DIRECTIONS:

As you head into Ouray from either the north or south on Hwy 550, turn onto the side road for the Ouray Amphitheater Campground and Recreation Area. The Baby Bathtubs Trailhead is about 1,000 ft up the road. There are 2 parking areas and some pullouts along the way but parking fills up quickly on summer weekends.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

The Baby Bathtubs Trails is perfect for a quick and easy hike with the kids or just for adults that want to experience a bit of the Ouray Amphitheater area without too much of a time commitment. The “Baby Bathtubs” refers to smooth bowl-like depressions carved out of the colorful stone that forms the bed of Portland Creek.

While the trail is considered one of the easier Ouray area hikes, it is not really that easy. The trail starts off steeply as it climbs along the edge of a narrow canyon. From the start, the views of Whitehouse Mountain and the Sneffels Range peaks across the valley are prominent. After a few steep switchbacks you reach the start of the Baby Bathtubs area. You’ll know it when you get there as you arrive at the smooth creek bed and cascading water. If you are visiting in the summer, there will undoubtedly be people here, enjoying the water.

At this point you have two options. You can either stay on the official trail and continue for nice views down into the Baby Bathtubs or you can hike along and through the creek and narrow canyon, if you are hiking with kids, this decision will be made for you…

At the top of the canyon is the bridge that follows the Portland Trail, this is a best stopping point if you are just hiking the Baby Bathtubs Trail. If you are looking for a longer adventure, you can continue along the Portland Trail. The Baby Bathtubs Trail is also part of the Ouray Perimeter Trail which encircles the entire town for about 6 miles. If you just want the short hike, turn back and head back down the trail. The canyon in the lower part of the trail is far more treacherous so watch your little ones, and take the trail once you return to the start of the bathtubs area.