Plan Your Trip to Ridgway

Gateway to the San Juan Mountains and an undiscovered gem of southwestern Colorado

A small, wonderful town tucked into the Uncompahgre Valley at 6,985 feet, Ridgway is a hub for outdoor adventure, arts, culture and healthy pursuits. From our quaint western downtown to the mountains surrounding us, good times abound. No matter what the season, you can find pure enjoyment outdoors and inside.

Ridgway is situated along the state’s most scenic byways and is part of two special travel routes: the Hot Springs Loop and the Creative Corridor. Whether visiting with your family, as a couple or on your own, you can find relaxation, rejuvenation, inspiration and motivation. Walk, hike, climb, bike or drive through our spectacular landscapes.

Find respite in our local hot springs and parks – under colorful skies by day and an explosion of stars at night. Feed your body and spirit with unique dining options and a wide range of cultural offerings.

Discover your perfect travel itinerary by downloading the free Visitor’s Guide below, checking out our local businesses or learning more about things to do in the area. If you can plan your Ridgway vacation around our various year-round events, go to the Events page to find dates and links to event information.

The Ridgway Visitor Center (150 Racecourse Rd.) is open from May to October, when you can stop in to find brochures, maps and a friendly face waiting to offer travel suggestions. From November to April, the smiling staffs at our local businesses can provide guidance on what to see and do while you are here.

Outdoor Adventure

From deep canyon pools to high country lakes and magnificent reservoirs, roaming wildlife, abundant trails and intense beauty, Ridgway offers all ages and ability levels a chance to participate in some of Colorado’s finest outdoor adventures.

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Arts & Entertainment

Ridgway, as a designated Creative Arts District, is also known for it’s vigorous arts community. The town boasts a new concert stage in Hartwell Park which is home to the summer outdoor Concert Series.

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History & Heritage

Ouray County offers something for every history buff, from easy access to ghost towns to scenic ranches and world-class museums. Prior to the mining era of the 1860s to 1950s, Ouray was inhabitated by the native Utes.

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Health & Wellness

Ridgway is a hub for wellness professionals and services. Whether you seek relaxation and rejuvenation from massages, hot springs and other health resort amenities, or you are looking for an expert chiropractor, nutritionist or other wholistic medicine practitioner, our little town delivers.

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Culinary Experiences

Ridgway residents thrive on fabulous food, which makes our town a great place for visitors to experience local food culture. From fancy French cuisine to freshly made Mexican dishes, our restaurants offer unique menus and diverse options for diverse pallettes.

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While summer is a popular time to visit Ridgway, most activities are also offered throughout the fall, winter and spring. The Ridgway area has world-class biking, hiking, fishing and other outdoor recreation options all year round, plus snow sports for several months. Our lively music and theater scene provides weekly afternoon and evening entertainment and classes. While history museum hours are limited from fall to spring, they are open by appointment, plus several picturesque historic sites are accessible all year. If you enjoy a dip in the springs, a massage or other spa services, they can be even more comforting when the air is crisp outside and landscapes are covered in snow or colored brightly by fall leaves and spring blossoms. And don’t forget about our restaurants, every season you can enjoy diverse menus with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes.

Get The Official Guide To Ridgway

Find out why Ridgway is the perfect town where you can enjoy and explore a broad spectrum of outdoor activities and year-round cultural events. This 68-page, full-color guide gives you all the details you need to know to create the vacation of your dreams or plan your move to the home you always wanted. From the event calendar and maps to the business and lodging listings, this handy guide is your bible for your stay here in Ridgway.

Getting to Ridgway

Montrose Regional Airport, the closest local airport, also happens to be the largest in southwestern Colorado. The airports in Grand Junction, Telluride, Durango and Gunnison are also easily accessible. Out-of-state guests often fly into Denver International Airport and then drive or take a shuttle to Ouray County, taking advantage of other Colorado attractions on the way here; the ever-changing scenery alone makes the drive well worth it.

In the wintertime, be sure to check local road reports and be prepared for inclement weather. Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation travel website for the most up-to-date travel reports at cotrip.org or call 511 or 1-877-315-7623.

Ground Transportation

Automobile rental agencies and local shuttle services have offices at all of the regional airports. Contact the airport for their listings. Western Slope Rides and Telluride Express shuttle services offer local and regional transportation, while bus services like Greyhound and Road Runner Stage Lines provide rides to more distant destinations.

Approximate Driving Times & Distances to Ridgway

Albuquerque, New Mexico: 285 miles, 6 hours
Denver, Colorado: 350 miles, 6 hours
Salt Lake City, Utah: 380 miles, 6 hours
Phoenix, Arizona: 525 miles, 9.5 hours

Regional Airports

Popular Regional Destinations

Montrose: 35-45 minutes
Telluride: 1 hour
Silverton: 1 hour
Grand Junction: 2 hours
Pagosa Springs: 3 hours
Salida: 3.5 hours
Cortez: 2.5 hours
Moab, Utah: 3 hours

Visitors Center & Ridgway Area Chamber

The Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce promotes business and community development in the Town of Ridgway and the surrounding area. The chamber operates the Visitors Center, which is currently closed until further notice due to COVID-19, and is located at 150 Racecourse Road, Ridgway, Colorado 81432 (across from Citizens Bank off of HWY 62).

P.O. Box 544
Ridgway, Colorado 81432

800.220.4959
970.626.5181

See you in Ridgway

Adventure, night life and all around easy living await you in Ridgway Colorado, gateway to the San Juan Mountains.