Hillside Cemetery Ouray
A historic resting place with stunning mountain views, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into Ouray's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Hillside Cemetery Ouray
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic resting place with stunning mountain views, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into Ouray's past.
"Pretty neat cemetery. Some tombstones have been redone and other have cause of death."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The cemetery is on a hill, so comfortable, non-slip shoes are a must for navigating uneven terrain.
💧 Bring Water
Especially in warmer months, stay hydrated as you explore the grounds. The climb can be tiring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Tombstones
Throughout the cemetery
Discover unique and weathered tombstones, some with fascinating inscriptions and stories.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Higher elevations of the cemetery
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding San Juan Mountains and Ouray valley.
Local History Markers
Various sections
Learn about Ouray's past through the lives of its early residents memorialized here.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Peaceful Resting Place
Navigating the Slopes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The cemetery is on a hill, so comfortable, non-slip shoes are a must for navigating uneven terrain.
💧 Bring Water
Especially in warmer months, stay hydrated as you explore the grounds. The climb can be tiring.
Respectful Conduct
This is a place of remembrance. Please be quiet and mindful of others visiting.
📸 Capture the Views
The mountain scenery is stunning. Bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The cemetery is on a hill, so comfortable, non-slip shoes are a must for navigating uneven terrain.
💧 Bring Water
Especially in warmer months, stay hydrated as you explore the grounds. The climb can be tiring.
Respectful Conduct
This is a place of remembrance. Please be quiet and mindful of others visiting.
📸 Capture the Views
The mountain scenery is stunning. Bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Hillside Cemetery to be a cool and beautiful place with a lot of history. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning mountain views are frequently praised, making it a worthwhile stop for reflection and photography. Some note the cemetery's age and the uneven terrain.
"very old but very cool"
james w
"Pretty neat cemetery. Some tombstones have been redone and other have cause of death."
Robert & Nancy Cork
"I want to end up there"
Scott Robertson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hillside Cemetery is located on the north end of Ouray, Colorado. You can drive up the winding road from town. Parking is available at the entrance.
Public transport options directly to the cemetery are limited. It's best to drive or consider a taxi service if you don't have your own vehicle.
From downtown Ouray, head north on Main Street, which becomes County Road 361. The road will begin to ascend, leading you to the cemetery entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hillside Cemetery is a public space and does not have an entrance fee. It's free to visit and explore.
The cemetery is generally open during daylight hours. It's a public space, so you can visit from sunrise to sunset.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the respectful nature of the site. Stick to daylight hours for the best experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of historic tombstones, unique grave markers, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valley. It's a peaceful place for reflection.
Due to its hillside location and uneven terrain, the cemetery can be challenging for strollers and wheelchairs. Some areas may be difficult to navigate.
Official guided tours are not commonly offered. However, you can explore at your own pace and learn about local history through the inscriptions on the graves.
You might spot local birds and small mammals. The natural setting attracts various wildlife common to the Colorado mountains.
Yes, photography is permitted. It's a popular spot for landscape and historical photography, capturing both the markers and the scenic views.
📸 📸 Photography
The higher points offer panoramic views of Ouray and the San Juan Mountains. Look for interesting tombstone details and unique grave markers for close-up shots.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for both the landscape and the gravestones. Midday can be harsh but still offers clear views.
General photography is allowed. However, always be respectful and avoid disturbing other visitors or the gravesites. Drone photography may have restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the uneven terrain; younger children might need assistance navigating the slopes. Bringing a stroller might be challenging, so a carrier for infants or toddlers could be more practical. Pack snacks and water, as there are no facilities within the cemetery itself. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery can make for a unique educational experience if approached with the right mindset.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Photographers
Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture stunning images. The combination of weathered gravestones, intricate carvings, and the dramatic mountain backdrop provides endless creative possibilities. The changing light throughout the day, especially during golden hour, can create magical scenes. Remember to be respectful of the environment and other visitors while you're framing your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Ouray's Past
The cemetery's location on the hillside provides not only a sense of peace but also a strategic vantage point. Many of the inscriptions on the older stones are faded, adding to the cemetery's historical mystique. Some markers are simple, while others are more elaborate, reflecting the status and aspirations of the individuals buried there. It’s a place where you can pause and reflect on the resilience and spirit of those who built Ouray.
Visitors often find themselves drawn to the unique artistry and craftsmanship of the older headstones. The variety of materials and styles, from simple granite to more ornate marble, showcases the changing trends in memorialization over the decades. It’s a quiet, contemplative space that offers a profound sense of place and a deeper understanding of Ouray's heritage.
The Scenic Beauty of Hillside Cemetery
During the warmer months, the grounds are often dotted with wildflowers, adding splashes of color to the landscape. The winding paths encourage leisurely strolls, allowing visitors to absorb the panoramic vistas at their own pace. The crisp mountain air and the quiet solitude make it an ideal spot for contemplation, photography, or simply enjoying the grandeur of the Colorado wilderness.
Even in winter, the cemetery possesses a stark beauty, with snow blanketing the landscape and highlighting the silhouettes of the headstones against the dramatic mountain scenery. Whether bathed in the warm light of sunrise or the soft glow of sunset, the views from Hillside Cemetery are consistently awe-inspiring, making it a memorable destination for those seeking both historical insight and natural splendor.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit