Curated Mountain Experiences for Guests of the Rathbone Hotel
Discover Ouray’s wild side with handpicked guided experiences, from high-alpine via ferrata climbs to waterfall canyon descents – all curated specially for guests of the St. Elmo.
Book your next adventure with trusted local guides, right from the comfort of your stay.
Via Ferrata & Climbing Adventures
Gold Mountain Via Ferrata
This is more than a climb –– it’s an alpine journey through Ouray’s mining legacy. Gold Mountain Via Ferrata blends beginner-friendly technical terrain with dramatic exposure, rung-enhanced climbing, remote access, and powerful storytelling, all while clipped into steel-safety cables, no experience required. You’ll follow 19th-century ore paths carved into vertical rock, explore through historic mining buildings, all with sweeping San Juan views and no crowds in sight.
Led by AMGA-Certified guides, this route offers solitude, scenery, and a rare chance to experience Colorado history with every step.
Canyoning & Waterfall Descents
Portland Creek
Canyoning is the art of descending a mountain stream through narrow canyons in a way very few get to explore –– by hiking, scrambling, rappelling through flowing waterfalls, and swimming through sculpted rock pools.
Right in the heart of Ouray, Portland Creek offers a striking descent into a limestone canyon where towering walls, rushing water, and a 60-foot waterfall rappel set the stage for an unforgettable half-day adventure.
With expert guides and secure rigging, you’ll drop into a hidden alpine world shaped by water and time. It’s fast-paced, refreshing, and unlike anything else in the San Juans.
