About Ridgway

Stay A While

Whether you’re looking for adventure & excitement or the serenity of pristine alpine beauty once you get to Ridgway you’ll want to stay awhile!

Our small town hospitality is a blend of The spirit of the Old West, healthy lifestyles and laid-back, friendly folks.

Aspens In Early Fall© 2006 2S Studioz

Climate in Paradise

East Dallas Creek Pond© C. Woods

Southwest Colorado is a dry climate. Drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration. It may not be Ridgway’s spectacular scenic beauty that’s taking your breath away…

Ridgway’s elevation is 6,985 ft.

• Give your body time to adjust.
• If possible, stay down in the valley, in town, on your first day.
• Avoid strenuous exercise the first day of your vacation.
• Drink plenty of water!
• Limit alcohol, caffeine and tobacco use.
• Work your way up to higher altitudes.
• Pursue your sightseeing / adventure plans by gradually adding a little higher altitude each day.
• There’s much to explore at lower elevations too.
• Be prepared for afternoon showers in the high country.
• Wide temperature swings and rapidly changing weather are common from lower to higher elevations.
• Learn to recognize the symptoms of hypothermia.
• Adequate clothing is a must.
• Wear layers and a hat.
• Remember your sunscreen.

LOCAL SECRET :

The Ute Indians were well-acquainted with a fascinating weather phenomenon which the locals today refer to as, “The Colona Line”. If one is driving along Highway 550 (about 16 miles north of Ridgway at Colona ) and it begins snowing, one may likely see the snowfall form a near perfect line running across the highway – almost as if the ground had been masked off, allowing the snow to land on only one side – usually the south side. Is it just a coincidence that “The Colona Line” is approximately in the same location as the Ouray / Montrose County border?