Angel Creek Canyon
In Ouray, CO
Lower Angel Creek is a great, short introduction to flowing canyons. It is suitable for first-timers with the proper supervision. Many of the canyons in Ouray have a short season, typically mid-June until the end of September. Lower Angel has one of the longer seasons in Ouray, due to the relatively low elevation, relatively low CFS, the possibility to avoid almost all direct waterfall contact, and the numerous escape routes. Great for early and late season, as is Portland Creek just down the road.
Add a Ouray Via Ferrata!
The Angel Creek Canyon trip can easily be combined with our Ouray Via Ferrata Downstream Route for one incredible day of adventure. The Ouray Via Ferrata has quickly become one of Ouray’s sought after outdoor recreation activities in the summer and is perfect for the whole family. Contact us to learn more about this custom trip and our team can get this set up!
JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER
COSTS
5:1 – $159 / person
4:1 – $179 / person
3:1 – $209 / person
2:1 – $299 / person
1:1 – $449 / person
No Hidden Fees
INCLUDES:
- Guiding and instruction with an AMGA Certified/Trained Guide
- All canyon gear (Petzl harness, helmet, descending device)
- Transportation to and from canyoning area from our office
*Note our office has splash guards available to use but we cannot guarantee size availability, especially for a large group.
OUR GUIDES
Founded in 1986, San Juan Mountain Guides is well known as “The Local Experts” for climbing and mountain adventure in the Telluride, Ouray, and Durango areas. We feature guiding and instruction with exclusively IFMGA/AMGA Certified and Trained Guides and Instructors.
COSTS
Starting @ $159/person
Includes
LOCATION
Colorado
DURATION
1 Day
RATIO - CUSTOMER/GUIDE
5:1
DIFFICULTY
CANYONING ITINERARY
1 DAY
Meet at your requested time at our shop in at 710 Main St. in Ouray. You will be outfitted with a helmet, harness, and descending device. We also have splashguards for use but cannot guarantee sizes for all guests, especially large groups. From the office your guide will drive you to the canyoning area. A 15 minute uphill hike will take you to the waterfall. If you have never rappelled, your guide will lower you through the water falls. You can expect to finish in roughly 3-4 hours.
| Image | Description | Guide Pick |
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Climbing Backpack
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A climbing pack should be big enough to hold your layers, gear, food and water for the day. The Osprey Mutant 38 is an excellent all around climbing pack for Ice Climbing trips in the Ouray Ice Park and surrounding San Juan backcountry or for Rock Climbing trips in the area as well. | Osprey Mutant 38 Climbing Pack |
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Water Bottles
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We recommend wide mouth Nalgene (or similar) water bottles for the majority of our programs. One or two 1-liter bottles is the standard for long days in the mountains. | 32 oz. Nalgene Water Bottle |
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Personal Food
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Lunch begins when breakfast ends and ends when dinner begins. Bring what you LIKE to eat and consider the length, relative difficulty, weight, and other factors when deciding what to bring in the mountains with you. A variety is always best. Don't be afraid of Mr. T. | Personal Food |
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Sunscreen
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Essential for all of our programs. SPF 30 would be our minimum recommendation. Typically a 4 oz. bottle will suffice but consider trip length when deciding how much to pack. | Dermatone SPF 50 |
How wet will I get?
Canyoning in the early season, right after the snow melts in June, will have the highest flow and the coldest water. By late summer/early fall, the water level is much lower and the water temperature is warmer.
Can I bring my phone?
We strongly discourage you from bringing your phone because it is distracting and likely to be broken. San Juan Mountain Guides is not responsible for any loss or damage should you choose to bring your phone or other valuables into a running waterfall. You can expect your guide not to take their phone out unless there is an emergency.
Can I wear sandals?
We ask that you wear close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting wet to prevent injury.
Can children participate?
Yes, canyoning is suitable for children. Please call the office to discuss ages.
How many people will be on the course with me?
Our canyoning days are guided at a 5:1 ratio. Please contact the office for a custom trip.
When will I be back in town?
Most parties return 4-5 hours after meet up time.
Do I have to bring everything on the Equipment list?
Our equipment list is designed for you to be prepared and comfortable during the course. The most important items to bring for a day canyoning include:
- Close-toed shoes
- Suitable layers for the time of year (splash guard for the early summer!)
Does San Juan Mountain Guides provide lunch?
No, you will be responsible for bringing and carrying your own food and water throughout the day.
I have my own equipment, can I use it?
Yes! If you have your own gear, you are welcome to use it! Please bring it into the office so that your guide can confirm it will be safe for canyoning.
OURAY, COLORADO: GETTING HERE
Ouray is located in the SW corner of Colorado, approximately 30 minutes south of Montrose. Known as “The Switzerland of America”, the town of Ouray is a vibrant outdoor oriented community. All local businesses are very friendly to the visitors who flock to the surrounding areas to climb and hike.
The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Montrose, CO. Many airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, CO, however, many airlines now offer direct flights into Montrose – especially during the summer and winter months.
It is also possible to fly into Grand Junction, Durango, Telluride, or Denver CO. It may be necessary to rent a car and drive to Ouray if you’d like to fly into one of these airports.
Below are some approximate driving times if you’d like to drive to Ouray. If you plan on renting a car, please consider the winter weather when selecting your vehicle and choose something that offers either front wheel or all-wheel drive at a minimum. Shuttle services such as Tellurides offer transportation from the Montrose airport to Ouray.
- Montrose, CO: 45 minutes
- Durango, CO: 2 hours
- Denver, CO: 5.5 hours
Ouray has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Give our office a call at 970-946-0713 if you have any questions about what would suit you best for this trip!
PROGRAM POLICIES
REGISTRATION & CANCELLATION
Advance Registration is required for this program. You have the option to either call our office and register via phone or utilize our secure Online Reservation System. All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies.
INCLUSIONS
- Guiding and Instruction with an AMGA Certified/Trained Guide
- All gear (harness, helmet, descending device)
- Round-trip transportation to and from the climbing area and our office
EXCLUSIONS
- Transportation to Ouray, CO
- Hotel costs before, during, or after the program
- Guide gratuity
- Lunch food or snacks
- Personal hiking/climbing clothing
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (recommended)
- Costs associated with weather delays or other variables beyond the control of San Juan Mountain Guides
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
We really enjoyed our trip. Our guide was very good at gaging our ability and leading at a pace that was both challenging and fun for me. – Joelle M.
The three of us enjoyed the experience immensely. Though some were anxious due to a fear of heights and no previous climbing experience, Sean did a great job keeping us focused, upbeat and safe. – Russell S.
Fun, challenging, damn good workout – Adam W.
Just wanted to give a huge shoutout to San Juan Mountain Guides, for their professionalism. The whole experience was incredible for two first-timers on the Via Ferrata in Ouray. Our guide was so supportive and super patient with us. His enthusiasm and confidence in the sport was contagious! He is also an excellent photographer, and I’d highly recommend going with Ryan to all my friends and family! Thanks again for the memorable experience! – Tammy B.
Luke was an outstanding guide on the Via Ferrata. His experience and calm demeanor helped me to really enjoy the trip. I would not have completed it without his expertise. I would highly recommend any trip with a guide of his caliber. Thank you for a great experience! – Elise P.
Delightful, fun, and well-led mini adventure. Our friend from Scotland rated a highlight on her Colorado trip! – Douglas F.