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

Destination Ridgway

A small 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.

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.

The Ridgway Visitor Center (150 Racecourse Rd.) is open from Memorial Day Weekend to end of September. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Ridgway Visitor Guide is always available for free outside the center. 

Tips for responsible travel

While summer is a popular time to visit, the Ridgway area has world-class outdoor recreation options all year round. 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.

Things To Do

Activities and adventures at your finger tips

Culinary Experiences

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 restaurant...
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Health & Wellness

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...
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Outdoor Adventure

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 ...
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History & Heritage

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...
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Arts and entertainment

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 Ser...
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Plan Your Trip

Local businesses and resources

Popular Itineraries

Ridgway is packed full of things to do, sites to see and places to visit. We've put together a series of itineraries to help give you an idea of how best to navigate through all of the opportunities to explore Ridgway and the Southwest of Colorado.

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RIdgway Colorado Visitor Guide

Stay Up to Date on Ridgway

We periodically send out news and updates about Ridgway and the Western Slope. For visitors, this can be an invaluable resource to receive notice of news and happenings that may offer opportunities or impact your stay. Use the form below to subscribe to receive updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.

 
 

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: 30 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