor experiences in the state.
If you are planning a Colorado road trip, this stretch should absolutely be on your list.
Between the mountain passes, trail systems, and unique landscapes, it is a perfect mix of adventure and exploration.
And if you are traveling with a small adventure buddy like Coco, even better.
Watch the Full Episode
Check out the full Detour Diaries episode to see everything from this week in action, from stormy starts in Silverton to stargazing at Black Canyon and quiet nights in Leadville.
